The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the country as a global leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship, according to the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the iHatch startup incubation programme’s third cohort in Abuja, the NITDA DG highlighted the agency’s efforts to cultivate a thriving tech ecosystem in Nigeria. The iHatch programme, a joint initiative between NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is a key component of this strategy.
The NITDA DG stated that this partnership aligns with the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which prioritizes “Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations” and “Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.” He emphasised that the iHatch programme is part of the administration’s broader focus on accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.
“In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s priority areas, the iHatch programme is fostering a thriving ecosystem for startups, empowering the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria,” the NITDA DG said.
Reflecting on the success of the programme, he noted that the initiative has not only fostered innovation but also created significant employment opportunities. “Due to the success of cohorts one and two, we expanded cohort three to five locations – Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Gombe,” he stated. “Cohorts one and two trained 16 startups with 32 participants, resulting in the creation of 179 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs.”
The programme, which began in 2022, is designed to tackle social issues through innovative solutions, generate employment opportunities, and boost Nigeria’s economic development. The DG emphasised that the initiative supports young entrepreneurs by pairing founders with co-founders, guiding them through the incubation process and teaching them the fundamentals of building a business from the ground up.
He also urged participants to contribute to building a mentoring platform and assured them of NITDA’s continued support. Additionally, he called on JICA to consider expanding the initiative to cover all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. “At NITDA, we see this initiative as a gateway to not only enhancing local initiatives but also exploring opportunities to export Nigerian talents to Japan,” he noted.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, also spoke at the event, expressing Japan’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria. He emphasised that Japan’s support extends beyond technical assistance, focusing on building partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange.
“As these startups advance, I foresee stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual prosperity,” Kazuyoshi said. He added that since the programme began in 2021, it has empowered early-stage businesses dedicated to addressing societal challenges through innovative technologies and ideas.
“We have 10 standout ventures showcasing their ingenuity today, a testament to their hard work and the support they have received. Japan’s involvement in this initiative through JICA demonstrates our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria,” Kazuyoshi stated.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Sen. Shuaib Salisu also expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for their support and commended the participants of the iHatch 3 incubation programme. “This is not just about technology; it is about making our country proud and showcasing that Nigerian youth are innovative and creative,” he said. “You are contributing significantly to societal development and I am extremely proud of each and every one of you for stepping up and making this presentation.”
One of the winners and founder of Northinho, Mr. Abubakar Umar expressed gratitude to NITDA and JICA for the intensive training. He pledged to use the cash prize to advance his venture and encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to remain persistent. “Believe in what you do, even if your ideas are still evolving. Keep working on your projects, and one day you will look back and appreciate how far you have come,” Umar said.
Northinho received $15,000, Dorpals Technologies received $12,000 and Connected received $10,000.
