The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed an agreement with a consortium of Japanese firms to kick off the implementation of the Startup Hub Project, a landmark initiative supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to boost Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The agreement was formalised with Chief Consultant, Consortium of Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd., who were engaged by JICA for the execution of the project.
It will be recalled that on April 10, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with JICA. The deal, signed by Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office on behalf of the Japanese government, was aimed at fostering innovation, supporting emerging enterprises, and delivering a world-class startup facility equipped with advanced digital technologies and collaborative workspaces.
The project comprises two key components:
A $11.2 million Startup Hub, to be implemented by NITDA.
A $40 million Project for the Development of a Supporting Environment for Social Startups in Nigeria, to be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
Speaking at the signing, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, commended the agency’s deepening partnership with JICA, noting that previous collaborations such as the iHatch initiative had already created over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.
Inuwa further lauded the strengthening of ties between Nigeria and Japan’s tech ecosystems, highlighting ongoing efforts to facilitate exchange programmes and create enabling environments for Nigerian startups to scale globally.
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it is about creating a pipeline of innovation-driven enterprises that will diversify our economy and ensure Nigeria takes its rightful place in the global digital economy,” Inuwa said.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, digital transformation, and youth empowerment through innovation.
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