Japan grants Nigeria $30m for start-up hubs in Abuja

Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, signed on behalf of the Japanese government.

“This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Japan bilateral relations,” Senator Bagudu said. “It reflects our shared vision for innovation-driven economic growth and youth empowerment.”

According to the agreement, Japanese suppliers will be prioritized for primary contracts, though products and services may also be sourced locally.

NITDA, as the project’s lead implementing agency, will oversee key responsibilities, including securing regulatory approvals, providing utility infrastructure, and ensuring environmental compliance and safety during the construction phase.

NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, praised the agency’s ongoing partnership with JICA, particularly through the iHatch initiative, which has already generated over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.

“We are now expanding this initiative across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Through a six-month incubation program, iHatch equips startups with the tools and mentorship they need to launch market-ready products, leveraging JICA’s global expertise,” Inuwa noted.

Inuwa also highlighted joint efforts to strengthen ties between Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems by facilitating exchange programs and sponsoring Nigerian startups to attend international events in Japan.

Last month, both agencies launched the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja—an intensive five-day training designed to empower women entrepreneurs and promote an inclusive digital economy.

Once completed, the Abuja Start-Up Hub is expected to become a nucleus for creative entrepreneurs and digital innovators, solidifying the city’s position as a technology powerhouse in West Africa.

Implementation of the project begins in April 2025 and will run through December 2030. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation.

in line with JICA’s operational framework, monthly progress updates will be submitted, and a comprehensive final report is expected within six months after project completion.