Journey of Leadership and Innovation with DigiLearns.ng Through The UK-NigeriaTechHub Startupbootcamp Afritech & Ventures Platform Accelerator
March 2021 marked a significant milestone in my career as a technology entrepreneur. My journey with DigiLearns , an innovation born out of a vision to revolutionize education through digital technology that became evident during the #covid19 pandemic, took a remarkable turn when I was selected alongside my partners to participate in the UK-NigeriaTechHub iNovo program with the Ventures Platform and Startupbootcamp Accelerator as partners. This selection was not just a recognition of personal achievement but a testament to the potential of DigiLearns to address pressing challenges in education evident by the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
The UKNigeriaTechHub iNovo Accelerator, renowned for its rigorous process of selecting startups with the potential to make significant impacts across sectors, saw the inclusion of DigiLearns alongside nine other innovative ventures. Our focus on leveraging technology to enhance education positioned us at the forefront of the battle against the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
An Unparalleled Acceleration Experience
The three months spent in the Accelerator were transformative. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors and digital technology experts, I immersed myself in an intense curriculum designed to hone leadership skills and technical expertise. From customer discovery to growth hacking techniques, each session was tailored to equip us with the necessary tools to scale our innovations.
Our commitment and the rich resources provided by the Accelerator enabled the DigiLearns team to achieve exponential growth. We expanded our user base to over 15,000 across 774 local government areas in Nigeria, a testament to the scalability and impact of our solution.
Post-Accelerator Growth and Recognition
The completion of the Accelerator marked the beginning of a new chapter for DigiLearns. Implementing the marketing strategies and growth hacking techniques learned, we significantly enhanced our USSD platform, doubling our user base and ensuring DigiLearns became a mainstay in Africa’s education sector.
Our efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2021, DigiLearns was honored by the African Union as one of the continent's leading EdTech organizations.
This recognition was not only a reflection of our growth and impact but also a validation of our selection for the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub , Ventures Platform Fund and Startupbootcamp Accelerator.
A Continuing Legacy
Today, as I reflect on our journey, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved with DigiLearns . The Startupbootcamp #Accelerator was not just a program but a catalyst that propelled us to new heights. The network of alumni and the partnerships fostered through this community continue to support our vision for the future of #Education in Africa.
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I invite you to explore more about our journey, the milestones achieved along the way and more to come going forward #2024. Below are links to the StartupBootcamp Accelerator, presentations of our pitch, and the African Union's recognition of our efforts. These resources serve as a testament to the power of innovation and the impact of dedicated leadership in the face of global challenges.
About UK Tech Hub Nigeria
The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is an initiative of the UK Government Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport with the aim of developing a stronger Nigerian digital ecosystem through the development of skills, entrepreneurship and business partnerships.
About Startupbootcamp AfriTech and Accelerator Squared
Startupbootcamp AfriTech was launched in 2017 as the first multi-corporate-backed pan-African startup accelerator. We run a 3-month accelerator program, working with 10 startups that have been scouted across the continent with a niche focus on high-growth tech startups. We provide them access to our network of mentors and corporates as well as investors. During our scouting phase, we typically receive thousands of applications and we meet 1:1 with more than 250 founders per year, resulting in the deepest and broadest insight into the African innovation ecosystem.
About Ventures Platform Hub
Ventures Platform Hub is a catalyst for innovation & entrepreneurship across Africa. It provides smart capital through its early-stage fund, Ventures Platform Fund, it provides infrastructure and nurtures communities of entrepreneurs and innovators through Ventures Park and it builds pipelines by providing capacity and ecosystem support through its not-for-profit – Ventures Platform Foundation.
References
6. School Kids Leverage EdTech Initiative for Access to Learning in Nigeria During and Post Covid 19