iCOVE is a youth-led innovation organization redefining how innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity are perceived in Africa. Founded by Charis Dawari-George and Kome Omugbe, iCOVE is built on a bold belief: that teenagers and young people are not just the future of innovation, they are its present.
Officially registered under Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), iCOVE operates as a fast-growing ecosystem of brands, programs, products, and communities designed to empower young Africans to build what’s next.
A Youth-First Organization with Real Impact
In less than a year, iCOVE has reached over 15,000+ people, raised ₦1.2 million+ in sponsorships, donations, and brand revenue, and built strong traction across Africa — all while being run by a team of 8, with all administrative members aged 17 or younger. Making iCOVE one of the youngest-led innovation organizations on the continent.
At the center of the organization is Charis, CEO of iCOVE, a youth leader driving a new wave of innovation by demonstrating that age is not a limitation to execution, structure, or scale. Working alongside pivotal members such as Emmanuel Umar, Makayla Lawal, Ini Adedokun, and other key contributors, iCOVE continues to grow as a coordinated, impact-driven collective.
Beyond its programs and initiatives, iCOVE is widely recognized for its distinctive aesthetic, minimalistic, and cinematic approach to branding and storytelling. This visual and narrative identity is consistently reflected across its social media presence, websites, events, and design processes. By blending intentional design with compelling storytelling, iCOVE communicates innovation not just through what it builds, but through how it presents ideas — making youth-led innovation feel bold, premium, and globally relevant.
Core Initiatives & Programs
iCOVE Brand
iCOVE operates a lifestyle and creative brand that includes a perfume line and youth-centric collaborations. The brand has partnered with other youth-empowered and youth-empowering organizations such as MIDOMO and Chazone Academy, supporting access to tech courses, entrepreneurship education, and creative expression.
iCOVE Branch (Abuja and Lagos)
Currently active in Abuja and Lagos, the iCOVE Branch serves as a community extension of the organization, enabling local collaborations, programs, and youth engagement, with plans for expansion in the future. Everyone is encouraged to create an iCOVE Branch in their local
community or school community.
Form v1
Form v1 is iCOVE’s AI-powered software built specifically for teenagers and young people, enabling them to launch startup ideas in seconds — especially app-based ventures. It removes traditional barriers to entry by simplifying ideation, validation, and startup creation for first-time founders.
Tariq Lawal Innovation Challenge
In collaboration with Tariq Lawal — Diana Award Recipient, UNICEF and Commonwealth Youth Ambassador — iCOVE is launching the Tariq Lawal Innovation Challenge, a youth innovation competition designed to help teenagers create, build, and showcase impactful ideas to the
world.
The challenge goes live in January 2025 and has already attracted 60+ sign-ups in its veryfirst edition, highlighting strong demand for youth-centered innovation platforms.
iCOVE Community
One of iCOVE’s proudest achievements is the iCOVE Community, a growing innovation
network with 80+ active members within its first few months. This community is a
foundational step toward iCOVE’s ambitious long-term goal: to become Africa’s largest
innovation community by 2028.
iCOVE Foundry
Set to launch in 2026, the iCOVE Foundry is a venture and business accelerator focused on helping young founders turn early-stage ideas into sustainable companies through mentorship, resources, and structured support.
Events, Media & Ecosystem Building
● The iCOVE Event: An Apple-Event-inspired innovation showcase held in November, spotlighting ideas, products, and youth leadership.
● iCHAMBER: A series/documentary that features and documents the journeys of outstanding founders and innovators.
● Digital Art Fundraiser and Digital Art Workshop (March): A creative fundraising initiative supporting innovation and youth empowerment.
Strategic Partnerships
iCOVE has partnered with and collaborated alongside organizations and ecosystemS, including:
● Avetium Consult
● Chazone Academy
● Tech Ignite Africa (Only teenage startup at Tech Experience)
These partnerships have helped bring high-quality opportunities, exposure, and resources
to both iCOVE members and the wider innovation community.
Looking Ahead: The COVE
By 2030, iCOVE aims to build The COVE, a physical innovation, tourism, and empowerment hub envisioned as “The Africa Silicon Valley.” This landmark space will serve as a center for creativity, technology, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration.
Join the Mission
iCOVE is actively seeking sponsors, partners, volunteers, members, and innovative young
people who believe in building Africa’s future through youth-led innovation.
Motto: The next generation builds what’s next.
With bold ideas, real execution, and a rapidly growing ecosystem, iCOVE is not just imagining
the future of African innovation it is building it.