Over 90 women entrepreneurs have been equipped with essential knowledge, skills and networks to build and scale successful businesses at the just-concluded ‘IgniteHer Bootcamp.’
The flagship initiative, a brain-child of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully concluded at the weekend.
Through expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management and digital transformation. The bootcamp aimed to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship by addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in business and technology.
The IgniteHer Bootcamp was meticulously designed to: foster digital literacy and access to market opportunities; Equip women with critical business knowledge, including financial management, business planning and sustainability; Provide mentorship and access to industry experts to support business growth and promote the use of technology to scale businesses efficiently.
Each day of the bootcamp delivered high-impact learning, ensuring participants left with actionable strategies to strengthen their entrepreneurial journeys.
The programme kicked off with discussions on gender disparity in business, exploring systemic challenges such as funding gaps and societal biases. Participants learned strategies to overcome these barriers, setting the foundation for their entrepreneurial success.
The second day focused on the fundamentals of business planning, including break-even analysis, the Lean Business Model Canvas and setting SMART goals. Participants developed structured business plans tailored to their ventures.
– Day 3 covered digital literacy and financial management, including cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and business bookkeeping. Hands-on sessions introduced digital tools for content creation and business operations management.
– Day 4 delved into digital transformation and business scaling. Entrepreneurs learned how to leverage technology and artificial intelligence (AI) for business growth, covering topics such as digital branding, digital marketing and operational efficiency.
– Day 5 featured an expert panel discussion, where a business hub manager, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist shared insights on funding opportunities, overcoming challenges, and sustaining business growth. The session concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their learning and strategize their next steps.
The IgniteHer Bootcamp was highly interactive, featuring group discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies. Many participants expressed their appreciation for the program, highlighting its impact on their entrepreneurial mindset.
One participant, Imaobong Edukere, shared her experience on LinkedIn: “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. It’s my first time being in a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and drinking from their knowledge. I now feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and make a lasting impact in society. Thank you, NITDA and JICA, for this valuable growth, timely support, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – I have just been IGNITED!”
Another participant, Hadiza Isah Mohammed, reflected on her journey: “This is one of the most inspirational bootcamps I’ve ever attended. I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I’ve been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organisers.”
These testimonials reflect the transformative power of the bootcamp in reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit of women across Nigeria.
Beyond training, the IgniteHer Bootcamp fostered mentorship and long-term collaboration, ensuring that participants remain connected to a strong support network of women entrepreneurs.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks from the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, who emphasised the agency’s commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs beyond the bootcamp.
An exciting opportunity was also announced:
A select group of businesses will be invited to Japan in August 2025 to participate in a startup event and network with Japanese companies.
Participants were provided with a link to submit their pitch decks or business plans, ensuring that their learning translates into real business growth.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands as a transformative initiative, driving progress in bridging the gender gap in business and empowering women to thrive in the digital economy.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to women’s empowerment and economic growth.
As more women gain access to skills, mentorship, and funding opportunities, the IgniteHer Bootcamp proves that when women are empowered, businesses grow, communities thrive and economies flourish.
