The Federal Government has revealed an ambitious vision to position Nigeria as a global leader in technology and innovation. This vision was articulated by Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), at the closing ceremony of the iHATCH start-up incubation programme’s third cohort in Abuja.
The iHATCH programme, a collaborative initiative between NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is a key element in developing a dynamic tech ecosystem in Nigeria. Inuwa highlighted that this partnership aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which emphasizes strategic collaborations and innovation across the country.
“In line with our vision, the iHATCH programme plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, empowering emerging tech innovators, and steering Nigeria towards becoming a global technology hub,” Inuwa stated.
He also linked the initiative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader goals of industrialization, digitization, and innovation as central to national development.
Inuwa praised the programme’s accomplishments, noting that the first two cohorts of iHATCH resulted in 179 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs. This success has led to the expansion of the third cohort to five key cities: Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Gombe.
“Our mission is to provide young entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and support needed to turn their innovative ideas into successful, scalable businesses,” Inuwa explained. He encouraged participants to create a mentoring platform to support emerging startups and urged JICA to consider expanding the programme nationwide to maximize its impact.
The event underscored the importance of international collaboration in Nigeria’s tech development. Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s entrepreneurial growth. He emphasized the value of knowledge exchange and collaborative partnerships between Nigerian and Japanese firms.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, commended the participants for their hard work and expressed appreciation to the Japanese government for their ongoing support of Nigeria’s tech sector.
The ceremony also celebrated the achievements of the programme’s participants, awarding cash prizes to three startups: Northinho, founded by Mr. Abubakar Umar, received $15,000; Dorpals Technologies was granted $12,000; and Connected earned $10,000.
Umar, reflecting on the support from NITDA and JICA, praised their intensive training and encouragement. “Believe in your projects, even as they evolve. Persist with your work, and in time, you’ll look back and appreciate the journey,” Umar advised.