Dr Kosidichimma Anyanwu is an Ireland-based Nigerian entrepreneur. She is a tech and media expert, TEDx-licensed convener, and founder of an eco-products and tech company that focuses on nature-based nutrition and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered therapy. At the centre of her diverse career is the desire to solve problems and make impact at all levels. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she gives reasons why she left Nigeria for Ireland, about her work and how she shapes the discourses in entrepreneurship, tech and media.
You are based in Ireland. What motivated you to leave Nigeria for Ireland?
I left for education and the desire to experience a different system and environment of learning from what we were offered back home. I knew early enough that I wanted more knowledge, professional and cultural experiences, and expertise which I could not see happening locally.
Tell us about your education and what inspired the choice of the courses you studied and the degrees you have amassed.
My first degree was in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I steered towards the course because I had (and still possess) natural physics skills and intuition to fix, modify, and sometimes formulate functional domestic electronic devices and was curious about digital automation. During my first degree, I learned JAVA programming language which piqued my interest further in digital technologies.
My Masters in Creative Digital Media and Interaction Design was the closest interdisciplinary programme to what I was looking for at the time. Afterwards, I took up a third degree, a PhD in Information, Media and Communications field to explore further interests in the anthropological angle of global media and digital technology transfer at the cultural production level.
Your career revolves around technology, media, and the arts. How do you successfully navigate these careers to achieve your entrepreneurial goals?
At the centre of my career is the desire to solve problems and make impacts with understanding at all levels. I have always taken the initiative to silently solve problems at various stages, in different communities. For example, during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) years ago in Kabba, Kogi State, I independently raised funds to supply hundreds of students from about five schools with crucial textbooks and writing materials. I organised a creative road match to bring awareness to sending children as little as eight years out of the markets into schools. I also organised science and arts inter-school competitions, among others.
My interdisciplinary expertise in fields of technology, media, and arts, which require a holistic understanding of each domain, is the basis for solving real-world problems or at least understanding how to balance gaps and facilitate collaboration that leads to innovative solutions and projects. My interdisciplinarity also requires a delicate balance between creativity and business acumen to navigate these diverse fields. Combining artistic expression with strategic business decisions ensures sustainable growth and impact in my entrepreneurial endeavours.
I believe strongly in technology and integrating its solutions, creative thinking from the arts, and effective communication strategies from the media helps in devising innovative and comprehensive solutions.
You had training and engagement at the National Broadcaster of Ireland. What kind of training was that, and how is the training helping your work and innovations in the digital media space?
I trained on the job to produce reality TV shows and short-form programmes from concept to finish. Aside from collaborating on producing some shows, working with new talents and local celebrities alike, and developing scripts, I was also exposed to Prime Time, the flagship current affairs programme of the Irish National Broadcaster. The training was pivotal in advancing my role currently with the Broadcaster where I co-ordinate video-on-demand and livestream content showing on its digital player platform, making critical editorial decisions that influence the smooth running of the programmes. This exposure is also influential in my independent innovative ideas for the digital media space as an entrepreneur.
Your entrepreneurial expertise involves helping start-ups grow and consulting with companies in product design. Tell us about the start-ups you have supported and the companies you have helped with their product designs.
I have lost count. However, they have spanned across sectors from financial technology platforms to food delivery, domestic and organisational support services, wearable technologies, medical service technologies, and so on. My Masters in Creative Digital Media and Interaction Design was loaded with all aspects of digital product development and design — from apps to gamification, audiovisual content tools, prototyping, and so on, which I often transferred to startups needing direction on their digital product development.
You are the founder of an eco-products and tech company that focuses on nature-based nutrition and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered therapy. Tell us about the company and how people are benefiting from these products.
The company is yet in its seed and development phase. We are meticulously crafting products that aim to solve real under-served problems first for the African demography and then internationally. Our essence is to harness the power of nature and conscious sourcing of raw uncontaminated and environmentally friendly products and materials in both nutrition and therapy.
