In a landmark move to reform the economy for sustained inclusive growth and to accelerate diversification through industrialisation and digitisation, the Federal Government has launched an $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja.
The transformative initiative is being implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The project was formalised through a partnership involving the Consortium of Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd., and is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation and technology ecosystem.
Funded by a $11.2 million grant from JICA, the innovation hub is designed to support startups by providing vital infrastructure, incubation facilities, mentorship, and access to seed funding. It will also serve as a centre for creativity, research, and technological advancement.
Earlier this year, Nigeria entered into a $30 million grant agreement with JICA for the establishment of startup hubs in Abuja. The broader project includes two major components: a $9.9 million initiative to be implemented by NITDA, focused on building a dedicated startup hub; and a $21 million initiative to be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), aimed at supporting the growth of social startups nationwide.
Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, revealed that the project builds upon the success of the iHatch initiative, a co-training and incubation programme for startups supported by JICA. He explained that the innovation hub will give startups access to a makerspace where they can turn ideas into market-ready products and services.
“To strengthen this relationship, JICA decided to give us a grant to build an innovation hub, so that after training the startups, they can have access to a makerspace where they can turn their ideas into products and services. JICA is giving us a grant worth $11.2 million to build this innovation hub,” Inuwa stated.
He commended the growing partnership between the Nigerian and Japanese technology ecosystems, particularly through exchange programmes that promote knowledge sharing, skills transfer, and collaboration between innovators in both countries.
“It’s about building the entire ecosystem; we are not just training startups, we are also giving them the tools, the environment, and the financing they need to thrive,” he added.
Inuwa also disclosed that the project has entered its implementation phase, with consultants already on ground to begin preliminary design work.
More than just infrastructure, the hub is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, nurturing homegrown talent and fostering entrepreneurship. It will serve as a vital bridge between training and commercialisation, enabling startups to ideate, experiment, and scale their innovations.
By equipping innovators with critical resources and support, the project is expected to elevate Nigeria’s position as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.
