Empowering Innovation: NITDA & JICA to Boost 185 Startups in iHatch 4!

Exciting news for the entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria! The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has joined forces with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to unveil the game-changing iHatch Cohort 4 program. This initiative is all set to supercharge Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and unlock the potential of innovators across the nation.

With a mission to empower 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs from coast to coast, iHatch Cohort 4 promises personalized training, expert mentorship, and the essential tools for investment readiness.

Under the banner “Fostering Innovation, Building Ecosystems, Scaling Startups,” this ambitious program kicks off in October 2024 and runs through January 2025. It’s not just a program; it’s a movement!

Why iHatch Cohort 4 Matters

As Mrs. Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and External Relations, points out, iHatch Cohort 4 is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to economic diversification and digital innovation, a key tenet of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy,” Umar emphasized. “We’re paving the way for entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth, and creating jobs by offering startups customized mentorship and essential training.”

“With the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu, we’re set on a transformative journey to elevate Nigeria’s digital economy,” she added, highlighting the program’s comprehensive support structure for both startups and innovation hubs.

Program Goals that Inspire

According to NITDA, by the end of this program, a staggering 90% of participants will be officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), while 80% will develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready for market testing.

• Moreover, 30% of the startups are expected to secure vital investments, grants, or partnerships facilitated directly through this program.
• The initiative aims to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, fueling growth in the startup ecosystem.
• Umar confidently stated that Nigeria is poised to become a frontrunner in Africa’s digital transformation landscape.

Inclusivity at Its Core

This initiative is all about ensuring that every startup, no matter their location within Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has a seat at the table. Targeting high-impact sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, and civic tech, iHatch Cohort 4 is built to elevate diverse voices in the digital economy.

Ms. Victoria Fabunmi, the National Coordinator for the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation and iHatch Programme Manager, echoes this sentiment:

“Through our partnership with JICA and local innovation hubs, we are crafting a more inclusive digital economy where innovators can transform their ideas into impactful businesses,” she stated passionately.

Key Highlights to Watch For

Here’s what you can expect from this groundbreaking program:

• Innovation Hub Training: Hubs will undergo intensive training to boost their ability to support startups with mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, networking opportunities, and access to funding.
• Demo Day: An electrifying event where startups present their innovative ideas to investors and stakeholders, paving the way for funding and strategic partnerships.
• Global Partnerships: This program seeks to provide international exposure for hub managers and startups, fostering scalability and groundbreaking innovation.

Umar invites startups and innovation hubs to apply now—applications are officially open on the iHatch website!

Key Takeaways

• This initiative is a powerful collaboration between NITDA and JICA. While NITDA spearheads Nigeria’s IT sector through policies, standards, and regulations, JICA brings crucial technical and financial support to drive forward development projects.
• The previous iHatch cohorts have already laid a robust foundation for Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and Cohort 4 is set to build upon this momentum.
• Expect iHatch Cohort 4 to further secure Nigeria’s position as a dynamic hub for innovation and technology!