The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) is set to partner with the Commonwealth of Nations to expand the NextGen Innovation Challenge across its 56 member countries, following growing international recognition of the initiative.
The partnership discussions took place during a meeting between NBTI officials and Commonwealth representatives at the Nigeria High Commission in London, where both sides explored collaboration opportunities ahead of the NextGen Innovation Challenge scheduled to hold in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
The proposed collaboration aims to scale the innovation platform beyond Nigeria and position it as a Commonwealth-wide initiative designed to nurture young innovators, support startups, and promote technology-driven solutions across member nations.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge, an initiative of the National Board for Technology Incubation led by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, gained significant global attention following the success of its 2025 edition.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Raji highlighted the increasing international interest in the programme, noting that the initiative has quickly evolved into a recognised platform for innovation and youth-driven technological solutions.
“What began as a national initiative is now attracting strong international interest. The engagement with the Commonwealth reflects the credibility the programme has built and the opportunity to expand its impact across multiple countries,” he said.
He explained that the collaboration presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to project its growing innovation capacity while also contributing to broader economic and technological development within the Commonwealth.
“This partnership provides a unique platform for Nigeria to showcase the creativity and innovative potential of its young people while strengthening cross-border collaboration within the Commonwealth innovation ecosystem,” Raji added.
Officials at the meeting also discussed how the challenge could serve as a vehicle for strengthening economic cooperation and promoting youth entrepreneurship across member nations.
A representative of the Commonwealth delegation noted that the initiative aligns with the organisation’s interest in supporting innovation-led growth across its network of countries.
“The NextGen Innovation Challenge presents a powerful platform for identifying and supporting young innovators while fostering collaboration between Commonwealth nations,” the representative said.
Those present at the meeting included representatives of the Commonwealth led by Mr Arif Zaman, Angela Thomas, and Philippa Martinelli of the Commonwealth Investment Network. Also in attendance were India Baines of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Zahra Shah of NEXAQUANTA AI Transformation London, and representatives of the Namibia and Lesotho High Commissions in London.
UKALD representatives including Hon. Tunde Doherty, Mr John Adelola, and Mr Tope Omojayogbe were also present.
