The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has formalised a landmark partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the signing of a JPY 1.6 billion (USD 12.1 million) grant agreement for the development of the Abuja Start-up Hub.
The signing ceremony, held at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abuja, marks a major milestone in Japan–Nigeria relations, reinforcing bilateral efforts to foster digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.
The Abuja Start-up Hub initiative is directly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises digital transformation, economic diversification, and job creation. Over the next five years and eight months (April 2025 – December 2030), NITDA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), will oversee the implementation of the hub.
Designed to serve as a launchpad for innovation, the hub is expected to inspire Nigerian youth to build and scale ventures, positioning them as future African unicorns capable of competing on the global stage.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, represented the Nigerian government, while Mr. Hitoshi Kozaki, Deputy Head of Mission, signed on behalf of Japan.
The Abuja Start-up Hub is anticipated to attract private investment, enhance Nigeria’s digital competitiveness, and deepen cooperation between both nations in building a resilient and innovation-driven economy.
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