The Nigerian Government has sealed a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to establish a multimillion-dollar innovation hub in Abuja, a major step in bolstering Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. The project, backed by a ¥1.6 billion grant (approximately $12.1 million or N18 billion), was formalised during a signing ceremony at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Representing Nigeria was Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, while Mr. Hitoshi Kozaki signed on behalf of the Japanese government.
Set to run from April 2025 to December 2030, the initiative will be jointly driven by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). The goal is to build a centre that will serve as a breeding ground for young Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools to create globally scalable businesses. The innovation hub is expected to be a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places technology and private sector participation at the heart of economic recovery and job creation.
NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the agency’s ongoing partnership with JICA, including the iHatch incubation programme, which has already created over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect ones. The programme offers six months of technical and business support, enabling startups to transform ideas into viable products. Plans are underway to expand the programme to all 36 states and the FCT, ensuring wider access to youth across the country.
The partnership also includes international exposure opportunities for Nigerian startups through exchange programmes with Japan, as well as gender-focused initiatives like the “IgniteHer” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. Held last month in Abuja, the five-day programme was designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills to overcome business barriers. With funding, mentorship, and infrastructure secured, the next test for the initiative lies in its execution and sustainability.