In a groundbreaking development for Kwara State and its entrepreneurial landscape, Ilorin, the state capital, has been ranked among the top 1,000 cities globally for startups in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index released by StartupBlink.
This marks the first time Ilorin has made the global index, debuting at 885th position globally and securing the 6th position nationally, ahead of cities like Kano, Kaduna, and Benin City. Ilorin’s inclusion signals a significant stride for the state’s innovation ecosystem and positions it as a rising hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and West Africa.
The report (https://www.startupblink.com/startupecosystemreport2025.pdf) attributes this milestone to a combination of ecosystem momentum, increased visibility of local startups, and proactive governance.
This achievement is a strong validation of the sustained efforts by the Kwara State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose forward-thinking policies, infrastructure development, and support for youth-led innovation have laid the foundation for this recognition.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has been relentless in investing in digital literacy programs, youth empowerment, and startup infrastructure, including the launch of innovation hubs, support for tech bootcamps, and collaboration with national and international partners in the tech space.
While Nigeria fell to 66th place globally and dropped to 4th in Africa, Ilorin’s emergence provides a ray of optimism and a model for subnational innovation growth. It also reflects the Governor’s clear vision of building a tech-powered, youth-driven future for Kwara.
As Lagos continues to lead nationally and Abuja registers the fastest ecosystem growth, Ilorin’s entrance underscores that emerging cities can also carve a place in the global tech map when the right environment is nurtured.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all Kwarans, especially the vibrant startup community, digital innovators, developers, and ecosystem enablers who have contributed to this feat.
This is not just a win for Ilorin, but for every young innovator in Kwara dreaming big. The state’s journey into global recognition has begun, and the future of tech in Kwara has never looked brighter.
Office of the Special Assistant, Digital Innovations to the Governor of Kwara State.
