*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, affirms SGgrow’s objectives ‘strongly align’ with the agency’s mandate to digitally empower Nigeria through inclusive technology and innovation
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
In a bid to promote inclusive growth, drive innovation, and accelerate technological advancement across Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said it is making efforts at cultivating impactful global partnerships.
NITDA disclosed the stakeholders highlighted this strategic direction at a recent meeting held at the agency’s headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.
The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency noted Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, joined the recent engagement virtually, due to a scheduled follow-up meeting with Google in the United States (US) regarding investments in national sovereign infrastructure.
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Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Director of the Information Technology Infrastructural Solutions Department, however, ably represented the Director-General at the meeting that focused on discussions with Mr. Hiro Mashita, Founder of SGgrow.
The agency described SGgrow as “a firm committed to identifying and supporting promising Nigerian startup investment opportunities and connecting them with global ecosystems.”
Inuwa, during the meeting with the team, highlighted NITDA’s proactive approach to international collaboration.
He equally emphasised the agency’s strong existing relationship with the Japanese Government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Director-General of NITDA as well announced an upcoming signing ceremony for a significant innovation project being established in Abuja with JICA’s support.
There is an ongoing partnership with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to establish a dedicated fund, Inuwa stated.
In regard to the success of the collaboration with JICA on the iHatch initiative, a co-designed idea incubation programme, he averred: “We have been collaborating with them on so many initiatives like iHatch.”
He further stated: “The pilot we did resulted in creating over 117 direct jobs, and more than 370 indirect jobs, and now we are working together with them to expand it to all 36 states and the FCT.
“The initiative provides Nigerian startups with six months of incubation, leveraging JICA’s expertise and resources to develop market-ready products.”
Inuwa also disclosed that “NITDA and JICA are actively working to bridge the Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems, facilitating networking opportunities and sponsoring Nigerian startups to participate in activities in Japan.”
Inuwa affirmed that SGgrow’s objectives strongly align with NITDA’s mandate to digitally empower Nigeria through inclusive technology and innovation.
He said: “Your presentation perfectly aligns with our mandate and what we do as an Agency.”
The Chief Executive of NITDA emphasised the agency’s vision of leveraging technology across all sectors to drive national prosperity and inclusivity.
He stressed the crucial role of a robust startup ecosystem in achieving this vision.
It is equally noted that NITDA is actively building a repository of labelled and compliant startups to enhance transparency and facilitate potential government incentives, including matching funding through collaborations.
The agency is also developing an investment framework, including efforts with Google to build vital digital sovereign infrastructure.
Inuwa expressed NITDA’s keen interest in exploring a collaborative framework with SGgrow, potentially involving their existing partnership with JICA.
He asserted: “We can explore how we can work together to build a framework; maybe even to work with JICA to have strong participation from the Japanese government, startups, and other investors. For me, it is more about cooperation than competition.”
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Mashita, Founder of SGgrow, articulated his company’s mission to identify and support promising Nigerian startups, and provide them with opportunities for growth and exposure.
He also highlighted their long-term investment approach and belief in Nigeria’s potential as an economic giant, aiming to serve as a key liaison between Nigeria and Japan.
Mashita proposed exploring potential joint projects, enhancing support for Nigerian startups, and examining the possibilities for stock exchange effects within the Nigerian startup ecosystem.
He also highlighted the importance of intergovernmental relationships in fostering a conducive investment environment.
The engagement, NITDA stated, has underscored the agency’s commitment to seeking and fostering international collaborations that inject expertise, investment, and opportunities into Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
This ultimately, will drive inclusive growth and technological advancement for the West African country, added the agency.
