In a significant stride toward achieving the Presidential priority of economic reform, inclusive growth, and accelerated diversification through industrialisation and digitisation, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has announced the launch of an $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja. This transformative initiative is being developed in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
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The project’s implementation was formalised through an agreement signed with a consortium of Japanese firms Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc, and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd. marking the official start of the Startup Hub Project.
Funded through a $11.2 million grant from JICA, the hub is poised to significantly enhance Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by providing critical infrastructure and support for startups. It is envisioned as a hub for creativity, technological development, and research-driven entrepreneurship.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government of Nigeria entered a broader $30 million grant agreement with JICA for the establishment of multiple Startup Hubs in Abuja. This initiative is divided into two components: a $9.9 million startup-focused hub to be executed by NITDA, and a $21 million component to be managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to support the expansion of social startups nationwide.
Speaking at the announcement, Inuwa shared that the journey began with the launch of iHatch, an incubation and co-training programme for startups, also supported by JICA through seed funding. “To strengthen this collaboration, JICA has provided us with a $11.2 million grant to build an innovation hub a makerspace where startups can transform their ideas into real-world products and services,” he said.
He commended the deepening ties between the Nigerian and Japanese technology sectors, noting that ongoing exchange programmes have created valuable opportunities for knowledge transfer, skills development, and cross-border collaboration among innovators.
“These efforts are helping us create a nurturing environment where Nigerian startups can grow into sustainable, globally competitive enterprises,” Inuwa emphasized. “We are not only training startups we’re also equipping them with the infrastructure, tools, and funding they need to succeed.”
He revealed that the consulting teams have arrived in Nigeria and are set to begin preliminary design work, officially launching the project’s implementation phase.
More than just a physical space, the innovation hub is positioned to be a driving force for economic development, supporting local talent, encouraging entrepreneurship, and bridging the gap between innovation and commercialisation. Through tailored mentorship, incubation services, and access to funding, the project aims to cement Nigeria’s role as a leading center for technology and innovation in Africa.
