Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, also known as CFA, is a passionate believer in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and a dedicated advocate for improving humanity through digital innovation. He has made significant contributions to technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, across Africa and the world at large. In this chat with ITPulse’s Martin Ekpeke, he chronicled his journey to the Anambra State’s Executive Council.
Can we meet you?
My name is Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata. I was born some four decades ago to Engr. Godfrey Agbata and Mrs. Patricia Agbata in Lagos State. My educational journey began at Umbrella Primary School and continued to Hopebay College and Badagry College for my secondary education, all in Lagos. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Ekiti State University and a CAM diploma in digital marketing and communication from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
How did you find yourself in the tech space?
My career is diverse and impactful, reflecting multifaceted roles. I started as a customer service representative at Globacom in Lagos, Nigeria, and was an integral part of the team that championed the adoption of the first indigenous telecoms operator in Nigeria. A combination of good and bad developments coupled with the then-growing activities in the Nigerian innovation and tech space led to me launching a digital marketing and blogging career in 2009 via my personal blog – www.cfagbata.com
The blog served as the beginning of a journey that morphed into being a blogger, columnist, author, speaker, TV presenter, radio host, startup builder, tech policy advocate, venture capitalist, investor etc.
Apart from the media space, your name also appears in the startup space.
Yeah! I spearheaded and hosted a tech program on Channels TV known as “Tech Trends”, from March 2015 up until April 2022 when I assumed the office of MD/CEO Anambra State ICT Agency. The program played a pivotal role in cultivating my understanding of technology and its integration within Nigeria and stood as one of the fundamental platforms that gave voice to startups and the ecosystem in general on a national platform.
Prior to my appointment as MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency by Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, the Governor of Anambra State, I co-founded Pacer Ventures, a venture fund that invests in African startups; Pacer Labs, a Software company, Techbuild.Africa, a platform chronicling innovation in Africa; Creative Space Startups (GoDo Hub), a social enterprise and innovation hub supporting women and youth development leveraging technology and Climate Action Africa, an initiative supporting the development of climate resilient communities in Africa.
From 2017-2019, I organized CFA’s Startups Hangout, a monthly program that gave startups a platform to network with one another while learning from successful entrepreneurs how to grow their various ventures and establish relevant connections.
Could you say your activities in the media and startup ecosystem prepared you for the transition into government?
I greatly believe so because I have always key into the saying ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it so well’. Continuously, I was adding value to the technology ecosystem directly and indirectly through my work with organizations such as Innovation Support Network Hubs where I serve the Director of Marketing, as treasurer of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), and as Founder Institute where I currently serves as the Regional Director for Africa.
What was the attraction to the Anambra State governor?
Perhaps, it is for the work I have done so far to contribute my little quota to the growth of Nigeria that the then Governor-elect of Anambra State invited me to join his Transition Committee back in 2022, alongside 80 other highly-respected Nigerians from all walks of life. This marks a significant milestone in my career and my journey into public service. As an advocate for digital innovation in Nigeria and Africa beyond, I believe the appointment was a recognition of my expertise and contributions to the technology ecosystem. The appointment which birthed the Anambra State Transition Committee Report was subsequently followed by a re-appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State ICT Agency.
So what did you bring to the table regarding this appointment?
It is safe to say that I am prepared for the future given how fast the world is advancing in the twenty-first century. Through dedication, the Anambra State ICT Agency, is effectively driving the vision of Governor Soludo, towards building a digital tribe, a liveable and prosperous smart mega city, conscious of the new positive direction the world is headed. The value cannot be overemphasized and only time will reveal the promise my role in the state’s digitization journey holds.
In terms of specifics, what have you done as head of the Anambra State ICT Agency?
As the head of the agency, we have continued to spearhead giant digital transformation strides in the areas of E-government, standardization of Govtech solutions and digital assets, Broadband connectivity, Cloud Infrastructure, Digital Identity (E-ID Card), all-inclusive State ICT Policy and work tools for civil servants. These and many more are the initiatives being reeled out by the ICT Agency under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.