Nigeria, Japan to Build $11.2m Startup Hub in Abuja

Nigeria is set to deepen its digital economy with a bold new partnership with Japan.

At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Tokyo on August 22, 2025, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, met with officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The talks focused on driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth opportunities in Nigeria.

Central to the discussions was the proposed $11.2 million Startup Hub in Abuja. It will serve as a centre of excellence for digital innovation, knowledge sharing, and entrepreneurship.

Also on the table was a $20 million early-stage technology fund from JICA. The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will match this with another $20 million.

Together, these funds are designed to provide startups with capital, tools, and networks to grow. They align with the Nigeria Startup Act and are expected to boost job creation and economic transformation.

Abdullahi described the partnership as timely. “We remain committed to building stronger ties that create opportunities for our youth,” he said after the meeting.

Showcasing Nigeria’s Innovation Drive

In a separate engagement, Abdullahi spoke with Nikkei senior writer, Satoshi Shimoda. He drew attention to Nigeria’s vibrant startup scene, and the reforms guiding its growth.

He spoke of the Nigeria Startup Act as a law that secures investor confidence while giving innovators space to thrive.

The DG also toured the Tokyo Innovation Base, a leading hub for startups. He discussed knowledge transfer opportunities and future collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese innovators.

“Nigeria has immense potential in its young population. With the right support, our startups will scale beyond borders,” Abdullahi told his hosts.

The JICA partnership is part of a larger national strategy to diversify the economy, reduce unemployment, and make Nigeria a key innovation hub in Africa.

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