Arguably, Yaba is the largest technology cluster in Africa. Its growth has been organic and fuel by citizen led activities.

Yaba is ideal for a tech cluster. Geographically, it is located between the Lagos Mainland and the Island. The area is also close to most of the business districts in Lagos state.

Yaba is also home to several schools including University of Lagos, Lagos state university,  Yaba College of Technology, Federal School Science and Technical College, and the Federal College of Education, Queens College, amongst several other.

Investors are also investing heavily in tech companies in Yaba

Growth of Yaba was spawned when the Co-Creation Hub (Cc-Hub), a tech incubator and innovation center, began its activities in the area.

The hub attracted tech enthusiasts and was a breeding ground of several startups that are now well known.

i-HQ was birthed soon afterwards. Its target was to make Yaba the innovation capital of Africa.

Through a public-private partnership, fibre optic cables was laid around Yaba by MainOne Cable to increase internet connectivity.

The growth of the tech cluster has caused the broadening of Yaba’s middle class and an increase in the cost of properties within the area.

Slowly, members of the lower class in the area are fading away as cost of living soar and real estate developers beam their attention on Yaba.

But Yaba will continue to grow…

 

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Photos by Hycinth Iyereosa.