Nigeria’s technology regulator, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its iHatch Startup Incubation Programme, aiming to strengthen innovation ecosystems across the country.
The initiative, implemented through NITDA’s subsidiary, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), is being carried out in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
37 hubs to lead state-level incubation
Under the programme, NITDA is seeking 37 innovation hubs—one from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory—to serve as state-level hub managers responsible for implementing structured startup incubation programmes.
According to ONDI’s National Coordinator, Victoria Fabunmi, the initiative is designed to address uneven access to startup support across the country.
“Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly over the past decade, but access to structured support remains uneven outside major tech clusters,” Fabunmi said.
She explained that the programme adopts a systems-level approach by strengthening innovation hubs, standardising incubation processes, and improving startups’ readiness to attract investment.
Supporting startups beyond major cities
Although Africa’s startup ecosystem raised $3.42 billion in funding in 2025, much of Nigeria’s innovation activity remains concentrated in major tech centres such as Lagos and Abuja.
The iHatch programme aims to bridge this gap by expanding structured incubation and mentorship opportunities to founders in other parts of the country.
Selected hubs will act as implementation partners for at least one year, recruiting and supporting around five startups each through a structured incubation process designed to enhance their growth potential and investment readiness.
Focus on ecosystem development
While NITDA did not disclose a specific monetary grant for the programme, participating hubs will receive operational support, tools, and resources to help them manage startup incubation activities effectively.
High-performing hubs may also receive performance-based rewards, according to the agency.
Fabunmi noted that the programme’s focus is not solely financial but aims to build strong ecosystem leaders capable of nurturing local startup communities.
Application deadline announced
To qualify, innovation hubs must have been operational for at least one year, demonstrate active engagement within their local startup ecosystems, and possess the infrastructure needed to host incubation programmes.
Applications for iHatch Cohort 5 will close on March 16.
By strengthening innovation hubs and standardising incubation frameworks nationwide, NITDA hopes the initiative will improve startup success rates and expand opportunities for founders to scale their businesses across Nigeria.
