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Bashir Sheidu, Chairman of the Network of Northern Incubators and Accelerators (NNIA), is at the forefront of efforts to promote and expand the startup ecosystem in Northern Nigeria. In an insightful conversation with Nana Theresa Timothy of IT Edge News.Africa, Sheidu discusses how collaboration among incubators and accelerators is key to unlocking wider opportunities for startups. He highlights the importance of addressing critical challenges such as funding, mentorship, infrastructure support, training, and scaling to foster innovation and sustainable growth in the region.
Why is the NNIA crucial to building and strengthening the tech ecosystem in Northern Nigeria and what unique advantages does it offer to innovators and startups in the region?
NNIA plays a crucial role as a platform that unites key stakeholders in the northern ecosystem. The primary goal is to establish a unified space where collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing can thrive. One of the main challenges in the northern ecosystem has been slow growth, largely due to the absence of a cohesive platform for discussing common issues. NNIA aims to address this by bringing together critical stakeholders, particularly policymakers, to discuss the support available and explore solutions for the ecosystem’s challenges, fostering collective growth.
Fostering collaboration and unity among startups and hubs is key to the growth of Northern Nigeria’s tech landscape. What initiatives are you implementing to promote this unity?
We conducted a mapping of the ecosystem across the 19 northern states to identify key players, as this data is crucial for developing effective collaborative strategies. This will streamline our efforts in implementing the methods we have planned. We are also organising meetups, where stakeholders engage with ecosystem players and bring policymakers into the conversation to better understand what’s happening in their regions. Additionally, we are fostering collaboration and partnerships between startups in northern Nigeria. Thanks to NNIA’s partnership with Pinnacle, a consultancy for NITDA and the DWTC, we were able to provide opportunities for startups and key players to present at the GITEX Africa in Marrakesh.
“NNIA envisions itself as a key catalyst for innovation and growth in northern Nigeria. Our efforts extend beyond supporting local communities, as we aim to collaborate with other ecosystems.”
Startups and hubs in Northern Nigeria often face unique challenges compared to their counterparts in other regions. What do you see as the biggest hurdles, and how is NNIA working to address these?
Our primary challenge is funding, which is a common issue for startups and becomes particularly critical when it comes to scaling. Another significant obstacle is the lack of infrastructure, and NNIA is working to engage policymakers to support startups in this area. Additionally, double taxation on hubs is a burden, and we are striving to alleviate this for startups. Power supply is also a key issue, as many startups require consistent electricity to operate effectively. NNIA is actively addressing these challenges to create a more supportive environment for growth.
As the largest network of innovators and startups in the north, what long-term goals are in place to ensure continued growth and development of the tech ecosystem in Northern Nigeria?
NNIA envisions itself as a key catalyst for innovation and growth in northern Nigeria. Our efforts extend beyond supporting local communities, as we aim to collaborate with other ecosystems, particularly well-established ones in the South East and South West. Our long-term objective is to form partnerships with international ecosystems and attract global investors to the northern region of Nigeria, creating broader opportunities for growth and develop
