JHUB Africa has officially been launched at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The newly established Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) is set to become a one-stop hub for developing and nurturing ground-breaking digital solutions tailored to Africa’s needs.
The hub focuses on creating a collaborative ecosystem where innovations can thrive, benefiting a wide range of sectors, particularly agriculture, trade, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
JHUB Africa is the product of a collaborative initiative that brings together a diverse range of partners, all united by a common goal to accelerate digital innovations that can help solve common challenges. From small-scale farmers to start-ups, the hub’s mission is to empower individuals and enterprises with impactful and accessible digital tools.
During the launch ceremony Friday, September 20, 2024, JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi stated that JHUB has elevated JKUAT’s status as a centre of research and innovation.
“We have always positioned ourselves at the forefront of academic excellence, research, and community impact. JHUB will serve as a crucible for innovation, an incubator for talent, and a launchpad for the next generation of African innovators,” said Prof. Ngumi.
She explained that JHUB is designed to inspire innovative thinking to tackle challenges head-on and foster a culture where students and faculty are encouraged to take risks, experiment, and transform ideas into actionable solutions that contribute meaningfully to the global digital economy.
Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Founder of JHUB Africa, described the Digital Innovation Hub as a multifaceted tool in the tech space, aimed at addressing key industrial gaps. He explained that the hub’s mission focuses on offering digital solutions while creating long-term impacts.
“Our work is built on five main pillars: climate-smart agriculture, digital twin models, green digital innovations, digital trade, and digital transformation. These pillars guide us in developing technologies that tackle both economic and environmental challenges,” said Dr. Nderu.
Ms. Priscilla Muiruri from the Ministry of Agriculture pledged the government’s support to the University and JHUB, emphasizing the critical role the Digital Innovation Hub plays in promoting data-driven research.
She was optimistic about the potential impact of JHUB in providing long-term solutions, noting that it serves as a beacon of hope in the agricultural sector.
“We are currently compiling data that can be harnessed to drive innovations, particularly as Kenya shifts toward Climate-Smart Agriculture,” said Ms. Muiruri.
She highlighted that JHUB complements the government’s efforts to deliver sustainable solutions in data and digitalization.
By providing digital tools that help farmers adapt to the changing climate, Ms. Muiruri noted that the hub will enhance productivity and sustainability in agriculture. She added that the inclusion of data analysis further optimizes decision-making processes, improving everything from farm management to infrastructure development.
Dr. Micah Onsando, Chairman of the JKUAT Council, asserted that JHUB will act as a crucial filter for viable innovations.
“JHUB will systematically filter and refine ideas to ensure that only the most promising innovations are developed into market-ready products. This initiative is vital for fostering a robust innovation ecosystem that meets the demands of the dynamic world,” said Dr. Onsando.
The launch event drew significant attention from stakeholders across various sectors, who expressed an admiration and the broad appeal of JHUB Africa’s work. Leaders in the tech industry, including Ms. Catherine Muraga, Managing Director of Microsoft’s Africa Development Center, and Mr. Morris Mbetsa, CEO of Numeral IoT, expressed keen interest in exploring partnerships with the hub.
Mr.Mbetsa who was the Chief Guest encouraged students to seize the opportunity to innovate and start their own companies before graduating from the University in order to give themselves a head start in a race where entrepreneurship competition is cut-throat .
