NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, met with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) team to receive updates on the Preparatory Survey and Grant Assistance project. This initiative aims to create a supportive environment for social startups, in line with NITDA’s commitment to driving innovation and economic development in the country.
The grant provided under this project is designed to strengthen the startup ecosystem by offering financial support to a dedicated fund that supports local startups focused on economic and social development initiatives. This aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes the acceleration of diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation. By channeling resources into local startups, NITDA is not only nurturing homegrown talent but also addressing the pressing need for technological advancement in various sectors.
In addition to financial support, the project aims to establish an onshore fund management system that will further drive innovation to tackle key social challenges. This system is crucial for ensuring that local startups have access to the necessary resources and mentorship to thrive in a competitive landscape. NITDA’s focus on creating a robust support framework for startups is indicative of its broader vision to transform Nigeria into a technology-driven economy, capable of competing on a global scale.
The recent celebration of the winners of the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Cohort III, a collaborative initiative between NITDA and JICA, further showcases the agency’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This program not only recognizes the achievements of emerging startups but also provides them with the tools and resources they need to scale their operations. By investing in these young companies, NITDA is effectively nurturing a new generation of innovators who will contribute to the country’s economic growth and technological advancement.
Moreover, NITDA is actively engaging with stakeholders across different sectors to ensure that its initiatives are aligned with the needs of the Nigerian populace. By fostering partnerships with international organizations like JICA, NITDA is leveraging global expertise and resources to enhance its impact. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is strategically positioning itself as the leading organization in technology, with a strong emphasis on enhancing security and creating opportunities across Nigeria.