Yokohama, Japan — Nigerian women entrepreneurs took the global spotlight at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), showcasing groundbreaking solutions that underscore the power of women-led innovation in shaping Africa’s digital future.
The conference, themed “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, brought together leaders, investors, and innovators to strengthen partnerships and accelerate the continent’s development. At a dedicated session on the future of Africa’s startup ecosystems, three Nigerian women innovators — all finalists from the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs — pitched their solutions before Japanese investors and global stakeholders.
The bootcamp, jointly organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was designed to dismantle barriers faced by women in tech, including limited access to finance, mentorship, and global exposure.
Among the standout presentations:
- Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder of Nextwear Technologies, unveiled an AI-powered wearable device for the early detection of breast abnormalities, offering a breakthrough tool for public health.
- Anita Ngeri, Founder of Nibi’s Tech, highlighted her company’s work in equipping young Nigerians — particularly in the Niger Delta — with future-ready skills such as coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- Odion Ikyo, Co-Founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, showcased MaternalRecord Pro, Nigeria’s first AI-powered data automation system for Primary Healthcare Centres, aimed at reducing maternal mortality through real-time monitoring and risk detection.
Their participation not only spotlighted Nigeria’s dynamic startup ecosystem but also reinforced the critical role of women in driving inclusive innovation. It also advanced the goals of Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative to build robust African startup ecosystems and expand cross-border funding opportunities.
Speaking on the sidelines, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening women’s participation in Nigeria’s digital economy, stressing that empowering women in technology is “not just about equity, but a strategic economic imperative for national development.”
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