As a TEDx speaker, what is the title of your best TEDx talk and what inspired it? And how do you leverage the TEDx platform to promote social change?
I was a TEDx convener, bringing together 10 international speakers whose talks included:
‘The Future is Neurodivergent’ by Irish woman, poet, and researcher, Jennifer Poyntz; ‘Chromosomally Speaking, X-Men Exist’, by Irish Men’s health advocate, Gareth Landy; ‘From a Stammering Girl in India to a Thought Leader in Ireland’, by Dr Nitheen Sanyal, Irish-based business leader from India. The talks also featured Irish ex-police officer turned academic and director of computing, Dr Paul McEvoy, with his talk titled, ‘Can Autism, Anxiety, and Academia Co-exist?” Another Irish financial and sustainability expert, Ciarán Hughes, shared his innovative idea titled, ‘Could 60 trillion Dollars Solve the World’s Biggest Problems?”
Meanwhile, Nigerian-Irish psychotherapist, Ejiro Ogbevoen, talked about ‘Optimising Our Environment for Psychological Safety’. Brazillian-Mexican woman and polyglot, Ximena Banda, talked about ‘Multiculturalism’; South African Kristin Ransome shared a talk on ‘Joy Management’, while Assim Kalouaz and Shachi Parmar, shared insights on ‘The Art and Science of Virtual Reality’, and ‘Finding Your Positive Excuse’ respectively.
This social action was inspired by the desire to see a representation of multicultural, multinational voices on such a global platform and the resulting symphony of ideas across technology, science and arts that have the power to impact local communities. One of the talks has gone on to be featured on national channels and media, and currently making its way to influence health policy reforms in Ireland.
If you were to cause any social change or correct any social ill in Nigeria, what would it be and why?
Reforms in law and order will probably be my priority. This is because a lot of other social ills that need to be corrected in society can only make any headway if there are consequences for non-conformity or defiance of minimum acceptable social rules of engagement.
As someone who understands the dynamics between technology and entrepreneurship, how would you advise President Bola Tinubu on the adoption of these two areas of your expertise to grow the economy and invite foreign investors?
I would advise that an emphasis on technology-driven projects, creating an atmosphere that is friendly to startups, and rewarding creativity should be on President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda.
Foreign investors will be drawn to policies that support digital infrastructure, fund science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and streamline regulatory procedures. Investor trust will be further enhanced by utilising technology to improve government services, lower bureaucratic barriers, and guarantee transparent governance. Local companies will be strengthened by embracing entrepreneurship through incubators and focused support services.
Establishing Nigeria as a tech powerhouse with a strong entrepreneurial environment will help the country draw in foreign capital, spur economic expansion, and bolster its standing in the international arena.
What kind of Nigeria do you want to see in 2024? And if you’re the president of Nigeria, how would you make that happen?
I hope Nigeria will experience some form of tranquillity from sudden killings and reflect on the sacredness of human lives. It is unfortunate and exhausting to constantly live with such news until you become numb to the loss of lives on the altar of elusive governance. The security of a nation and its citizens worldwide should be any president’s pride and prerogative. This is what primarily distinguishes advanced nations from the rest of the world.
How you thought of investing your expertise and time in Nigeria, to help its businesses and economy?
Yes. Through my businesses, which I am working on, and those yet to be ventured into. Timewise, I think time will tell on that.
When last did you visit Nigeria? Do you visit often? What do you miss about Nigeria while abroad?
I do not visit often as I haven’t had much need to for now. However, soon, the outlook will be different with more integration into the Nigerian tech, media and business landscapes.
Any advice for Nigerian women aspiring to be like you?
As a Nigerian woman, you may feel pre-indoctrinated by society for a pre-conceived path which you are expected to follow through life. However, it is still ultimately your decision to pave your path despite what your gender dictates. You don’t need to be aggressively rebellious or waste precious time within groups — you just need to build competence through faith and strategic work, and that is not mutually independent of being a woman.
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