In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, equipping women with the right skills and resources is crucial for economic growth and sustainable development. Recognizing this, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized the IgniteHer Bootcamp—a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower female entrepreneurs with business, financial, and digital transformation skills.
From March 3 to March 7, 2025, 90 women entrepreneurs from diverse industries participated in an intensive training program aimed at bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship. Held in Abuja, the bootcamp provided participants with cutting-edge knowledge on business development, digital marketing, financial planning, and artificial intelligence (AI).
A Vision for Female Entrepreneurship
The IgniteHer Bootcamp was established to address the long-standing challenges women entrepreneurs face, including limited access to funding, low digital literacy, and difficulties in scaling their businesses. Through expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises, the participants gained practical skills to navigate these challenges and harness technology for business growth.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, stating:
“Women are at the heart of economic development. Through initiatives like IgniteHer Bootcamp, we ensure they have the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s digital economy. This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes women’s empowerment as a key driver of national development.”
JICA’s representative, Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka, emphasized Japan’s dedication to supporting female entrepreneurship in Nigeria, noting:
“We believe empowering women is key to sustainable economic growth. This bootcamp is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing these women excel.”
Key Highlights of the Training
Each day of the five-day training was structured around critical aspects of business growth, ensuring that the women entrepreneurs gained a holistic understanding of how to expand their ventures.
Day 1: Digital Business Foundations
The first day introduced participants to the fundamentals of business development, including business planning, brand positioning, and market analysis. Experts shared insights on how women-led businesses can differentiate themselves in competitive industries.
Day 2: Financial Literacy and Funding Opportunities
One of the major barriers to business growth for women entrepreneurs is access to funding. Participants learned financial management strategies, investment planning, and ways to secure funding from local and international sources.
Day 3: Digital Marketing and AI for Business Growth
The third day focused on leveraging digital marketing tools and AI-driven solutions to reach broader audiences. Social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and AI-powered customer engagement strategies were explored in detail.
Day 4: Business Pitching and Scaling Strategies
Participants were trained on effective pitching techniques to attract investors and strategic partners. Practical exercises helped them refine their business models for scalability.
Day 5: Panel Discussion and Future Opportunities
The final day featured a high-profile panel discussion with industry experts, who shared insights on funding opportunities, business expansion, and overcoming entrepreneurship challenges. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from NITDA’s representative and an exciting announcement about a startup event in Japan, where select businesses will be showcased.
Voices of the Participants
Many of the participants described the IgniteHer Bootcamp as a transformative experience, helping them gain clarity and confidence in their business pursuits.
Imaobong Edukere, a fashion entrepreneur, shared her excitement:
“This bootcamp has completely changed my mindset. I now see technology as an enabler for my business, and I am eager to apply what I have learned.”
For Hadiza Isah Mohammed, the experience was life-changing.
“I was about to give up on my business before this program. The knowledge and motivation I received here have reignited my passion. I now have a clearer vision of my path forward,” she said.
Another participant, Fatima Muhammad, highlighted the practical nature of the training:
“Learning how to use digital tools for business planning and marketing has been a game-changer for me. This program has truly ignited something special in me.”
Eseohe Okhue, a tech entrepreneur, emphasized the impact of AI and digital marketing:
“Understanding how to integrate AI into my business operations and use digital platforms to reach customers will help me scale faster than I ever imagined.”
Similarly, Ann Ayorinde, who runs an agribusiness, described the bootcamp as “an eye-opening experience.”
“I have learned how to structure my business, attract funding, and maximize online visibility. I am now ready to take my agribusiness to a global audience,” she said.
The Road Ahead: Continuous Support for Female Entrepreneurs
The IgniteHer Bootcamp was not just a one-time training but a launchpad for continuous growth. NITDA and JICA have pledged to provide ongoing mentorship, funding access, and networking opportunities for the participants. Selected entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to travel to Japan for a global startup event, further enhancing their exposure and connections.
With its resounding success, the IgniteHer Bootcamp has set a new benchmark for female entrepreneurship training in Nigeria. By equipping women with critical digital and business skills, it has paved the way for their increased participation in the digital economy, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The initiative serves as a beacon of hope, proving that when women are given the right tools and opportunities, they can ignite remarkable change in their communities and beyond.
* Babalola is Publisher Emporium Reporters online and Emporium Magazine
