The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is ramping up efforts to strengthen global partnerships aimed at inclusive growth, innovation, and technological advancement in Nigeria.
Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawumi during a meeting at the agency’s headquarters, disclosed this while engaging virtually due to a scheduled follow-up meeting with Google in the U.S. The session featured discussions with Mr. Hiro Mashita, founder of SGgrow, a firm focused on connecting Nigerian startups to global investment networks.
Inuwa highlighted ongoing collaborations with the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including a major innovation project set for launch in Abuja and a proposed innovation fund with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). He noted the success of the iHatch programme, a joint incubation initiative with JICA, which has created over 117 direct jobs and over 370 indirect jobs, with plans to expand across the 36 states and FCT.
NITDA, according to Inuwa, is committed to building a credible startup database to enhance transparency and support incentive-driven collaborations. He also confirmed ongoing talks with Google to build sovereign digital infrastructure, aligning with NITDA’s broader vision of digital inclusion and prosperity. He welcomed SGgrow’s interest in a tripartite collaboration with JICA to deepen support for Nigerian startups.
Mr. Mashita reaffirmed SGgrow’s commitment to backing Nigerian startups and fostering strong ties between Nigeria and Japan. He proposed joint projects and highlighted the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to unlock investment opportunities. The meeting underscores NITDA’s resolve to leverage international cooperation for Nigeria’s digital economic growth.