In an effort to promote inclusive growth, stimulate creativity, and quicken technical improvement throughout Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is stepping up its efforts to build meaningful international relationships. At a recent meeting at NITDA Headquarters, this strategic orientation was emphasized.
The Director of the Information Technology Infrastructural Solutions Department, Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, effectively represented NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, who participated virtually in the engagement because he had a follow-up meeting with Google in the United States regarding investments in national sovereign infrastructure.
Discussions with Mr. Hiro Mashita, the founder of SGgrow, a company dedicated to spotting and assisting prospective Nigerian startup investment prospects and linking them with international ecosystems, were the main emphasis of the meeting.
With a focus on the Agency’s solid current relationship with the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Inuwa emphasised NITDA’s proactive approach to international collaboration
In addition to stating that there is an ongoing relationship with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to build a dedicated fund, he highlighted an impending signing ceremony for a major innovation project being developed in Abuja with JICA’s backing.
While noting that the success of the collaboration with JICA is the iHatch initiative, a co-designed idea incubation program, the DG stated that “We have been collaborating with them on so many initiatives like iHatch.
“The pilot we did resulted in creating over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs, and now we are working together with them to expand it to all 36 states and the FCT. The initiative provides Nigerian startups with six months of incubation, leveraging JICA’s expertise and resources to develop market-ready products”.
He added that, “NITDA and JICA are actively working to bridge the Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems, facilitating networking opportunities and sponsoring Nigerian startups to participate in activities in Japan.”
According to Inuwa, SGgrow’s goals are in perfect harmony with NITDA’s mission to use inclusive technology and innovation to digitally empower Nigeria.
“Your presentation perfectly aligns with our mandate and what we do as an Agency,” he stated, emphasizing the Agency’s vision of leveraging technology across all sectors to drive national prosperity and inclusivity. He stressed the crucial role of a robust startup ecosystem in achieving this vision.
NITDA is actively building a repository of labeled and compliant startups to enhance transparency and facilitate potential government incentives, including matching funding through collaborations. The agency is also developing an investment framework, including efforts with Google to build vital digital sovereign infrastructure.
The NITDA DG stated that NITDA is excited to investigate a cooperative framework with SGgrow, maybe incorporating their current collaboration with JICA. We can look into how we can collaborate to create a framework; perhaps we can even work with JICA to encourage the Japanese government, entrepreneurs, and other investors to strongly participate. In my opinion, collaboration is more important than rivalry,” he revealed.
Earlier, in his statement, Mr. Mashita of SGgrow articulated his company’s mission to identify and support promising Nigerian startups, providing them with opportunities for growth and exposure. He highlighted their long-term investment approach and belief in Nigeria’s potential as an economic giant, aiming to serve as a key liaison between Nigeria and Japan.
He suggested reviewing the potential for stock exchange effects inside the Nigerian startup ecosystem, improving support for Nigerian companies, and investigating possible cooperative projects. In order to create an atmosphere that is favourable for business, he also emphasized the significance of intergovernmental ties.
Through this engagement, NITDA demonstrates its dedication to pursuing and cultivating global partnerships that provide knowledge, capital, and opportunities to Nigeria’s developing digital economy, ultimately propelling the country’s inclusive progress and technological improvement.
