By Martin Ekpeke
A report on the Adoption of Coworking Space Strategy Startups and Incubation Centres Acceleration in Nigeria that was commissioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has highlighted how the idea of Coworking space, which has been adopted in many cities of the country is fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs and ultimately, contribute to the country’s economy.
The 200-page report noted that the unrelenting expansion of the coworking phenomenon in Nigeria boosts the proliferation of other wrap-around support services such as business incubation and startup acceleration, which are beamed at addressing common business challenges and fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs.
“The emergence of coworking space as an alternative office solution is reshaping the world of work. Coworking leverages information communications technology to herald a more sustainable mode of work moored on innovation, openness, accessibility and community – in sharp contrast to the silos and secrecy of the conventional office,” the NCC report noted.
It explained that the coworking trend is underpinned by the alliance of often unconnected individuals and entrepreneurs who band together to create connected communities anchored on collaboration and cooperation.
Although available mainly in urban areas, for now, the coworking phenomenon is fast-spreading across Nigeria. How Nigerians work continues to change, and coworking spaces are adapting to address these changes and meet the demands of the ever-evolving work landscape.
Nigeria‘s coworking landscape is poised for great exploits in the coming years. However, because of its nascency, there is a sparse understanding of the general dynamics of the phenomenon. Many people for instance are asking what are the the benefits of a coworking space strategy? How does the coworking ecosystem connect with the local economy?
But in seeking to answer these questions, the study takes a contextual perspective by evaluating coworking as an alternative workplace solution that stimulates and nurtures entrepreneurial creativity. The study illuminates how coworking impacts creativity and problem-solving. The findings deliver a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in this new world of work.
The study was conducted with various stakeholders in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola, signposts a future populated by a new crop of workers who are poised to fully embrace the relaxed ambiance and limitless networking opportunities that coworking offers.
According to the report’s findings, the workers of the future are inclined to align their workstyles with the coworking scenario against the conventional office setup.
It added that although the coworking movement originates among entrepreneurs, freelancers and the tech industry, the trend is increasingly being embraced by a broader range of people and a wider spectrum of industries.
It also discovered that the coworking trend has seeped into previously undisrupted sectors. For instance, the phenomenon has permeated the beauty and grooming industry with nail technicians, beauticians, barbers and hairdressers sharing coworking spaces.
It also believes that similar disruption is occurring in the medical, food, auto mechanics and several other sectors.
The findings provide usable data to aid informed decision-making by investors and entrepreneurs regarding the characteristics and implications of the coworking phenomenon. Above all, the evidence-based findings give the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) an accurate picture of coworking, startup acceleration and business incubation and their impact on entrepreneurship in Nigeria.