The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to accelerate the growth of technology startups, expand enterprise adoption of digital solutions and improve access to investment and commercial opportunities in Nigeria.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will connect NITDA-backed startups with private-sector investors, corporate buyers and businesses through NACCIMA’s network of more than 120 city, state and bilateral chambers.
Under the arrangement, NACCIMA will serve as a private-sector investment pipeline and commercial off-taker facilitator, helping indigenous technology companies secure market access, attract capital and translate innovations into commercially viable products and services.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said the collaboration would bridge the gap between technology development and the commercial demand needed to sustain startups and grow digital enterprises.
“Combining government policy leadership with the active commercial demand of the organised private sector creates an unprecedented growth engine for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” Inuwa said.
He added that the partnership would ensure indigenous startups and technology innovators gain direct access to corporate buyers, domestic capital and sustainable commercial contracts.
As part of the collaboration, NACCIMA will mobilise private-sector participation in the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2026, scheduled for November 10–12 in Abuja.
The association will organise business-to-business deal rooms, mobilise corporate investors and venture capital firms, participate in startup evaluation panels and connect technology companies with potential buyers across manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and services.
The partnership will also introduce a national programme designed to equip 10,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with practical artificial intelligence tools, digital skills, financial readiness support and market access opportunities.
Another initiative is the proposed digital trust mark platform, which will help onboard verified businesses and promote compliance with Nigeria’s data protection requirements and cybersecurity standards. The initiative is also intended to strengthen digital trust across regional trade corridors, including those associated with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, said the partnership would encourage technology adoption across traditional industries and create stronger links between Nigerian businesses and indigenous innovators.
“This strategic alliance positions Nigerian commerce and industry at the forefront of technology adoption. NACCIMA is committed to serving as the primary off-taker and investor pipeline for NITDA-supported startups,” Ibrahim said.
He added that connecting agriculture, manufacturing, trade and mining with digital solutions and technical talent from the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme would improve enterprise productivity and support the development of a resilient economy.
To coordinate implementation, both organisations have established a Joint Technical Working Group co-chaired by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of NITDA’s Special Duties Directorate, and Dr. Segun H. Olugbile, NACCIMA’s National Digital Economy Coordinator.
The team is working on the enterprise pipeline, deal-room structures and implementation arrangements ahead of the partnership’s formal unveiling at DNICE 2026.
Through the collaboration, NITDA and NACCIMA aim to strengthen the commercialisation of indigenous technology, expand digital adoption among businesses and create more opportunities for startups to secure customers and funding.
The success of the initiative will depend on how effectively the partnership converts its proposed investment links, enterprise support programmes and corporate engagements into measurable business growth and sustainable market opportunities.