Nigeria is firmly positioned as home to Africa’s most vibrant startup ecosystems, where young entrepreneurs are leveraging technology to solve local challenges with global implications, according to Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Inuwa stated that strategic partnerships, particularly the collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are propelling the nation’s technology innovation and startup ecosystem to new heights, describing the partnership as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Survey on the Digitisation of Supply Chains in Small-Scale Nigerian Farms, organized by AGROVESTO—a JICA-funded Agritech startup and beneficiary of the NITDA’s iHatch Incubation Programme—the NITDA boss, represented by Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji, highlighted the sector’s success.
Inuwa cited success stories such as Paystack, Flutterwave, and Paga, noting that Nigeria is home to over 200 fintech startups “revolutionising financial services, fostering inclusion, and empowering millions.” He explained that iHatch, a joint incubation and acceleration program by NITDA and JICA, provides essential support, including training, mentorship, seed funding, and ecosystem support to budding startups across different sectors.
The Director General also highlighted the role of government policy in creating a fertile ground for innovation. He emphasized that the recently enacted Nigeria Startup Act has been instrumental in lowering barriers for innovators by creating incentives. These benefits include tax holidays, easier registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), government-backed grants, innovation hubs, technology parks, and regulatory sandboxes.
These interventions, he said, are specifically designed to stimulate investment, nurture talent, and position Nigerian startups for global competitiveness. Inuwa concluded by urging stakeholders, from government to investors, to continue their support: “Through strategic partnerships such as the one we enjoy with JICA, we are laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth, inclusive development, and global competitiveness. Nigerian innovations will not only solve local challenges but inspire the world.”
Mr. Ishigame Kenji, Chief Representative of JICA in Nigeria, commended AGROVESTO for their dedication and urged them to expand their digitisation initiative to reach more farmers across Nigeria.