The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has secured a significant grant of JPY 1.6 billion (approximately USD 12.1 million) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the creation of a dynamic startup hub in Abuja. This funding agreement, formalized on Thursday, marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Japan.
The formal signing ceremony took place at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja, symbolizing both countries’ shared commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. This initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
Spanning over five years and eight months, from April 2025 to December 2030, the project is designed to spur job creation, attract private sector investment, and drive inclusive economic growth. The Abuja startup hub is set to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem, helping to nurture future tech entrepreneurs and elevate the country’s position as a regional hub for digital technology.
The project will be implemented through a collaboration between NITDA and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), ensuring effective oversight and execution.
Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized the success of the agency’s partnership with JICA, particularly highlighting the iHatch initiative—a co-designed idea incubation program. The initiative, which has already created over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs, will be expanded to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). iHatch offers Nigerian startups six months of incubation, supported by JICA’s expertise, to help them develop market-ready products.
Inuwa also noted ongoing efforts to bridge Nigeria’s tech ecosystem with Japan’s, including facilitating networking opportunities and sponsoring Nigerian startups to participate in tech events in Japan.
In addition to the startup hub project, NITDA and JICA recently launched the “IgniteHer” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja. This five-day program aims to empower women entrepreneurs across Nigeria by addressing the structural barriers they face and promoting a more inclusive digital economy. The bootcamp is expected to have a transformative impact on participants, enabling them to drive sustainable change in their communities.
