The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced a $10.4 million commitment from the Japanese government to expand Nigeria's innovation hub and strengthen the country's startup ecosystem. This was disclosed by NITDA's Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope Startup Hub in Wuye, Abuja. The project aims to invest in young Nigerians, innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
The Renewed Hope Startup Hub is part of NITDA's implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act, which aims to make Nigeria the innovation hub of Africa. The hub will provide opportunities for young Nigerians to transform their ideas into products and services capable of addressing national challenges and competing in the global market. Abdullahi explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the drive to diversify the economy, accelerate digital transformation, and create employment opportunities through technology and innovation.
A proposed $50 million seed funding initiative for startups, being developed in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), has been approved and signed off. Funding is expected to become accessible to startups once the facility is ready. Abdullahi commended the First Lady for her commitment to empowering women, young people, and vulnerable communities, noting that inclusive participation is essential to national development and shared prosperity.
The NITDA chief revealed that the agency has been implementing several programs to nurture Nigeria's digital innovation ecosystem. These include initiatives under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. NITDA established and equipped its innovation facility in 2021 with world-class fabrication equipment to support young innovators in developing their ideas into market-ready products and services.
According to Abdullahi, more than 300 companies have received training through digital export acceleration programs over the past three years. Additionally, more than 995 startups have benefited from ONDI's broader initiatives. These programs have contributed to the creation of approximately 7,596 jobs, while 1,752 women have received support through the We Elevate initiative.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki, said the Japanese government provided a grant to the Nigerian government for the development of a Start-up Hub in Abuja through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The grant was secured by NITDA and signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria by the Minister, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, on 10 April 2025.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu commended NITDA and the Government of Japan for partnering to establish the Renewed Hope Startup Hub in Wuye, Abuja. She described the initiative as a significant step towards youth empowerment, technological advancement, and digital inclusion. The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to harnessing Nigeria's vast digital potential and its vibrant youth population.
Key points
- Japan commits $10.4m to Nigeria's startup ecosystem through NITDA
- The Renewed Hope Startup Hub aims to make Nigeria the innovation hub of Africa
- The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda
