The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Friday launched an $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja.
This bold move aims to energise Nigeria’s tech and startup ecosystem by providing cutting-edge infrastructure and support for emerging entrepreneurs.
$11.2 million hub to boost Nigeria’s startup infrastructure
The innovation hub, funded by a grant from JICA, is designed to serve as a vibrant centre for creativity, research, and technological development.
NITDA Director General, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, emphasised the project’s role in providing startups with essential infrastructure and tailored support.
“To strengthen this relationship, JICA decided to give us a grant to build an innovation hub, so that after training the startups, they can have access to a makerspace where they can turn their ideas into products and services,” Abdullahi said.
The project is implemented in partnership with Japanese firms, including Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd.
The hub is expected to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy and create an enabling environment for innovation.
Partnership aligns with Nigeria’s economic reform goals
This initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader strategy to reform the economy through industrialisation and digitisation.
The $11.2 million hub is part of a larger $30 million grant agreement signed in 2025 between Nigeria and JICA. While NITDA manages the $9.9 million component focused on the Startup Hub, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) oversees a $21 million initiative to foster social startups nationwide.
Abdullahi highlighted that the hub builds on the success of the iHatch program, which has incubated startups and provided seed funding with JICA’s support.
“This project will not only boost innovation but also create jobs and contribute to economic diversification,” he noted.
Driving Nigeria’s tech ecosystem with global expertise
Collaborating with JICA and Japanese consulting firms brings global expertise to Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene.
The hub will offer startups incubation, mentorship, and access to advanced digital technologies.
This cross-border partnership also facilitates exchange programs, allowing Nigerian startups to participate in global innovation activities hosted in Japan.
According to Abdullahi, the hub is more than a physical space; it is a catalyst for positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
“We are building a platform for startups to scale and compete globally,” he said.
This innovation hub will become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurs and accelerating homegrown technological solutions that can drive inclusive growth nationwide.