The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially signed an agreement with a Japanese consortium to kick off the Abuja Startup Hub Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting startups, and boosting innovation.
Japanese Consortium Partners with NITDA to Drive Innovation
The Japanese consortium, comprising Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd., was appointed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project’s financier. This partnership builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 10, 2025, between Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA’s Nigeria Office.
The MoU aims to foster innovation, empower emerging enterprises, and establish a world-class startup hub equipped with advanced digital infrastructure and collaborative workspaces.
$51.2 Million Two-Part Project: Startup Hub and Social Innovation
According to NITDA, the Abuja Startup Hub Project has two major components:
- Startup Hub Development (NITDA-led):
- Budget: $11.2 million
- Purpose: Construct a cutting-edge startup facility in Abuja to house entrepreneurs and tech startups.
- Support for Social Startups (NSIA-led):
- Budget: $40 million
- Managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
- Goal: Foster an enabling environment for socially impactful enterprises across Nigeria.
Together, these components form a robust blueprint to stimulate digital entrepreneurship, attract private sector investment, and drive inclusive economic growth.
Project Timeline: April 2025 – December 2030
The Abuja Startup Hub Project will span five years and eight months, starting from April 2025 and concluding in December 2030. NITDA and NSIA will jointly oversee implementation, ensuring alignment with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
NITDA and JICA: A Growing Tech Partnership
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, praised the growing partnership with JICA. He highlighted the success of the iHatch initiative, a previous collaboration that created over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.
Inuwa also emphasised the importance of ongoing exchange programs and joint innovation initiatives between Nigeria and Japan. These efforts, he said, are helping to build a globally competitive, innovation-driven tech sector in Nigeria.
A Pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
The Abuja Startup Hub aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, and diversifying Nigeria’s economy through technology.
According to NITDA, the project will act as a catalyst for job creation, stimulate private sector investment, and help position Nigeria as a regional digital powerhouse.
Bridging Nigeria and Japan’s Tech Ecosystems
Inuwa concluded that NITDA and JICA are working closely to bridge the Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems, creating networking opportunities and facilitating the participation of Nigerian startups in Japanese innovation events.
With a strong international partnership and a strategic investment of over $51 million, the Abuja Startup Hub is set to become a centrepiece of Nigeria’s tech future, nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
