The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has introduced the iHatch Cohort 4 program, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. This initiative, running from October 2024 to January 2025, seeks to support 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs with training, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
Empowering Startups for Growth
Under the theme “Fostering Innovation, Building Ecosystems, Scaling Startups,” the iHatch Cohort 4 program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification and digital innovation.
Mrs. Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and External Relations, highlighted the programme’s significance:
> “iHatch Cohort 4 is a critical part of NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy, designed to foster entrepreneurship, drive economic growth, and create jobs by providing startups with tailored mentorship, training, and investment readiness.”
The initiative also focuses on strengthening innovation hubs as sustainable incubators for local entrepreneurs, contributing to Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
Key Goals and Targets
The programme aims to achieve measurable outcomes:
– 90% of participating startups to incorporate with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
– 80% of startups to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) ready for market testing.
– 30% of startups to secure funding through investors, grants, or partnerships.
– Creation of 1,000 direct and indirect jobs through startups and innovation hubs.
Mrs. Umar expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to lead Africa’s digital transformation through initiatives like iHatch.
Inclusivity Across Regions and Sectors
The iHatch programme promotes inclusivity by engaging startups from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It prioritizes high-impact sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, and civic tech.
Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator for the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation and iHatch Programme Manager, underscored the program’s inclusive approach:
- “By partnering with JICA and local innovation hubs, we’re building a more inclusive digital economy where innovators can turn ideas into impactful businesses.”
Programme Features
Key highlights of iHatch Cohort 4 include:
– Innovation Hub Training: Enhancing the capacity of hubs to mentor startups and provide access to funding, facilities, and networking opportunities.
– Demo Day: A platform for startups to pitch their ideas to investors and stakeholders.
– Global Partnerships: Facilitating international exposure and scalability for both startups and hub managers.
Application Details
Applications for startups and innovation hubs are open, with details available on the official iHatch website.
What You Should Know
The iHatch program is a collaborative effort between NITDA and JICA. While NITDA shapes Nigeria’s IT landscape through policies and regulations, JICA offers technical and financial support for development. Building on the successes of previous cohorts, iHatch Cohort 4 aims to solidify Nigeria’s position as a leading innovation hub in Africa.
