MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced a partnership to catalyze and support a national startup community in Nigeria. MassChallenge and NITDA have closely aligned goals to stimulate economic vitality and job creation in Nigeria by catalyzing entrepreneurial activity and supporting entrepreneurs as they develop and execute on game-changing ideas, digital technologies, and discoveries.
“MassChallenge is proud to partner with NITDA to foster cross-sector innovation and cooperation across all industries in Nigeria,” said Siobhan Dullea, CEO of MassChallenge. “Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria will help grow the highest-impact, highest-potential startups across Nigeria, while connecting them to MassChallenge’s global network. We have supported many high-quality Nigerian startups through our global programs and we’re extremely excited to start our work with NITDA to support even more.”
The Director General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, noted that this is an exciting partnership that shows the commitment of the Agency towards fostering the growth of digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The Agency is leading the drive to transform Nigeria into a digitally-driven economy by leveraging on innovation. With the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, startups have shown resilience by turning challenges into opportunities and creating new markets. The partnership with MassChallenge will further strengthen the Nigerian ecosystem by providing the needed exposure such as access to global networks, funding and knowledge sharing/transfer, thereby giving the startups equal opportunities to compete globally.
Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria will identify and accelerate top startups that are based in Nigeria and interested in growing their business in the Nigerian market. Startups selected for the program will participate in a week-long MassChallenge-led startup bootcamp followed by a pitch competition that will determine the top Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria startups. The top startups will participate in a second week-long bootcamp where they’ll have access to the MassChallenge Boston or Israeli ecosystem.
MassChallenge and NITDA will be working closely to promote Nigeria as an emerging entrepreneurial hub and leader of innovation in Africa, in order to support job creation and economic development. With the focus of fostering the growth and success of Nigeria’s startup enterprises MassChallenge is keen to connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with markets, networks, and capital in the global innovation ecosystem.
About Bridge to MassChallenge
Bridge to MassChallenge strengthens innovation ecosystems and drives the creation of high-quality jobs by supporting entrepreneurs and connecting them to MassChallenge’s global network. The program collaborates with local entities to understand the potential and strategic value of their unique ecosystem, empowers them to build their own innovation communities, and connects them to global markets.
About MassChallenge
MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 2,300 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $5 billion in funding, generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue and created more than 136,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org
About NITDA
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was established in 2001 to regulate the IT sector through regulatory standards, policies and guidelines. NITDA, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to implementing policies that will achieve a digital Nigeria. ICT is the fastest growing sector in the Nigerian economy, making substantial contribution to the GDP of the country. To learn more about NITDA, please visit https://nitda.gov.ng
