The National Information Technology Development Agency and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have partnered to empower Nigerian startups through the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Cohort III.
The Director General, Kashifu Abdullahi, said in a statement that the programme would foster the startup ecosystem and empower the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria.
At the closing ceremony of the third cohort in Abuja recently, Inuwa and Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria Kazuyoshi Matsunaga celebrated the winners, emphasising the partnership’s significance in driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
“This partnership is a significant stride in our ongoing efforts to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, aligning with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillars of forging strategic partnerships and collaboration and nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” the agency wrote on X.
The NITDA boss said that building on the success of the first two cohorts, the third cohort was expanded to five locations across Nigeria, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Gombe, to amplify its impact further.
Abdullahi encouraged participants to develop a mentorship platform, promising NITDA’s support and suggesting that JICA consider scaling up the initiative to reach all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Abdullahi, NITDA sees the initiative as a catalyst for amplifying local innovation and uncovering opportunities for Nigerian talent to make an impact in Japan.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable growth in Nigeria.
He stressed the value of collaborative partnerships that facilitate knowledge sharing, anticipating increased cooperation between Nigerian and Japanese businesses as these startups grow.