By Joy Onuorah
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is taking the global stage, thanks to an ambitious collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This partnership isn’t just talk—it’s transforming Nigeria’s tech landscape and positioning the nation as a formidable player in the global market.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of NITDA, revealed that this partnership has not only opened doors for Nigerian startups but has also brought tangible results.
“Through this collaboration, we’ve sponsored Nigerian startups to showcase their innovations at tech exhibitions across Africa and the Middle East. More than that, we’ve connected them with major Japanese corporations like Mitsubishi,” Inuwa said during a meeting with JICA President, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka.
These connections aren’t trivial. They have led to the training of 112 startup founders from 56 companies and created over 300 direct jobs within Nigeria.
This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a statement. Nigeria is no longer content to be seen as a follower in the global tech race.
It’s claiming its space as a leader, and it’s doing so with strategic partnerships that elevate its startups to new heights.
But NITDA’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Established in 2001 with the mandate to implement Nigeria’s national IT policy, NITDA has witnessed a monumental shift in the country’s digital landscape.
At its inception, fewer than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed, with over 120 million citizens now connected.
The country’s ICT sector has grown from contributing less than 0.5% to over 16% of Nigeria’s GDP.
This growth hasn’t come by accident. Inuwa highlighted that NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) is laying the foundation for a digitally empowered Nigeria.
“We’re driving digital literacy, cultivating a skilled workforce, and building a robust technology research ecosystem,” he explained.
These aren’t just lofty goals; they’re actionable plans aimed at fostering innovation, encouraging research, and supporting the creation of solutions to real-world problems through emerging technologies.
NITDA’s efforts are about more than just policy frameworks—they’re also about building bridges between Nigeria and global tech giants.
Inuwa believes that Nigeria, with its youthful and dynamic population, holds the key to solving one of the world’s most pressing challenges: the global talent deficit.
Citing World Bank research, he pointed out that by 2030, there could be an 85-million-person talent gap globally, which may lead to an estimated $8.5 trillion in lost annual value.
Inuwa sees a strategic opportunity to leverage Nigeria’s growing talent pool to fill this void, especially in aging countries like Japan.
“A talent pipeline between Nigeria and Japan could benefit both nations—addressing Japan’s workforce challenges while providing opportunities for Nigerian youth,” he said.
JICA’s President, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, echoed Inuwa’s optimism. He praised NITDA for its dedication to fostering innovation and growth in Nigeria’s tech sector.
Tanaka emphasized that JICA’s guiding principle is co-creation—working with partners like NITDA to address global challenges through collaborative solutions.
“Co-creation is at the heart of what we do, particularly in harnessing information technology for sustainable development. Nigeria has made proactive strides in advancing information technology and artificial intelligence, and we’re committed to being a part of this journey,” Tanaka noted.
This partnership goes beyond traditional development projects. It’s a bold strategy that harnesses the creative potential of Nigeria’s young engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
It aims to develop innovative solutions that don’t just benefit Nigeria but have the potential to enhance societal well-being on a global scale.
NITDA isn’t just looking outward. The agency is also turning its focus inward, with internal reforms aimed at creating a more agile, psychologically safe work environment.
“We are transforming the way we work internally to foster a space where everyone can contribute,” Inuwa explained.
These reforms are meant to ensure that NITDA can remain at the forefront of digital transformation, both within Nigeria and on the global stage.
While this partnership has brought Nigeria’s startups into the global spotlight, the real test lies in how these initiatives will translate into long-term success.
Will Nigeria’s startups continue to flourish after the exhibitions and global connections?
Can the country build on this momentum to become a permanent fixture in the global tech ecosystem?
The answers to these questions will define Nigeria’s role in the future of technology and innovation.
One thing is certain, Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines. It’s playing in the big leagues now, and with partners like JICA, the possibilities are limitless.
