During the closing ceremony of the third cohort of the iHATCH start-up incubation programme in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, presented a bold vision for the country to emerge as a global leader in technology Innovation and entrepreneurship. This ambitious goal set by the federal government aims to position the region as a leader in the tech industry. The iHATCH program is a joint venture between NITDA and Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that aims to nurture a thriving technology community.
Inuwa highlighted that this collaboration aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), prioritising strategic partnerships and promoting innovation nationwide. He emphasised the importance of the iHATCH program in promoting a dynamic environment for new businesses, supporting future tech leaders, and driving the country towards becoming a prominent technology centre on a global scale. He further emphasised the connection between the project and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s overarching emphasis on industrialisation, digitisation, and innovation as crucial for the country’s progress.
Various states nationwide are reaping the benefits of the initiative.
Also, during his speech, Inuwa emphasised the impressive success of the program, pointing out that the initial two groups of iHATCH resulted in the establishment of 179 direct positions and more than 1,000 indirect employment opportunities. The positive outcomes of these groups have motivated the program to extend to five different regions nationwide in the third iteration, namely Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Gombe. He outlined its mission of empowering young business owners by providing them with the resources and guidance to turn their creative concepts into lucrative, scalable businesses.
He urged attendees to establish a robust mentorship system to nurture emerging start-ups, emphasising that this support is crucial for the growth and Sustainability of new businesses. He also recommended that JICA consider broadening the scope of this initiative nationwide to maximise its impact and effectiveness. The event underscored the critical need for the region to collaborate closely with international partners, particularly in advancing its technological capabilities. Such partnerships drive the region’s innovation, economic growth, and long-term development.
Start-ups received financial awards to support and advance their projects.
Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, the Japanese Ambassador to the country, emphasised Japan’s dedication to aiding the growth of the nation’s business sector. He also stressed the importance of sharing knowledge and working together between companies in Nigeria and Japan, pointing out the partnership opportunities that can benefit both sides. Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chair of the Senate ICT Committee, commended participants for their commitment and thanked the Japanese government for its ongoing backing of the country’s technology sector.
Amid the event, the success of the program’s participants was highlighted, as three start-ups were presented with monetary awards to enhance their projects. Northinho, created by Mr. Abubakar Umar, received $15,000, Dorpals Technologies was granted $12,000, and Connected was given $10,000 to continue its development. Umar extended his thanks to NITDA and JICA for their dedicated training and support, highlighting the necessity of determination in business endeavours. He encouraged a steadfast belief in innovation and persistence in project implementation, stressing the significance of recognising and celebrating future achievements.
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In summary, NITDA’s efforts through the iHATCH program represent a critical step in positioning the country as a global tech hub. By promoting innovation, creating jobs, and establishing strategic partnerships, particularly with Japan, the country is laying a solid foundation for long-term growth in the technology sector. The success stories of the program’s participants underscore the transformative potential of these initiatives. With continued support, mentorship, and international collaboration, the region is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse in technology and entrepreneurship on the global stage.