The Governments of Nigeria and Japan have signed two landmark agreements worth $30.9 million to support innovation and social enterprise development in Nigeria.
At a signing ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, described the interventions as multi-sectoral and aligned with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The first project, valued at $9.9 million, will establish a Start-up Hub in Abuja. It will be implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The second initiative, worth $21 million, will support a conducive environment for social start-ups across Nigeria and will be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
Senator Bagudu, thanked the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japanese Embassy for their continued support.
“These initiatives will not only empower Nigerian innovators but also improve the quality of life in our communities,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kozaki Hitachi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Japanese Embassy, said the Abuja hub would become a central node in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, providing mentorship, networking, and technical support for entrepreneurs.
He revealed that Nigeria is the first country selected to pilot the groundbreaking social start-up initiative—underscoring the country’s strategic importance to Japan.
“By investing in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial talent, we are investing in the future of Africa’s most populous nation,” Mr. Hitachi stated.
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