The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its ambition to position the country as a world leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship. This commitment was reiterated by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mal. Kashifu Inuwa during the closing ceremony of the iHATCH startup incubation program’s third cohort.
The iHATCH program, a joint venture between NITDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to foster a robust tech ecosystem in Nigeria. This collaboration aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which prioritizes strategic partnerships and nurturing an innovative entrepreneurial landscape.
According to Inuwa, the iHATCH program empowers young Nigerians to become tech innovators. he disclosed that the program has successfully created jobs, with cohorts one and two generating 179 direct jobs and over 1000 indirect ones.
The iHATCH program, launched in 2022, supports young entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, business training, and funding. The goal is to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures that address societal challenges and drive economic growth.
NITDA and JICA are committed to expanding the program to reach more aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide. Additionally, there is a focus on building a platform for mentorship and exploring opportunities for Nigerian tech talent in the global market, particularly in Japan.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria emphasized the country’s dedication to supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria. He highlighted the potential for collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies.
The iHATCH program’s success is evident in its participants’ achievements. Three startups, Northinho, Dorpals Technologies, and Connected, were awarded cash prizes for outstanding innovations.
The Nigerian Senate has also expressed support for the program, recognizing its contribution to national development and the potential of Nigerian youth.