Electricity Tops Stakeholders’ Priorities for Imo’s Digital Transformation

Reliable electricity has emerged as the most critical requirement for accelerating digital innovation and positioning Imo State as a leading technology and innovation hub, according to the findings of a stakeholder poll conducted by the Imo Skills and Technology Innovation Network (iSTAIN).

The survey, which gathered the views of stakeholders from government, academia, industry, entrepreneurship and the broader technology ecosystem, found a strong consensus that dependable power supply remains the foundation upon which the state’s digital economy can thrive.

According to the findings released on Sunday, July 19, respondents agreed that while investments in digital infrastructure, technology hubs, innovation centres and digital skills development are essential, such initiatives cannot achieve their intended impact without a stable electricity supply capable of supporting businesses, research institutions and technology-driven enterprises.

The poll identified reliable electricity as the single most important enabler of software development, digital entrepreneurship, innovation laboratories, data centres, remote work, research and development, and the wider knowledge economy.

Stakeholders also commended the Imo State Government’s Orashi Electricity Project, describing it as a strategic investment that could significantly improve the infrastructure required to support technology-based businesses, educational institutions, innovation hubs and digital enterprises across the state.

According to the survey, expanding electricity infrastructure would not only improve productivity but also encourage private investment, create jobs, strengthen local businesses and increase the competitiveness of Imo’s technology ecosystem.

Commenting on the outcome of the poll, Meekam Mgbenwelu, Convener of the Imo Skills and Technology Innovation Network (iSTAIN) and former Imo State Commissioner for Technology Development, said the findings clearly reflected the priorities of stakeholders working within the state’s innovation ecosystem.

“The message from our stakeholders is clear.”

“Investments in digital skills, innovation hubs and modern co-working spaces are essential, but reliable electricity remains the primary enabler of a thriving digital economy.”

“Without dependable power, technology infrastructure and human capital cannot achieve their full potential,” Mgbenwelu said.

After the first reference, Mgbenwelu noted that sustained improvements in electricity supply would determine how effectively the state could harness opportunities in the digital economy and attract technology-driven investments.

He also highlighted the importance of the Imo Digital City initiative, describing it as another strategic investment designed to provide an enabling environment where innovators, researchers, software developers, startups and technology entrepreneurs can collaborate, create solutions and expand digital businesses.

The stakeholder poll further reaffirmed iSTAIN’s commitment to supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, promoting entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, advancing gender inclusion and ensuring that young people, women and other underrepresented groups are equipped with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy.

“We also reiterated our commitment to advancing STEM education, supporting entrepreneurship, promoting gender inclusion, and ensuring that young people, women, and underrepresented groups are equipped to participate fully in the opportunities created by the digital economy,” Mgbenwelu said.

The findings also underscored the need for stronger collaboration between government, educational institutions, development partners and the private sector to build an enabling environment that supports digital transformation and sustainable economic growth.

Although the survey did not disclose the number of respondents or its methodology, it reflected a shared view among stakeholders that electricity remains the bedrock of every successful digital economy, as stable power supply directly influences productivity, innovation, investment and the delivery of technology-enabled services.

The poll concluded that while Imo has made notable progress through initiatives such as the Orashi Electricity Project and the establishment of the Imo Digital City, sustained investment in reliable electricity infrastructure remains the state’s most urgent priority for unlocking innovation, creating employment opportunities and achieving its ambition of becoming one of Nigeria’s leading digital and technology hubs.