The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recently launched the second cohort of its IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs. The initiative is a strategic effort to accelerate gender inclusion and economic empowerment through digital innovation.
The bootcamp, held in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), brought together selected women entrepreneurs from across Nigeria. The participants received intensive training in digital skills, innovation management, business development, and investor readiness.
Key Highlights from NITDA
The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s digital development with national priorities. Inuwa noted that inclusive innovation is a cornerstone of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0: 2024–2027). This roadmap supports national goals for inclusive growth, poverty eradication, and youth empowerment.
Inuwa emphasized that the IgniteHer Bootcamp is a vital part of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS). Through this strategy, NITDA aims to empower 12.7 million Nigerian women with digital literacy skills by 2027. He highlighted that closing the digital gender gap could unlock an estimated $13 billion in GDP growth for Nigeria over the next decade.
“We are not merely imparting skills; we are creating self-reliant entrepreneurs, change-makers, and leaders,” Inuwa stated. He encouraged the participants, chosen from over 12,000 applicants, to seize the opportunity and help shape the future of Nigerian entrepreneurship.
Japan’s Commitment to Innovation and Inclusion
The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing commitment to supporting innovation and gender inclusion in Nigeria. He announced that Japan, through JICA, is supporting two grant projects worth $30.9 million.
These projects aim to improve Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, strengthen the investment climate, and build an inclusive innovation hub.
The ambassador also mentioned the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which will focus on co-creating innovative solutions with Africa. This, he said, is further proof of Japan’s dedication to deepening cooperation on digital transformation and entrepreneurship.
A Catalyst for Transformation
Hajiya Hafsat Salabi-Dange, the lead facilitator for IgniteHer, described the program as a catalyst for social and economic transformation. She praised NITDA’s visionary approach, calling the program a “movement that is bridging the digital gender divide and fostering economic independence.” She encouraged participants to be curious, intentional, and bold, reminding them that their efforts would lead to community upliftment, national growth, and generational impact.