Ahmed Idris is the visionary Executive Director of Enovate Lab, a dynamic innovation and impact organization headquartered in Kano, Nigeria. Enovate Lab is dedicated to empowering creative individuals who are tackling local challenges through groundbreaking and innovative solutions.
Idris embarked on this journey in 2018, founding Enovate Lab with a modest N50,000 and no dedicated office space. A pivotal moment came when a mentor generously offered to share office space, providing the fledgling organization with a crucial foothold. Today, Enovate Lab boasts a robust team of 12 core members and 17 dedicated volunteers, a testament to its remarkable growth and impact.
The seeds of Enovate Lab were planted in 2016 when Idris, driven by a fervent desire to empower others and drive societal change, co-founded a tech community. This initiative laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Enovate Lab. “I envisioned a platform that not only nurtures talent but also fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors to address pressing socioeconomic and environmental issues,” Idris explained. His daily motivation stems from witnessing the transformative power of mentorship and skills development in individuals.
Idris’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment has culminated in the training and upliftment of over 20,000 young people. Many of these individuals have achieved self-sufficiency and are now actively contributing to national development. His impactful work has earned him prestigious recognitions, including his induction into the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and his role as a Climate Ambassador for the Global Youth Climate Network, a program under the World Bank Youth Group. Additionally, Idris has served as a community leader for tech giants Facebook and Google.
At Enovate Lab, Idris spearheads innovative programs designed to empower young people through skills development, mentorship, and hands-on experience. The organization operates an innovation hub that supports tech talent development, as well as the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. “Our core mission is to enable the public and private sectors to co-create solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges,” Idris stated. “We achieve this through capacity building, networking, and policy advocacy. By collaborating with various organizations, we create impactful opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups, and drive socioeconomic development across Nigeria and beyond.”
Reflecting on Enovate Lab’s journey, Idris highlighted the organization’s significant growth and expanding influence. “Over the years, we have scaled our programs and initiatives, enabling us to reach a broader audience and positively impact more young Nigerians. Our partnerships with diverse organizations have strengthened, allowing us to co-create innovative solutions to complex social, economic, and environmental challenges,” he remarked.
Idris is optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, which he describes as a landscape brimming with both challenges and opportunities. His vision for Enovate Lab remains steadfast: to continue fostering innovation, empowering youth, and driving sustainable development across the nation.
