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The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the nation as a global leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship. This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
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During the closing ceremony of the third cohort of the iHatch startup incubation program in Abuja, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted the program’s role in fostering a thriving ecosystem for startups and empowering the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria. The iHatch program, a joint initiative between NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is pivotal in cultivating a vibrant tech ecosystem in the country.
Abdullahi emphasized that the partnership with JICA is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly its goals to “Forge Strategic Partnership and Collaboration” and “Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.”
Reflecting on the program’s success, Abdullahi noted, “Due to the achievements of the first two cohorts, we expanded the third cohort to five locations—Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Gombe. The first two cohorts trained 16 startups, creating 179 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs.”
Launched in 2022, the iHatch program is designed to address social issues with innovative solutions, create employment opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development. The initiative supports young entrepreneurs by pairing them with co-founders, guiding them through the incubation process, and teaching them the fundamentals of building a business from the ground up.
Abdullahi challenged participants to contribute to building a mentoring platform and assured them of NITDA’s continued support. He also urged JICA to consider expanding the initiative to cover all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. “At NITDA, we view this initiative as a gateway to enhancing local initiatives and exploring opportunities to export Nigerian talents to Japan,” he added.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reiterated Japan’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, predicting stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies as these startups advance.
Since the program’s inception in 2021, it has empowered early-stage businesses dedicated to addressing societal challenges through innovative technologies and ideas. Kazuyoshi highlighted that Japan’s involvement, through JICA, underscores its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The program has provided startups with technical knowledge and instilled Japanese business ethics, such as punctuality, adherence to rules, and a relentless pursuit of quality improvement.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, emphasized the broader significance of the program, stating, “This is not just about technology; it is about making our country proud and showcasing that Nigerian youth are innovative and creative.”
Among the program’s successes, three startups were awarded cash prizes: Northinho received $15,000, Dorpals Technologies $12,000, and Connected $10,000. Abubakar Umar, the founder of Northinho, expressed gratitude to NITDA and JICA for the intensive training and vowed to use the prize money to advance his venture, encouraging fellow entrepreneurs to remain persistent in their endeavors.
