NITDA, JICA set to drive Nigeria’s startup revolution, launche iHatch Cohort 4
By Blessing Emmanuel
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has just launched the fourth edition of its flagship iHatch programme.
The initiative, which runs from October 2024 to January 2025, is set to empower 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs across Nigeria, equipping them with the resources to thrive in both local and global markets.
With the theme “Fostering Innovation, Building Ecosystems, Scaling Startups,” iHatch Cohort 4 seeks to enhance the country’s digital economy by fostering entrepreneurship, driving economic diversification, and creating job opportunities. It aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s Digital Economy Policy.
Speaking at the launch, Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation, emphasised the programme’s transformative potential.
”iHatch Cohort 4 will accelerate the growth of the startup ecosystem across Nigeria by equipping innovators with the knowledge, resources, and funding they need to turn their ideas into impactful businesses. Through our partnership with JICA and local innovation hubs, we are building a more inclusive and vibrant digital economy in Nigeria,” she said.
The programme is designed to support startups operating in high-impact sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, logistics, edtech, and civic tech. It also focuses on strengthening the capacity of innovation hubs to serve as sustainable incubators for entrepreneurs. Participants will receive mentorship, training, and opportunities to pitch their ideas during a Demo Day, where they can connect with investors and potential partners.
NITDA has set ambitious targets for the programme, including registering 90% of startups with the Corporate Affairs Commission, enabling 80% to develop market-ready Minimum Viable Products, and facilitating investment opportunities for 30% of participants. Additionally, the programme aims to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and ensure 70% of startups remain operational six months after completion.
Applications for iHatch Cohort 4 are now open, and NITDA is inviting innovators and innovation hubs nationwide to apply via programs.startup.gov.ng/ihatch. Updates on the programme can be found on NITDA’s social media platforms.
The initiative represents a significant step forward for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, advancing the goals of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Nigerian Startup Act. By fostering innovation and supporting scalable enterprises, iHatch Cohort 4 is poised to drive economic growth and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
