Digital Dawn in Edo State: How Governor Monday Okpebholo is Powering Africa’s Next Tech Hub
By Lanem Law Kuma, for Evolution Africa Tech Magazine
In the heart of Nigeria’s southern region, Edo State is scripting a quiet but profound revolution. Under the leadership of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office in late 2024, the state is not merely chasing digital trends but is systematically building the foundational pillars for a future-ready society. In his first year, the administration has moved decisively beyond rhetoric, forging strategic partnerships, launching groundbreaking platforms, and professionalizing its communication machinery. This multi-pronged approach is positioning Edo as an emerging epicenter of innovation and transparent governance in Africa.
Building a Future-Ready Public Service
Recognizing that a digital government requires a digitally-empowered workforce, the Okpebholo administration has prioritized the transformation of its civil service. A cornerstone of this effort is a major partnership with Azeelo Digitals UK Ltd, aimed at a comprehensive modernization of the state’s public service. This collaboration is not a simple IT upgrade; it is the engine for the Edo Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP).
This ambitious initiative seeks to build a “future-ready public service” by training over 300 in-service tech experts, ensuring the sustainability of digital innovations within the government itself. The ultimate goal is to standardize and integrate the disparate digital platforms across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), creating a unified, data-driven ecosystem that enhances governance and attracts investment. Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the Edo State Head of Service, emphasizes that this drive is about enhancing “transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centered service delivery through technology” under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Nigeria’s First Digital Business Platform
Perhaps the most visible and transformative tech achievement of the administration’s first year is the development of Edo Business Connect. Touted as Nigeria’s first fully digital business platform, this initiative moves far beyond a static online directory. Spearheaded by the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) in collaboration with GIZ and the Edo State Development and Investment Digital Agency (EDODiDA), the platform is a bold step toward “digital transformation and inclusive growth”. It is designed to be a lifeline for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), offering a suite of services including business registration, a digital directory, access to loans and grants, and real-time updates on government programmes. Crucially, the platform is built with social inclusion at its core, aiming to serve both literate startup founders and semi-literate market traders, thereby bridging a critical gap in Nigeria’s digital economy. As Mr. Amen Odigie, Managing Director of ESIPO, stated, “We are building a future where business registration, support services, and economic opportunities are accessible and transparent for all”.
Professionalizing Governance Communication
Technology alone cannot drive transformation without clear and strategic communication. The Okpebholo administration has made a significant move in this regard by appointing Godswill Inegbe as Special Adviser on Communication, Strategy, and Media Projects. This appointment signals a commitment to fortifying the administration with “robust communication and media strategies”. Inegbe, a seasoned professional with a background in media, law, and politics, is tasked with a critical role: shaping the administration’s communication strategy, ensuring effective public engagement, and articulating the governor’s vision for Edo State. This move to institutionalize strategic communication is essential for fostering transparency, managing public perception, and ensuring that the government’s technological advancements are effectively communicated to and adopted by the citizens they are designed to serve.
The Road Ahead
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first year has been marked by strategic foundational work. The partnership with Azeelo Digitals lays the groundwork for an efficient, digital government. The Edo Business Connect platform promises to unleash entrepreneurial energy and formalize the economy. The focus on professional communication aims to build trust and clarity. The true test, of course, will be in the execution and widespread adoption of these initiatives. The success of Edo Business Connect will depend on its uptake by traders and entrepreneurs across the state.
The digital government project must navigate the challenges of change management within the civil service. However, the direction is unequivocal: Edo State is betting on digital innovation as the cornerstone of its development strategy. By investing in the infrastructure of governance, the tools of commerce, and the channels of communication, Governor Okpebholo’s administration is not just reporting progress—it is architecting a new digital identity for one of Nigeria’s most historic states. In doing so, Edo is providing a compelling blueprint for sub-national digital transformation across the African continent.
