Israel has announced plans to deepen its collaboration with Nigeria through increased investment in technology, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building programmes aimed at boosting socio-economic growth and human capital development.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Israeli Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel-Harpaz revealed that 40 start-ups will be recruited in the fourth round of the Innovate8 initiative—doubling the number from previous rounds.
Haskel-Harpaz highlighted that Israel’s flagship programmes in Nigeria, including the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR), have already attracted millions of dollars in investment while fostering creativity, venture creation, and stronger people-to-people ties.
“We’re inviting Nigeria’s brilliant minds to apply. This is about turning ideas into reality—building skills, producing solutions, and advancing humanity. These bonds between governments and people are the real bridges,” she said.
The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasised that initiatives like i-FAIR are exclusive to Israel’s closest partners, with no equivalent programmes in other countries. Plans are also underway to establish a branch of Innovate8 in Lagos, expanding the initiative’s reach.
Haskel-Harpaz further noted that Israel will share expertise with Nigeria in areas such as counter-terrorism, intelligence, border security, and training. Selected Nigerian officials are expected to travel to Israel for advanced courses, while Israeli border security specialists will also train personnel locally.
The Deputy Minister commended Nigeria’s solidarity following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, stressing that faith-based diplomacy has been a key driver of bilateral relations. She encouraged Nigeria to continue taking a firm public stance against terrorist organisations.
Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), lauded Israel’s support, underlining the role of innovation in Nigeria’s economic growth.
Beyond technology, Nigeria and Israel are also exploring broader cooperation in trade and agriculture.
Innovate8, the Israeli-sponsored technology hub, serves as a centre for start-up incubation, technology transfer, skills development, and prototype fabrication, playing a central role in strengthening the Nigeria–Israel partnership.
Meanwhile, UN experts on Wednesday accused Israeli forces of deliberately destroying Gaza’s health care system in an act they described as “medicide,” saying Israel is targeting medical personnel and starving health workers in a calculated effort to wipe out vital health services in the besieged enclave.
Data from the World Health Organisation shows that between October 7, 2023 and June 11, 2025, Gaza experienced 735 Israeli attacks on health care, resulting in 917 deaths, 1,411 injuries, and damage to 125 health facilities, including 34 hospitals.
