Nigeria has been awarded a $12.1 million grant from Japan aimed at establishing a startup center in Abuja, a bold step intended to establish this administrative city as a focal point for technological advancement.
The National Information Technology Development Agency announced the accord in a statement on Thursday, after a signing ritual took place at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja.
The funding provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency will support the operation of the hub from April 2025 through December 2030. This initiative will be overseen by NITDA and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority.
The technology agency stated that this initiative is a component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The plan seeks to stimulate digital innovation, attract private investment, and generate employment opportunities—with the potential to foster Nigeria’s next wave of tech startups valued at over $1 billion.
The Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Abubakar Bagudu, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while JICA’s Deputy Head of Mission, Hitoshi Kozaki, represented Japan by signing the document.
A portion of the declaration stated, “The National Information Technology Development Agency has officially partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency via a JPY 1.6 billion (USD 12.1 million) grant aimed at establishing the Abuja Startup Hub.”
This collaboration between NITDA and JICA isn’t unprecedented; last year, they launched iHatch, a six-month startup incubation program that created 117 direct positions and approximately 370 indirect roles. The plan now includes expanding this initiative throughout all of Nigeria’s 36 states plus the federal territory.
“We have been collaborating with them on so many initiatives like iHatch. The pilot we did resulted in creating over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs, and now we are working together with them to expand it to all 36 states and the FCT,” NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa said.
The program offers Nigerian start-ups six months of incubation, utilizing JICA’s knowledge and assets to create commercially viable offerings.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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