The government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has committed $10.4 million to support to support the expansion of innovation hubs across Nigeria.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, disclosed this during the foundation laying ceremony of the Renewed Hope Startup Hub in Abuja.
According to Abdullahi, JICA was also working with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to establish a $50 million seed-funding facility for startups, to help strengthen entrepreneurship, create jobs in the digital economy and expand opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Japan Targets Startup Financing, Infrastructure
Speaking at the event, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki, said Japan’s support for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem rests on three pillars: strengthening policies and institutions, supporting early stage investment, and providing infrastructure through the Renewed Hope Startup Hub.
“This hub will provide entrepreneurs with the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment needed to transform raw ideas into viable businesses. It will serve as a sanctuary for innovation, a dynamic space equipped with digital fabrication tools, and collaborative areas where entrepreneurs can turn their dreams into reality, connect with global partners, and drive Nigeria’s economic diversification,’’ he said.
Suzuki added that Japan’s approach to supporting startups focuses on nurturing businesses over the long term rather than pursuing quick financial exits.
The partnership reflects efforts by both countries to deepen cooperation in technology, innovation and human capital development, building on more than six decades of diplomatic relations.
NITDA Targets Two Innovation Hubs in every State
Abdullahi said NITDA was working to ensure that every state in Nigeria has at least two functioning innovation hubs where young entrepreneurs can access incubation programmes and develop their ideas into market-ready products and services.
He said the objective was to widen access to entrepreneurial support beyond major technology centres and enable more young Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
The Renewed Hope Startup Hub is expected to serve as a national centre for incubation, hardware prototyping, research and international business collaboration.
What you should know
The Renewed Hope Startup Hub is made possible by grants from the Japanese government through JICA.
In April last year, NITDA had announced that NITDA) said it had secured a JPY 1.6 billion (USD 12.1 million) grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for the development of an ambitious startup hub in Abuja.
According to NITDA, the formal signing ceremony for the grant took place at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Abuja and marked a significant milestone in Japan–Nigeria bilateral relations.
With an emphasis on job creation, private sector investment, and inclusive economic growth, the initiative is poised to become a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.
