Nigeria is gearing up to become a major force in global technology innovation and entrepreneurship.
This vision was clearly articulated by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the closing ceremony of the third cohort of the iHATCH startup incubation programme in Abuja.
The iHATCH programme, a collaborative effort between NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is part of a broader strategy to create a vibrant tech ecosystem in Nigeria.
It aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focusing on strategic partnerships and nurturing an innovative, entrepreneurial environment.
In his remarks, the NITDA Director-General emphasized that the iHATCH programme is instrumental in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader goal of accelerating national diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
He stated, “The IHatch programme is fostering a thriving ecosystem for startups, empowering the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria.”
One of the program’s key successes, according to the NITDA chief, has been job creation.
Due to the success of the first two cohorts, the third cohort was expanded to five locations across Nigeria—Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Gombe.
“In Cohort 1 and 2, we trained 16 startups with 32 participants. These startups have gone on to create 179 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs,” he highlighted.
The iHATCH programme, which began in 2022, is designed to address social issues through innovative solutions, create employment opportunities, and drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Our goal is to support young entrepreneurs by pairing them with co-founders, guiding them through the incubation process, and teaching them the essentials of building a business from scratch. We want to turn ideas into impactful ventures,” he explained.
The Director-General also encouraged participants to contribute to building a mentoring platform and assured them of NITDA’s continued support.
He called on JICA to consider expanding the programme to all 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory.
“At NITDA, we see this initiative as a way to not only boost local initiatives but also explore opportunities to export Nigerian talent to Japan,” he said.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, also spoke at the event, underscoring Japan’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.
He highlighted that Japan’s support is not limited to technical assistance but also focuses on building partnerships for knowledge exchange.
“As these startups grow, I see stronger collaborations between Nigerian and Japanese companies, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual prosperity,” Kazuyoshi noted.
Since its inception in 2021, the iHATCH programme has empowered early-stage businesses dedicated to solving societal challenges through technology and innovation.
“Today, we have 10 standout ventures showcasing their creativity and hard work. This initiative, supported by JICA, reflects Japan’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.”
“Our experts have provided capacity building and training, ensuring these startups gain technical knowledge and embrace Japanese business ethics—punctuality, rule adherence, and a relentless pursuit of quality improvement,” he added.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, also expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support and praised the iHATCH 3 participants.
“This is about more than just technology; it’s about making our country proud and proving that Nigerian youth are innovative and creative. Your contributions to societal development are significant, and I am incredibly proud of each of you for stepping up and making these presentations,” he said.
One of the standout participants, Abubakar Umar, founder of Northinho, thanked NITDA and JICA for their intensive training.
He shared that he would use the cash prize to advance his business and urged other entrepreneurs to stay persistent in their efforts. “Believe in what you do, even if your ideas are still evolving. Keep working on your projects, and one day you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come,” Umar advised.
Three startups were awarded cash prizes: Northinho received $15,000, Dorpals Technologies received $12,000, and Connected was awarded $10,000.
