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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the official commencement of a $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja. This is a major boost to Nigeria’s digital economy and startup ecosystem developed in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A landmark initiative, it aims at fostering inclusive economic growth through industrialisation, digitisation, and startup development.
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The announcement was made by NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi. He disclosed that the project—formally launched through a signed agreement—will be implemented in collaboration with leading Japanese firms. They include Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd.
Startup Hub Project to support Nigeria’s emerging tech innovators
Backed by a $11.2 million grant from JICA, the Startup Hub Project will provide essential infrastructure for Nigeria’s emerging tech innovators, It will also serve as a national centre for digital creativity, research, and entrepreneurship. The hub is part of a broader $30 million grant agreement signed earlier this year between the Federal Government of Nigeria and JICA. The second phase is to be managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to support social enterprises nationwide.
“This project began with our iHatch programme, co-launched with JICA, which incubates startups and offers seed funding. Now, JICA is providing us with an additional $11.2 million to construct a full-fledged Innovation Hub—a space where startups can turn their ideas into real-world products,” said Abdullahi.
Partnership boosting knowledge transfer, skills development
Abdullahi. praised the deepening collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese tech sectors. He also emphasised how ongoing exchange programmes are encouraging knowledge transfer, skills development, and long-term partnerships.
“We’re not just training startups—we are building a full ecosystem: skills, tools, environment, and capital,” he added.
The consultancy team is already on the ground to begin preliminary design work, signaling the start of the implementation phase. Beyond physical infrastructure, the innovation hub is expected to serve as a critical bridge between training and commercialisation. It will offer mentorship, incubation support, makerspaces, and seed funding access.
By nurturing homegrown talent and creating a pipeline for sustainable, innovation-driven businesses, this project positions Nigeria as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.
