Nigeria positioning to become global player in tech innovation, entrepreneurship –NITDA

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, asserts the iHatch startup incubation programme, a joint initiative with Japan International Cooperation Agency, aims to cultivate a thriving technology ecosystem in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to positioning the country as a global leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Mele Kyari, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated this at the closing ceremony of the third cohort of the iHatch startup incubation programme, held in Abuja, FCT recently.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency disclosed the programme, which is a joint initiative of NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), “aims to cultivate a thriving tech ecosystem in Nigeria.”

NITDA also explained the partnership with JICA is a major step forward in Nigeria’s endeavors to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

According to the agency, the collaboration it is in line with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), specifically, to “Forge Strategic Partnership and Collaboration” and “Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem”.

Inuwa: NITDA’s commitment to empowering next generation of tech innovators

Restating the commitment of the agency to promoting thriving tech ecosystem, the Director-General of NITDA said in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s priority area of Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation, Digitisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing and Innovation, “iHatch programme is fostering a thriving ecosystem for startups, empowering the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria.”

Maintaining that one of the success stories of the iHatch programme is creation of jobs, Inuwa equally noted that in regard to “the success of cohort one and two, we decided to expand cohort 3 to five locations – Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Gombe.”

He stated: “Part of the success story of Cohort 1 and 2 was, we trained 16 startups with 32 participants, however, they have created a combined job of 179 and over 1,000 indirect jobs.”

The Director-General recalled that the programme, which started, in 2022, is designed to tackle social issues with innovative and creative solutions, generate employment opportunities, and boost Nigeria’s economic development.

“The initiative is designed to support young entrepreneurs by pairing founders with co-founders, guiding them through the incubation process, and teaching them the fundamentals of building a business from the ground up.

“The goal is to help them transform their ideas from inception into impactful ventures,” he said.

NITDA Chief as well as challenged the participants in the programme to contribute to building a mentoring platform in the country’s tech ecosystem.

Inuwa pledged NITDA’s support, and urged JICA to consider expanding the initiative to cover all 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory.

“At NITDA, we see this initiative as a gateway to not only enhancing local initiatives, but also explore opportunities to export Nigerian talents to Japan,” stated he.

In his remarks at the event, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, stated that Japan is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Kazuyoshi emphasised that his country’s support extends beyond mere technical assistance but focuses on building partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange.

He also stated: “As these startups advance, I foresee a stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual prosperity.”

The Japanese envoy explained since the programme commenced 2021, it has empowered early-stage businesses that are dedicated to addressing societal challenges through innovative technologies and ideas.

“We have 10 standout ventures that will showcase their ingenuity today, and it is a testament to their hard work and the support they have received.

“Japan’s involvement in this initiative through JICA shows our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“Our experts have provided capacity building and training support, ensuring that these startups gain technical knowledge and imbibe Japanese business ethics, punctuality, adherence to rules, and a relentless pursuit of quality improvement,” he said.

Earlier, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, had expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for their support and commended the participants of the iHatch 3 incubation programme.

Salisu said: “This is not just about technology; it is about making our country proud and showcasing that Nigerian youth are innovative and creative.

“You are contributing significantly to societal development, and I am extremely proud of each and every one of you for stepping up and making this presentation.”

Speaking at the event, Abubakar Umar, one of the winners, and Founder of Northinho, expressed gratitude to NITDA and JICA for their intensive training.

Umar said he would utilise the cash prize given to him to advance his venture, and encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to remain persistent in their endeavours.

He said: “Believe in what you do, even if your ideas are still evolving.

“Keep working on your projects, and one day you will look back and appreciate how far you have come.”

Three startups were awarded cash prizes; Northinho received $15,000, Dorpals Technologies received $12,000, while Connected received $10,000.

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