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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has commenced the “IgniteHer” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp — a transformative five-day capacity-building programme aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive in Nigeria’s digital and business ecosystems.
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The Bootcamp, which kicked off in Abuja on Monday, is part of broader efforts to foster gender inclusion and economic empowerment through digital transformation.
Speaking during the launch, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, underscored the critical role of women’s entrepreneurship in driving sustainable development, economic growth, and technological innovation in Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day and Month, we are reminded that empowering women is not just about equity — it is about unlocking the full potential of our societies,” Abdullahi stated, in a speech delivered by his Special Adviser on Strategic Partnerships, Mrs. Iklima Musa.
“The IgniteHer Bootcamp is a testament to our unwavering commitment to equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to innovate, grow their businesses, and become key drivers of Nigeria’s digital economy.”
Strategic Partnership for Gender Inclusion
The collaboration between NITDA and JICA highlights the power of strategic partnerships in accelerating gender-inclusive development.
Abdullahi commended JICA for its consistent dedication to women’s empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria, describing the partnership as a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in Nigeria’s digital and entrepreneurial landscape.
He quoted the Indian spiritual leader Ravi Shankar to illustrate the vital role women play in shaping society:
“Women shape our world, drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and inspire future generations.”
“This partnership exemplifies the transformative impact of collaboration, and together, we are building a future where no woman is left behind in Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive digital economy,” he added.
Addressing Structural Barriers to Women’s Entrepreneurship
The IgniteHer Bootcamp is designed to tackle the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face, particularly the gender gaps in digital literacy, limited access to finance, and business scaling opportunities.
The intensive five-day training will provide participants with practical knowledge in:
- Foundational Business Skills
- Digital Tools for Business Growth
- Accessing Finance and Funding Opportunities
- Business Sustainability and Scalability Strategies
- Strategic Planning and Market Positioning
- Pitching and Investor Readiness
Abdullahi stressed that empowering women in business is not just a matter of gender equity but a strategic imperative for national development.
“Women entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation. At NITDA, we recognise that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship will significantly boost Nigeria’s digital economy,” he noted.
Digital Literacy for Inclusive Economic Growth
The IgniteHer Bootcamp aligns with NITDA’s broader vision to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030 as part of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abdullahi highlighted that bridging the digital gender divide will not only empower women economically but also contribute to the overall advancement of Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.
“By equipping women with digital skills and entrepreneurship knowledge, we are unlocking their potential to participate in the digital economy, create jobs, and drive community development,” he said.
He urged participants to seize the opportunity with open minds, collaborative spirit, and a determination to excel.
JICA Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
In his remarks, the JICA representative, Nao Fuwa, expressed his excitement at the partnership, describing it as a landmark initiative to foster women’s empowerment and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
“This programme is more than just training — it is an opportunity to reshape the narrative of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria,” Fuwa said.
He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, noting that the skills and networks they acquire would not only impact their businesses but also contribute to the broader vision of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“Ask questions, participate fully, and enjoy the experience. What you learn here will not only shape your businesses — it will shape the future of Nigeria’s economy,” he added.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for a Brighter Future
The IgniteHer Bootcamp is positioned to be a catalyst for transformative change, with its success measured by the tangible impact it creates in the lives of participants and their communities.
The programme aims to:
- Increase women’s participation in the digital economy
- Boost financial inclusion for women-led businesses
- Bridge the digital skills gap among female entrepreneurs
- Foster women-led innovation in key sectors such as agritech, fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce
Through strategic mentorship and business support systems, participants will receive ongoing guidance beyond the Bootcamp, ensuring that they can scale their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.
Driving a More Inclusive Digital Economy
The IgniteHer Bootcamp reflects NITDA’s broader vision of building an inclusive digital economy where every Nigerian — regardless of gender — has equal opportunities to participate, innovate, and thrive.
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a digital powerhouse in Africa, empowering women entrepreneurs will be key to unlocking new avenues for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
“The future belongs to those who dare to dream, innovate, and take bold steps toward their goals. This is your moment to shine,” Abdullahi encouraged the participants.
Bridging gender gap and unlocking the full potential of women
With the IgniteHer Bootcamp, NITDA and JICA are not only equipping women entrepreneurs with critical business skills — they are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient digital economy in Nigeria.
By addressing structural barriers, fostering strategic partnerships, and investing in women’s digital capacity, the programme represents a bold step towards bridging the gender gap and unlocking the full potential of women as drivers of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
