The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is teaming up with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to leverage Nigeria’s youthful population and startup ecosystem through strategic partnerships focused on technology innovation and capacity building.
This announcement came during the demo day and opening ceremony for the second and third cohorts of NITDA’s ihatch startup incubation program held in Abuja.
The intensive 5-month program, executed by NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and hosted at the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), aims to help Nigerian tech entrepreneurs refine their business ideas and develop scalable models centered on youth, innovation and technology.
“JICA has agreed to extend the fourth cohort across all 36 states and Abuja to stimulate startup ecosystems nationwide,” said NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa. “We are committed to working with partners to successfully implement the Nigeria Startup Act, accelerate innovation and provide much-needed tech jobs.”
The program saw over 11,000 applications for the latest cohort, culminating in the selection of the top 8 startups with 16 founders to participate.
Alumni from the first two cohorts have achieved remarkable traction, creating over 175 direct jobs in sectors like agriculture, health and e-commerce. Participants have also raised nearly $230,000 in grants and angel investments.
Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite applauded NITDA’s initiatives to advance Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. “Technology is pivotal in all aspects of life and digitization is key to diversifying from oil,” she noted.
Japanese Ambassador, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi observed how Nigerian startups demonstrate creativity developing solutions for education, healthcare transportation and other critical issues, despite infrastructure limitations.
In his words; “Startups bring fresh ideas and employment opportunities. Japan aims to support Nigerian innovation given our history of technological innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The top 3 winners took home cash prizes, with Fundus AI placing first and receiving $15,000. Second place went to Reno receiving $12,000, while third place winner Ilim Tutors got $10,000.
