• Learning is a continuous process; we should not stop learning
• We’ve been enlightened to take full charge of our businesses by being involved in every aspect and being conscious of doing business the right way
• Leveraging on technology and digital media to grow our businesses – Liz Ogah

Beaming faces with smiles were all over the places as IgniteHer Bootcamp, a flagship initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), came to a successful conclusion on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Over the course of five impactful days, the program empowered 90 female entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, skills, and networks to build and scale successful businesses.

Some of these female entrepreneurs gave their verdicts on the programme. Techeconomy documented them for your reading pleasure:

From Fatima Muhammad,

“This is a well and understanding program I ever had received on business. So far the experience I had is alot but the most three keys here for me are:

“As a small scale businesswoman I found it so easy to understand how to overcome my problems with my in-laws on this gender gap issues.

“The assignment given to us burst my mine on how to use some digital tool on business plan because they are new to me and your lessons on us make me a great achiever on them.

“I also had a lot experience from all my Facilitators especially on how to get more customers through different ways of marketing.

“Alhamdulillahi for the name of the project IgniteHer; I am ignited in all what you people have thought us.

Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity NITDA and JICA”.

Another participants who identified herself as Kokoma, said her three key takeaways are;

“I got exposed to AI and productivity tools I could adopt in my business to enhance business operations;

“I got better understanding of how to go about my business plan and how to drafted my unique Lean BMC for my business, and

“I had a total mind change generally from this session on being resilient to grow my business.”

Zara Moris shared her perspective thus;

My takeaway[s] from this session;

“You can start again even when you fall

“Women can do better. As small as it is u can also do better

“AI can help a lot in generating market planning. Indeed as small as my business is I really learned a lot”

Hadiza Isah Mohammed also had these lessons to share;

“…this is one of the inspirational bootcamps I’ve ever attended. I was at the point of dropping my dreams cos [sic: because] everything seems not to work but I’ve been ignited n [sic: and] ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organisers”

Tamara Wodu said her key takeaway is that “even though AI is there to help me. I should also hone my creative ability”.

How about Eseohe Okhue – Her key takeaways are leveraging AI for business growth.

“Learning the lean business model Canva, and the importance of digital marketing for business growth”.

Ann Ayorinde, said:

“The past five days was worth it! From unlearning, relearning; it’s been a mind shifting, mind blowing and of cos [sic: because] it has ignite a fire to do better and be best at the agric industry! I see me going digital, using technology. You all Wii see Alayofg on every click on the web! Thank you to NITDA and JICA. May God bless your efforts.

My key takeaways for Shukura Ojuile, are:

“I didn’t know the reality of gender gap until I heard people sharing their personal experience.

“Learning about the need to have Business Plan, that it’s the roadmap to having a Successful Business

“The incorporation of digital marketing, financially literacy and using the technology; it has been really mind-blowing and insightful. Thank you very much for this opportunity

Modupeola Oduwole thanked NITDA and JICA; “I’m grateful to be with amazing women that share from their wealth of knowledge regarding digital marketing strategies. And as we celebrate women’s day’s tomorrow [March 8, 2025] event such a wonderful opportunity and experience”.

Maryam Ibrahim Hamza said, “Thank you so much for this opportunity. This program is really an eye opener, it has also change my perspective towards my business. With this 4-day training, I see my business grown bigger already in the next 3 months. And I promise to implement all that I have learnt during the bootcamp. Just that my question: Please how do we write a successful partnership request?

Rume Oshenye said her lessons stem from leveraging AI to help her business, particularly with automating processes and email campaigns/lists.

Key highlights from the IgniteHer Bootcamp, according to Magdalene-Ada Ogban, are:

“During the ‘Leveraging Technology’ session yesterday I learnt how to analyse my website and implement changes to optimise my businesses presence.

“I got to read the startup Act, something I never knew about, and it was very insightful to know all of the benefits and responsibilities I have as a startup in Nigeria. (I have a few questions on this though @Aisha)

“I have been very encouraged through the stories told by the facilitators and women in this boot camp. I am spurred up to become a Unicorn and to win at my dreams.

Ubeydat Ismail said that the IgniteHer Bootcamp exposed her to the knowledge that “a great business idea is not enough; execution and strategy matter!

“AI is not just for tech companies; it can revolutionize any industry, including mine, and being present and intentional in business is very crucial

“This bootcamp has empowered me to refine my business strategy and embrace technology-driven innovation”, she said.

Fatima Jarma M. also said she learnt a lot and “it’s priceless, motivating and inspiring. I got exposed to new things, successful entrepreneurs, new experiences on different aspects and it has really changed my thoughts, my perspective and my zeal to learning new things. Thank you all”.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands as a transformative program, driving progress in bridging the gender gap in business and empowering women to thrive in the digital economy.

Over the course of five impactful days, the program empowered 90 female entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, skills, and networks to build and scale successful businesses.

