The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially signed an agreement for the implementation of the Startup Hub Project with the Consortium of Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. The firms were engaged by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to execute the project.
This follows an earlier agreement signed on April 10, 2025, between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Japanese Government. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, signed on behalf of Japan.
The agreement is aimed at fostering innovation and supporting emerging enterprises in Nigeria’s digital economy. It will deliver a world-class Startup Hub equipped with advanced digital technologies, coworking spaces, and training resources.
The project has two components. The first is the development of a cutting-edge Startup Hub valued at $11.2 million, to be implemented by NITDA. The second phase is the $40 million Project for the Development of a Supporting Environment for Social Start-ups in Nigeria, to be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
Speaking on the agreement, Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said, “We are proud of our long-standing collaboration with JICA, particularly through the iHatch initiative, which has already created over 117 direct jobs and 370 indirect jobs.”
He added that the partnership aims to “build a stronger relationship between the Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems, enabling Nigerian startups to compete globally and support economic diversification.” This initiative also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting inclusive economic growth and digital transformation in Nigeria.
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