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IgniteHer Bootcamp Bridges Gender Gap in Tech, Fuels Nigeria’s Female-Led Startups with Japan Collaboration. NITDA and JICA’s 5-day initiative equips women with AI, financial tools, and a pathway to Tokyo’s 2025 startup summit.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have concluded their landmark IgniteHer Bootcamp, empowering 90 Nigerian women entrepreneurs with cutting-edge digital skills, mentorship, and a chance to pitch at Japan’s 2025 startup summit.

RELATED: NITDA-JICA partnership propels Nigeria’s startup ecosystem to global recognition

The program, aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targets Nigeria’s gender disparity in tech, where women represent only 22% of STEM professionals (UNESCO).

Program Highlights

  • 5-Day Curriculum: Focused on AI, financial literacy, and scaling businesses in a male-dominated sector.
  • Japan Summit Opportunity: Top participants eligible for a fully funded trip to Tokyo in August 2025 to network with investors like SoftBank and Mitsubishi.
  • Post-Bootcamp Support: NITDA’s 6-month mentorship program to refine pitch decks and secure seed funding.

Daily Breakdown

  1. Day 1 – Gender Dynamics: Addressed Nigeria’s 34% funding gap for women-led startups (IFC) and strategies to combat bias.
  2. Day 2 – Business Modeling: Leveraged Lean Canvas and SMART goals; 70% of participants finalized business plans.
  3. Day 3 – Digital Mastery: Hands-on training in cloud tools (Google Workspace), HR management, and AI-driven bookkeeping.
  4. Day 4 – Tech Scaling: Explored ChatGPT for customer engagement and Canva for branding; 85% reported improved operational efficiency.
  5. Day 5 – Investor Insights: Panel featuring VC Adenike Adeyemi (Future Africa) and Fintech Founder Tosin Eniolorunda (Moniepoint).

Participant Testimonials

Imaobong Edukere (EdTech Founder):
“This bootcamp reignited my vision. With AI tools learned here, my literacy app can now reach 10,000 rural students by 2025.”

 

Hadiza Isah Mohammed (AgriTech CEO):
“I nearly quit after funding rejections. Now, I’m pitching to Japanese investors with a blockchain-based farm tracking system!”

Strategic Impact

  • Economic Growth: Targets 30% increase in female-led SME contributions to Nigeria’s GDP by 2026 (currently 18%, NBS).
  • Digital Inclusion: 90% of participants gained proficiency in digital marketing, addressing Nigeria’s 45% gender digital divide (GSMA).
  • Global Partnerships: JICA’s $2M grant to scale the program across Lagos, Kano, and Rivers states in 2024.

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