By Joy Onuorah
Why is Nigeria still playing catch-up in the global tech race when we’ve got the brains, the drive, and the market?
That’s the question the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) seems to be answering, not with words, but bold moves.
This week, a significant partnership conversation unfolded at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, spotlighting Nigeria’s deeper dive into the global tech pool.
While attending a follow-up investment meeting with Google in the U.S., NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, was represented by the Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department,
Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, during a pivotal engagement with Mr. Hiro Mashita, founder of SGgrow, a firm with eyes on connecting Nigerian startups to global opportunities.
The mission is to link Nigeria’s startup scene with powerful international ecosystems, especially Japan’s. SGgrow wants to invest in and grow homegrown innovation.
And according to Mr. Inuwa, “Your presentation perfectly aligns with our mandate and what we do as an Agency.”
This isn’t just another handshake deal. NITDA is already nurturing a strong relationship with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
One of their joint efforts, iHatch, isn’t just theory, it’s already delivered. “The pilot we did resulted in creating over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs,” said Inuwa. Now, the goal is to scale this success across all 36 states and the FCT.
JICA’s support doesn’t stop at incubation. Nigerian startups are getting international exposure too. “We are actively working to bridge the Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems, facilitating networking opportunities and sponsoring Nigerian startups to participate in activities in Japan,” the DG added.
It’s not just about startups pitching for money, it’s about systems. NITDA is building a labeled startup database and developing a clear investment framework. They’re also in talks with Google to power Nigeria’s digital sovereign infrastructure.
Inuwa made one thing clear: collaboration beats competition. He hinted at building a joint framework that involves SGgrow and JICA, creating room for broader participation from Japanese investors and the Nigerian innovation space.
On his part, Mr. Mashita affirmed SGgrow’s mission: finding and funding Nigerian startups with real potential. He spoke about long-term partnerships, the need for a healthy investment environment, and even hinted at stock exchange possibilities for local startups in the future. His words carried belief: “Nigeria has the potential to become an economic giant.”
This meeting wasn’t just another event for the press. It’s a reminder that Nigeria’s digital future is already in motion, driven by smart partnerships, international allies, and a laser-sharp focus on innovation that includes everyone.
Because in the digital world, being late to the party doesn’t matter, what matters is how fast you catch up and how bold you show up.
