In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has secured a grant of ¥1.6 billion, equivalent to $12.1 million, from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This funding is earmarked for the development of a cutting-edge innovation hub in Abuja, designed to nurture the next generation of tech entrepreneurs across the country.
The project, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to position Nigeria as a digital economy leader in Africa. Over the next five years and eight months, NITDA will collaborate with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to oversee the hub’s implementation. The initiative focuses on job creation, private sector investment, and inclusive economic growth, making it a catalyst for fostering tech entrepreneurship.
This partnership is not the first between NITDA and JICA. Previous collaborations, such as the iHatch incubation program, have already shown promising results, creating over 117 direct and more than 370 indirect jobs. The iHatch program offers six months of startup incubation, leveraging Japanese expertise to develop market-ready products.
Additionally, NITDA and JICA have been working to bridge the gap between Nigerian and Japanese innovators, facilitating networking opportunities and sponsoring Nigerian startups to participate in activities in Japan. Last month, they launched the “IgniteHer” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs by addressing structural barriers they face in the digital economy.
This strategic partnership underscores both nations’ commitment to fostering innovation and digital transformation, marking a significant milestone in Japan-Nigeria bilateral relations. The Abuja innovation hub is poised to become a central structure in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem, shaping talent, testing ideas, and fostering ventures that can scale beyond Nigeria’s borders.
