SHALOM OLALEYE
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has officially launched iHatch Cohort 4, a program designed to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. Running from October 2024 to January 2025, the initiative aims to support 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs across Nigeria, equipping them with the tools to succeed in local and global markets.
The program, themed “Fostering Innovation, Building Ecosystems, Scaling Startups,” aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and NITDA’s National Digital Economy Policy, which emphasizes economic diversification and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the significance of the program, Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation, stated,
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.
The initiative offers nationwide access, focusing on high-impact sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, logistics, edtech, and civic tech. Startups will benefit from tailored mentorship, capacity-building for innovation hubs, and opportunities to secure investment during a Demo Day event.
Highlighting the program’s broader impact, Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, explained,
This is not just about supporting individual startups but about creating an ecosystem where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive sustainably. By enhancing the capacity of innovation hubs and focusing on long-term outcomes, we are ensuring that the benefits of iHatch are felt across all regions of Nigeria.
Applications for the program are now open, and innovators nationwide are encouraged to apply via the official iHatch website. For more details, visit programs.startup.gov.ng/ihatch or follow NITDA and ONDINigeria on social media.