Nigeria is taking concrete steps to further integrate its burgeoning startup ecosystem into national policy-making with the launch of the Startup Consultative Forum. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced the inaugural meeting of this crucial forum, set to take place on Monday, April 28, 2025. This event marks a significant move towards deepening engagement between the government and key players within Nigeria’s dynamic startup landscape.
Announcing this in a statement signed by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations Department, NITDA said the newly established Forum will function as a dynamic platform where startup founders, innovators, ecosystem facilitators, and intermediaries can actively contribute to shaping national policies designed to spur growth, attract vital investment, and drive digital innovation across the nation.
Rooted in the framework of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to not just including startups as stakeholders, but empowering them as essential contributors in the creation of a supportive environment for innovation to flourish.
A central focus of the inaugural meeting will be fostering collaborative dialogue, primarily centered around the critical task of nominating and selecting representatives for the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Startup Council). This Council stands as Nigeria’s highest advisory body dedicated to the startup ecosystem. The outcomes of this initial Forum meeting will be foundational in establishing an inclusive policy development process that truly amplifies the perspectives and needs of Nigeria’s vibrant tech and innovation community.
NITDA is extending an open invitation to all Labelled Startups, Verified Entrepreneurial and Innovation Support Organisations, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, and other pertinent stakeholders to actively participate in the Forum. This includes engaging in the vital nomination and voting processes that will shape the composition of the Startup Council.
This initiative presents a unique opportunity to directly influence the future trajectory of digital innovation in Nigeria. By working together, the government and the startup ecosystem aim to cultivate a thriving environment that actively supports and celebrates the pioneering spirit driving Nigerian startups forward.