NITDA secures $12.1 million Japanese grant to build Abuja startup hub
Summary
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has sealed a strategic partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), securing a JPY 1.6 billion (USD 12.1 million) grant for the establishment of a startup hub in Abuja.The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja, marking a major milestone in NigeriaJapan collaboration for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.The initiative, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, is aimed at accelerating digital transformation, spurring private sector investment, and creating sustainable jobsparticularly for young Nigerians.Scheduled to run from April 2025 to December 2030, the project will be jointly implemented by NITDA and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). It is designed to nurture the next generation of Nigerian startups, providing the infrastructure and support necessary for local ventures to scale and potentially emerge as African unicorns.Representing Nigeria at the ceremony was Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. Japan was represented by Mr. Hitoshi Kozaki, Deputy Head of Mission at the Japanese Embassy.The hub is expected to become a catalyst for innovation, offering a structured environment for tech-driven enterprises to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigerias digital economy.