SID Partners SMFEST Awka 2025 to Empower 2,000 Anambra Youths with Digital Skills

By Ukpa Ewa

The Solution Innovation District (SID), an initiative of the Anambra State Government, has officially announced its partnership as the headline sponsor for the upcoming SMFEST Awka 2025.

This was made known during a press briefing held at the SID Centre in Awka, where the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation Chinwe Okoli emphasized the strategic value of the collaboration.

According to Okoli, the partnership reflects the shared vision between SID and SMFEST to develop a new generation of digital innovators and problem-solvers in Anambra State. She stated that SMFEST mission aligns strongly with Governor Chukwuma Soludo agenda of building a thriving “Anambra digital tribe,” committed to nurturing smart, creative young people capable of disrupting the tech and innovation ecosystem.

“We are proud to partner with SMFEST for their second edition in Awka because their goals align directly with what we do at the Solution Innovation District. It is all about building an enabling environment for digital creators and innovators here in Anambra State,” Okoli said.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Lead Organizer of SMFEST, Mr. Ifeanyi Ochije, described the partnership as a milestone in the journey of SMFEST, which began in 2021 in Owerri. He explained that the 2025 edition, themed “Disrupt and Evolve”, is focused on driving innovation and empowering young people with relevant digital skills. He noted that the SMFEST initiative is now a regional project and Awka edition is the only one scheduled to hold in the South East this year.

Ochije highlighted that this year SMFEST will feature three major events. First is a free, week long virtual digital and social media bootcamp scheduled to run from June 22 to June 29, 2025, aimed at training 2,000 Anambra youths. The training will focus on equipping participants with essential digital skills such as graphic design using Canva, video editing with CapCut, running social media ads, leveraging AI tools, monetization strategies and understanding how remote jobs work.

The second event is the Founder Mixer, slated for July 4, 2025, which will bring together tech ecosystem leaders from across South East Nigeria. The goal of the mixer is to foster collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing among digital innovators and entrepreneurs while the third and main event is the SMFEST Conference taking place on July 5, 2025, at the Hollywood Event Center, Awka. The event will feature prominent speakers and industry leaders.

Organizers encouraged youths across the state to take advantage of this opportunity by registering at www.smfest.org/awka. Participation in the training and all associated events is free of charge.