The SYNAPSE Project partner Blue Sapphire Hub is the first female-owned innovation centre in Northern Nigeria, building resilient communities, supporting entrepreneurs, and driving sustainable development since 2014. They combine technology, creativity, and social innovation to help people build solutions that strengthen health systems, improve governance, promote economic opportunities, and accelerate climate action.
Their community includes innovators, entrepreneurs, developers, creatives, freelancers, and young changemakers dedicated to designing the future. Their team involved in SYNAPSE project include:
Usman Fori – Programmes Director is a technology leader and program management professional with over seven years of experience driving digital transformation, youth empowerment, and innovation ecosystem development across Northern Nigeria. As Programs Director at Blue Sapphire Hub Foundation, he leads the design and implementation of high-impact initiatives that expand digital access and strengthen startup ecosystems.
Maryam Aminu – Finance Assistant is a finance professional supporting financial operations, documentation, and administrative coordination within the organisation. She contributes to effective financial management by ensuring accurate record keeping, processing financial documentation, and supporting the operational needs of programs and projects.
Abubakar Ibrahim Machika – Community Manager is a community engagement specialist and innovation ecosystem supporter with experience advancing entrepreneurship support, digital inclusion, and youth development in Nigeria. As Community Manager at Blue Sapphire Hub, he coordinates programs, manages community engagement, and supports collaboration among young innovators and entrepreneurs.
When asked why SYNAPSE Project is important to the institute, their response was:
“The SYNAPSE Project aligns strongly with Blue Sapphire Hub’s mission to empower young people with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to address complex societal challenges. The project introduces systems thinking as a critical skill that enables youth to better understand interconnected issues such as climate action, digital transformation, and social inclusion. Participating in SYNAPSE allows the organization to strengthen its capacity to train youth leaders, foster intercultural collaboration, and connect Nigerian youth with peers across Europe and Africa. It also expands the organization’s work in youth-led innovation, digital facilitation, and cross-border knowledge exchange while contributing to building a new generation of facilitators capable of driving inclusive dialogue and sustainable solutions.”