By 
By Osasómé C.O
Nigerian women are making global impact at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan. Also at TICAD 9, Japan and Nigeria agreed to launch a new initiative titled “Solution of Social Challenges and Building Economic Resilience by Supporting Startups.”
Themed “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” the event brought together leaders, investors, and innovators to shape Africa’s development future.
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NITDA and JICA Empower Women Entrepreneurs
Three Nigerian innovators, all finalists from the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, pitched groundbreaking solutions to Japanese investors and global partners.
The bootcamp was created by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is designed to break barriers for women in tech, including limited funding and mentorship.
Groundbreaking Solutions from Nigerian Women Innovators
- Health Innovation:
Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder of Nextwear Technologies, presented an AI-powered device for early breast abnormality detection, advancing public health solutions. -
EdTech for the Future:
Anita Ngeri, Founder of Nibi’s Tech, showcased her platform providing digital skills training in coding, robotics, AI, and web design for Nigerian students, especially in the Niger Delta. -
Maternal Health Transformation:
Odion Ikyo, Co-Founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, pitched MaternalRecord Pro, Nigeria’s first AI-powered data automation system for Primary Healthcare Centres, aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
Japan-Nigeria Bilateral Relations Strengthened
A highlight of TICAD 9 was the Japan-Nigeria Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
- Japan’s Foreign Minister, Iwaya Takeshi, emphasized deeper economic cooperation and global issue collaboration.
- Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, praised Japan’s support. He also called for stronger partnerships in climate change, startups, AI, minerals, and fisheries.
Both ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, promote investments, and jointly address international challenges including UN Security Council reforms.
Women-Led Startups Driving Africa’s Future
The participation of Nigerian women innovators reflects the country’s vibrant tech ecosystem and the strategic role of women-led startups in Africa’s digital transformation.
Their contributions align with Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative for building African startup ecosystems and fostering strategic partnerships.
Japan, Nig launch co-creation initiative to boost startups, economic resilience
The co-creation initiative is designed to drive industrial diversification, foster innovation, and strengthen economic resilience in Nigeria.
Under the initiative, Nigeria will support startups with funding, particularly those engaged in manufacturing and solving pressing social challenges. This effort aligns with the country’s commitment to industrial diversification through startup-friendly laws and innovation-driven growth.
Japan, on its part, will work closely with private companies to support Nigeria’s industrial development. This will at the same time deepen bilateral relations and creating new opportunities for collaboration.
The initiative underscores both countries’ commitment to co-creating solutions that address societal issues while advancing sustainable economic growth.
