The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is on a mission to establish Nigeria as a leading center for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. This commitment was articulated by NITDA’s Director General, Dr. Kashifu Abdullahi, during the closing ceremony of the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme, Cohort 3, held in Abuja.
The iHatch program, launched in 2022 in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is designed to nurture innovative talent in science and technology among Nigerians. It offers a free, five-month intensive training that includes coaching, lectures, and boot camps, targeting sectors such as ICT, healthtech, fintech, and agritech.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the importance of the iHatch initiative in addressing social challenges through innovative solutions. He stated, “The program aims to support young entrepreneurs by pairing them with co-founders, guiding them through the incubation process, and teaching them
The fundamentals of building a business from the ground up.” Since its inception, the program has successfully fostered the creation of 16 startups, leading to the establishment of 116 new ventures that have generated 179 direct jobs and over 1,400 indirect jobs.
Notable successes from the iHatch program include Zolani Health, which secured a $155,000 grant; Better Life, which raised $60,000 in investments; and Gift to Your Soul, which received an $8,000 grant. These achievements were made possible through seed funds provided by JICA, highlighting the program’s role in facilitating financial support for emerging businesses.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its support and praised the participants for their contributions to societal development. He noted that the efforts of these young entrepreneurs extend beyond technology, showcasing the innovative spirit of Nigerian youth.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, also commended the program, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria. He highlighted the potential for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies as these startups grow, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual prosperity.
The iHatch program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, and innovation. By cultivating a vibrant ecosystem for startups, NITDA aims to empower Nigeria’s next generation of tech innovators.
Abubakar Umar, the founder of Northino and winner of the iHatch Cohort 3 program, expressed his gratitude for the training and promised to use the prize money to advance his venture. Northino is an inclusive e-learning platform that offers localized digital skill courses aimed at empowering millions of African native speakers and integrating them into the global workforce.
The iHatch program awarded Northino the first prize of $15,000, Dorpals Technologies the second prize of $12,000, and Connected the third prize of $10,000. These awards not only provide financial support but also serve as recognition of the hard work and innovation demonstrated by the participants.
As NITDA continues to drive initiatives like iHatch, the agency is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, positioning the country as a key player in the global technology landscape. With ongoing support from international partners like JICA, Nigeria is poised to harness its youthful population’s potential and create a thriving digital economy.
