In a major step towards accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says it has secured a significant ₦19 billion (approximately $12.1 million) grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The grant, according to the Nigerian tech agency, aims to establish the Abuja Start-up Hub, is set to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation across Nigeria.
The partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony held at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja, further strengthening the strategic cooperation between Nigeria and Japan in advancing the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
“This project directly supports our Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on creating a digital economy that is globally competitive and inclusive. The Abuja Start-up Hub will serve as a springboard for the next generation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs who will scale their innovations to become the next African unicorns,” according to Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA.
NITDA: Abuja Start-up Hub, a cornerstone of job creation
NITDA is positioning the Abuja Start-up Hub as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a nationwide initiative that focuses on job creation, boosting private sector investment, and promoting inclusive economic growth. By nurturing homegrown start-ups, the project aims to propel Nigeria into a leadership role within Africa’s digital economy, NITDA says.
“This project directly supports our Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on creating a digital economy that is globally competitive and inclusive. The Abuja Start-up Hub will serve as a springboard for the next generation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs who will scale their innovations to become the next African unicorns,” according to Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA.
NITDA says the Abuja Start-up Hub will focus on empowering Nigerian youth by providing them with the resources, training, and support to build scalable tech ventures. Over the course of the next five years and eight months (April 2025–December 2030), the government technology agency, in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), will oversee the implementation of this initiative.
The hub will not only focus on job creation but also foster a culture of innovation that positions Nigeria as a leader in the African technology space. The expected outcomes include supporting entrepreneurs with market-ready products, creating sustainable start-ups, and enabling high-impact ventures to thrive.
“The goal is to inspire and equip our youth with the tools they need to become successful tech entrepreneurs. With the support of this grant, we will create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures scalable innovations and accelerates Nigeria’s digital transformation,” Inuwa adds.
From iHatch to a nationwide ecosystem
The grant marks a further expansion of the successful collaboration between NITDA and JICA, which previously resulted in the iHatch initiative—an incubation programme designed to help Nigerian start-ups transition from ideas to market-ready solutions. The programme’s pilot phase, NITDA says, successfully created over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs. The expansion of this programme will now reach all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The iHatch programme has been a significant success, and this grant will allow us to build on that success by expanding it across the nation. With JICA’s expertise, we are not just helping start-ups grow; we are creating an ecosystem that can foster innovation on a larger scale,” Inuwa adds.
NITDA is also focused on bridging the gap between Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem and Japan’s highly advanced digital landscape. Both agencies are committed to facilitating networking opportunities and supporting Nigerian start-ups in participating in activities and events in Japan, thereby creating cross-border collaborations that will open up global markets for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
“We are particularly excited about the opportunities for Nigerian start-ups to collaborate with their Japanese counterparts. This will allow our innovators to learn from one of the most advanced tech markets in the world and integrate global best practices into their solutions,” Inuwa explains.
A Bright Future for Nigerian Tech Entrepreneurs
Representing the Nigerian government at the signing ceremony, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, expresses the government’s commitment to driving digital transformation across the country. “This grant is a significant step towards achieving our digital economy goals. We are excited about the potential of this partnership to create an environment where innovation can flourish,” he adds.
On behalf of the Japanese government, Mr. Hitoshi Kozaki, Deputy Head of Mission, signed the agreement, marking another milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
Looking Ahead
With a solid foundation for innovation, collaboration, and growth, NITDA says that the Abuja Start-up Hub is set to become the launchpad for the next wave of African tech entrepreneurs, while fostering a more inclusive and dynamic economy.
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