Nigeria's Startup Boom Driven by NITDA-JICA Partnership — DG NITDA

Nigeria's Tech Ecosystem Gains Momentum Through Strategic Partnerships

Nigeria is witnessing a significant transformation in its technology and startup ecosystem, driven by strategic collaborations with international partners. One such partnership is between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has been instrumental in fostering innovation and digital advancements across the country.

At the closing ceremony of the Survey on the Digitisation of Supply Chains in Small-Scale Nigerian Farms, organised by AGROVESTO—a JICA-funded Agritech startup that also benefits from NITDA’s iHatch Incubation Programme Cohort 2—NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa highlighted the importance of this collaboration. His remarks were delivered by Dr Amina Sambo-Magaji, Deputy Director of the e-Government and Digital Economy Development Department.

Inuwa described the partnership as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s socio-economic development. He emphasized that the nation is now home to one of Africa’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, where young entrepreneurs are leveraging technology to address local challenges with global relevance.

He pointed out that Nigeria hosts over 200 fintech startups that are revolutionising financial services, promoting inclusion, and empowering millions of people. Notable examples include Paystack, Flutterwave, and Paga, which have gained recognition both locally and internationally.

The iHatch programme, a joint initiative between NITDA and JICA, plays a vital role in nurturing these startups. It offers comprehensive support, including training, mentorship, seed funding, and ecosystem development. This programme aims to empower innovators across various sectors and help them scale their operations effectively.

In addition to the iHatch programme, the recently enacted Nigeria Startup Act has introduced several incentives to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs. These include tax holidays, simplified registration processes with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), government-backed grants, and access to innovation hubs and technology parks. The act also introduces regulatory sandboxes, which allow startups to test new products and services in a controlled environment.

According to Inuwa, these interventions are designed to attract investment, develop talent, and position Nigerian startups for global competitiveness. He called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, and private sector players, to continue supporting the ecosystem.

“Through strategic partnerships like the one we have with JICA, we are building a strong foundation for sustainable growth, inclusive development, and global competitiveness. Nigerian innovations will not only solve local challenges but also inspire the world,” he concluded.

Mr. Ishigame Kenji, Chief Representative of JICA in Nigeria, also addressed the event. He commended AGROVESTO for its dedication, creativity, and proactive approach in implementing the project. He encouraged the startup to expand its initiatives to reach more farmers across the country.

Bayo Adewoye, Co-founder and CEO of AGROVESTO, opened the event by acknowledging the hard work and contributions of Nigerian farmers to national food security. He highlighted the importance of digitizing supply chains to improve efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.

This collaboration between NITDA, JICA, and local startups like AGROVESTO exemplifies how international partnerships can drive meaningful change. By combining resources, expertise, and innovation, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the global tech landscape. As the startup ecosystem continues to grow, it is clear that the future of Nigerian technology is bright and full of potential.