The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have underscored their commitment to positioning Nigeria as a global tech hub through the successful culmination of the third cohort of the iHatch Startup Incubation Program. The program, designed to cultivate a vibrant tech ecosystem, has empowered numerous Nigerian startups.
The closing ceremony, held in Abuja, was a platform to celebrate the achievements of the program and recognize the outstanding contributions of the participating startups. NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, emphasized the program’s crucial role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
Inuwa highlighted the alignment of the iHatch program with the administration’s focus on industrialization, digitisation, and innovation. He emphasised the program’s role in job creation, with the first two cohorts generating 179 direct jobs and over 1000 indirect jobs. The expansion of the third cohort to five locations across Nigeria underscored the government’s commitment to reaching startups nationwide.
Ambassador Matsunaga praised the program’s role in empowering early-stage businesses and fostering knowledge exchange between Nigeria and Japan. He emphasised the potential for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies in the future.
The event showcased the ingenuity of the participating startups, with a particular focus on their potential to address societal challenges through technology. From fintech solutions to agricultural innovations, the startups demonstrated a diverse range of ideas and capabilities.
Northinho emerged as the top winner, receiving a cash prize of $15,000. Dorpals Technologies and Connected, with their respective solutions, also received recognition and financial support.
Challenges faced by the startups, such as access to funding, market penetration, and talent acquisition, were highlighted during panel discussions. The program’s mentorship component, which paired startups with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, was instrumental in addressing these challenges.
The iHatch program has proven to be a catalyst for innovation and economic growth in Nigeria. By providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, the program has empowered young Nigerians to develop solutions to pressing societal issues and contribute to the nation’s digital transformation.
As Nigeria strives to diversify its economy and become a global tech leader, initiatives like the iHatch program are essential in nurturing the talent and fostering the innovation required to achieve these goals.