Through expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and digital transformation.

The IgniteHer Bootcamp was specifically designed to foster digital literacy, market opportunities, and the use of technology while addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in entrepreneurship.

It aimed to bridge the gender gap in business and technology, equip women with critical business knowledge in financial management, business planning, and sustainability, provide access to mentorship opportunities and industry experts to support business growth.

Each day of the bootcamp delivered high-impact value, ensuring participants left with actionable strategies to strengthen their entrepreneurial journey.

The first day focused on understanding gender disparity in business. Participants explored systemic barriers limiting women in entrepreneurship, including funding gaps and societal biases, while gaining strategies to overcome these challenges.

The second day delved into the fundamentals of a business plan, break-even business analysis, and the Lean Business Model Canvas, along with a practical session on setting SMART goals, enabling participants to develop structured business plans.

On the third day, the focus was on digital literacy, the use of cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and human resource and financial management.

In addition, there were practical sessions on the use of digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business management.

The fourth day explored digital transformation and business growth, where entrepreneurs learned how to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to scale their businesses, covering digital branding, digital marketing, and essential digital tools for operational efficiency.

The final day featured a panel discussion with industry experts—a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist—moderated by an ecosystem accelerator who shared insights on business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.

The session concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their learning and plan their next steps.

The bootcamp was highly interactive, with participants engaging in discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies.

Many participants shared their key learnings on LinkedIn and other platforms, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact.

One participant, Imaobong Edukere, shared her experience, stating:

“The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience for me.

It’s my first time being in a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and drinking from their knowledge… I now feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and make a lasting impact in society. Thank you, NITDA and JICA, for this valuable growth, timely support, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—I have just been IGNITED!”

Another participant, Hadiza Isah Mohammed, wrote:

“Hello, good morning everyone. This is one of the most inspirational bootcamps I’ve ever attended. I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I’ve been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers.”

The initiative fostered a strong network of women entrepreneurs, promoting mentorship and long-term collaboration.

The session ended with a vote of thanks from the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, stressing the open opportunity for a tour to Japan for select businesses and startups who will have the opportunity to participate in a startup event in Japan scheduled for August 2025.

This event provides a unique opportunity to network and partner with Japanese companies. Participants have been provided a link to apply their learnings and submit a pitch deck or business plan on their respective and prospective companies.

Indeed, NITDA is ready to handhold these businesses to make an impact in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic growth.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands as a transformative program, driving progress in bridging the gender gap in business and empowering women to thrive in the digital economy.

Speaking during the launch of the programme, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director-general, represented by Mrs. Iklima Musa, the special adviser on Strategic Partnerships, emphasised the critical role of the programme in advancing gender equality, pointing out how it fosters economic inclusion, innovation, and digital transformation.

He said,

“As we celebrate the globally recognised International Women’s Day/month, we are reminded that empowering women is not just about equity it is about unlocking the full potential of our societies. The theme of this year’s celebration resonated deeply with the mission of the Bootcamp, which is to empower women entrepreneurs for a brighter future.”

He extended his appreciation to JICA for their unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria, noting that the collaboration exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving meaningful change.

While quoting Ravi Shankar’s sentiment regarding women’s vital role in society, Inuwa said “Women shape our world, drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and inspire future generations. It is in this spirit that the IgniteHer Bootcamp is aptly themed ‘Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for a Brighter Future.”

He explained that the Bootcamp is designed to address the unique challenges women face in entrepreneurship, including gender gaps in digital literacy and limited access to financial resources. Over the next five days, participants will gain foundational business skills, scaling strategies, sustainability practices, and strategic planning tools.

“At NITDA, we recognise that empowering women in business is a strategic imperative for national development. Women entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation,” Inuwa noted.

He expressed gratitude to the partners, mentors, and facilitators for their dedication and encouraged them to sustain their commitments to empowering women and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Inuwa encouraged them to embrace the experience with an open mind, a spirit of collaboration, and a determination to excel.

He said,

“This Bootcamp is your opportunity to refine your skills, expand your horizons, and connect with mentors and peers who will support your journey.” He added, “The future belongs to those who dare to dream, innovate, and take bold steps toward their goals. This is your moment to shine.”

In his remarks, the JICA’s representative Nao Fuwa, expressed his delight at the partnership and the opportunity it presented to Nigerian women. According to him, “this is a great opportunity for women.”

Fuwa encouraged the women entrepreneurs to fully participate in the Bootcamp, emphasising the importance of active engagement urging them to “ask questions, be interactive, and enjoy the event.”

He further stressed the broader impact of the program, stating, “this event will not only shape you, but will shape the vision of Nigeria’s economy.”

The “IgniteHer” Bootcamp aims to be a catalyst for sustainable and transformative change, measured by the tangible impact it creates in the lives and communities of the participants. The program will focus on bridging the structural barriers that women entrepreneurs face, fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital economy in Nigeria.