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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially launched iHatch Cohort 4, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bolster Nigeria’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Running from October 2024 to January 2025, the program aims to empower 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs across the country, aligning with the theme, “Fostering Innovation, Building Ecosystems, Scaling Startups.”
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As a flagship component of NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy, iHatch Cohort 4 seeks to drive entrepreneurship, fuel economic growth, and create jobs by equipping startups with tailored mentorship, training, and funding opportunities. The initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by advancing economic diversification and the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Strengthening Startups and Innovation Hubs
The program is designed to simultaneously uplift startups and strengthen innovation hubs, creating a sustainable ecosystem for innovation. Startups will receive resources to refine their business models and develop scalable products, while hubs will undergo capacity-building training to enhance their role as incubators for local entrepreneurs.
“iHatch Cohort 4 will transform Nigeria’s startup landscape by empowering innovators with the knowledge, tools, and funding they need to create impactful businesses,” said Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), which manages the program. “Our partnership with JICA and local hubs reflects our commitment to building an inclusive and thriving digital economy in Nigeria.”
Key Program Features
- Nationwide Reach: Entrepreneurs from all 36 states and the FCT will gain equitable access to resources, ensuring representation across Nigeria.
- Sectoral Focus: The program will support startups in fintech, agritech, healthtech, logistics, edtech, and civic tech, emphasizing innovation and scalability.
- Capacity Building: Innovation hubs will receive training to improve mentorship, networking, and funding access for startups.
- Demo Day and Investment Opportunities: Startups will pitch their ideas to investors and ecosystem stakeholders, with opportunities to secure funding and partnerships.
Projected Outcomes
The program is designed to achieve measurable impacts, including:
- 90% of startups incorporating with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- 80% of startups developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for market testing.
- 30% of startups securing investments, grants, or partnerships.
- Creation of 1,000 direct and indirect jobs through startups and hubs.
- 70% of startups remaining operational six months post-program.
Driving Digital Transformation
iHatch Cohort 4 aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and supports the Nigerian Startup Act. The program seeks to position Nigeria as a hub for innovation-driven enterprises, promoting job creation, economic diversification, and technology-driven solutions that address local challenges.
Applications Now Open
NITDA has called on startups and innovation hubs to apply for the program via the official iHatch website at programs.startup.gov.ng/ihatch. Aspiring innovators and ecosystem builders are encouraged to seize this opportunity to scale their sustainable solutions.
