NITDA and JICA Fuel Nigeria’s Startup Surge with Global Ambitions

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in a dynamic partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is propelling Nigeria’s startup ecosystem onto the global stage, fostering innovation and economic growth. This collaboration, highlighted by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, during a meeting with JICA President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Abuja, is unlocking new opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs.

The NITDA-JICA alliance has already made significant strides, enabling Nigerian startups to shine at tech exhibitions and conferences across Africa and the Middle East. Through initiatives like the iHatch incubation program, the partnership has provided training, mentorship, and seed funding, resulting in over 300 direct jobs and training for 112 founders from 56 companies. Connections with global giants like Mitsubishi have further amplified the impact, offering Nigerian startups access to international networks and expertise.[](https://nitda.gov.ng/partnership-with-jica-has-put-nigerias-startup-ecosystem-in-global-map-dg-nitda/8453/)[](https://sciencenigeria.com/jica-partnership-has-globalised-nigeria-start-up-ecosystem-dg-nitda/)

“This collaboration is a game-changer for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem,” Inuwa stated, emphasizing how the partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification through digitization. A flagship achievement is the $11.2 million Startup Hub Project in Abuja, backed by a JICA grant and implemented with Japanese firms like Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd. This hub, set to launch by 2030, will provide critical infrastructure, including a makerspace for startups to transform ideas into market-ready products.[](https://von.gov.ng/nigeria-teams-up-with-jica-to-boost-innovation-ecosystem/)[](https://www.itedgenews.africa/nitda-and-jica-launch-11-2m-innovation-hub-in-abuja-to-power-nigerias-tech-and-startup-ecosystem/)

Dr. Tanaka praised NITDA’s commitment, noting that JICA’s principle of co-creation drives this partnership. “Nigeria’s proactive strides in advancing technology and AI are remarkable. We’re committed to supporting young entrepreneurs to develop solutions that enhance societal well-being,” he said. The collaboration also includes programs like the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering inclusivity in Nigeria’s digital economy.[](https://newscentral.africa/nigerias-nitda-partners-with-jica-on-landmark-startup-hub-in-abuja/)[](https://sciencenigeria.com/jica-partnership-has-globalised-nigeria-start-up-ecosystem-dg-nitda/)

With Nigeria boasting over 200 fintech startups like Paystack and Flutterwave, the nation is emerging as a continental tech leader. The iHatch program, now expanding to all 36 states and the FCT, offers six months of incubation, leveraging JICA’s global expertise to nurture market-ready innovations. Inuwa emphasized the broader vision: “We’re building an ecosystem where startups have the tools, environment, and capital to thrive, positioning Nigeria as a global tech hub.”[](https://businesshilights.com.ng/2025/09/26/nitda-jica-synergy-deepening-nigerias-startup-revolution-dg-nitda/)[](https://newtelegraphng.com/nitda-jica-collaboration-key-to-nigerias-thriving-startup-scene/)

The partnership’s alignment with the Nigeria Startup Act further strengthens the ecosystem, offering legal backing and incentives like tax breaks to drive growth. As Nigeria’s digital economy is projected to contribute over 20% to GDP by 2030, NITDA and JICA’s efforts are laying a robust foundation for sustainable innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.