Tag: Nigerian Tech Ecosystem

  • FG Gets Over N18 Billion ($12M) Backing from Japan to Build Abuja Innovation Hub

    FG Gets Over N18 Billion ($12M) Backing from Japan to Build Abuja Innovation Hub

    The federal government has sealed a deal with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to build a multimillion-dollar innovation hub in Abuja. 

    The project, backed by a ¥1.6 billion grant — that’s about $12.1 million or over N18 billion — and is aimed at raising tech entrepreneurs across the country.

    The deal was formally signed in Abuja at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, where government officials and Japanese delegates gathered to finalise the agreement. Representing Nigeria was Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, while Mr. Hitoshi Kozaki stood in for Japan.

    No long talk — this is about serious business.

    This is beyond just a normal handshake in the name of “partnership.” The Japanese money is going into bricks, networks, and brains.

    The Abuja innovation hub will rise as a central structure in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem, and it’s not just about the building — it’s about what’s going to happen inside it. Talent will be shaped. Ideas will be tested. Ventures will rise.

    Over the next five years and eight months — from April 2025 until December 2030 — the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will jointly steer the project. The goal is to get young Nigerians to create businesses that can scale beyond Nigeria and rival some of Africa’s top startups.

    There’s a clear line from this project to the presidency. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has been flagged as the backdrop for this initiative, a comprehensive economic blueprint that leans on tech and private sector investment to drive job creation. 

    Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, pointed to earlier collaborations with JICA, particularly the iHatch incubation programme, which he described as a concrete example of results.

    We have been collaborating with them on so many initiatives like iHatch. The pilot we did resulted in creating over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs, and now we are working together with them to expand it to all 36 states and the FCT,” he said.

    The iHatch programme offers six months of startup incubation, helping teams build real products using Japanese technical support. It’s the kind of targeted intervention that goes beyond workshops and buzzwords. Real ventures. Real jobs.

    But it doesn’t stop there.

    NITDA and JICA have also been connecting the dots between Nigerian and Japanese innovators. Startups are getting the chance to network, learn, and even showcase their products in Japan — a rare opening in a country where international exposure can be a game-changer.

    Women aren’t being left out of the equation either. Last month, both agencies rolled out the “IgniteHer” Entrepreneurship Bootcamp — a five-day intensive in Abuja aimed at giving women founders the tools to break structural barriers and scale their businesses.

    There’s a lot on the table. Money, mentorship, access, and infrastructure. What remains is execution.

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  • Transformational Leadership in Tech: How Mayowa Ijisesan Drives Innovation and Strategic Change

    Transformational Leadership in Tech: How Mayowa Ijisesan Drives Innovation and Strategic Change

    As a seasoned executive and business intelligence consultant, she has over 20 years of experience across nonprofit, technology, and manufacturing sectors.

    With an academic foundation in engineering, Mayowa’s knowledge and expertise spans across fields.

    She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University.

    She later added a Kellogg Executive Scholar certification in Non-Profit Management from Northwestern University to her credentials, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and leadership.

    Mayowa Ijisesan
    Mayowa Ijisesan…the woman of the moment

    A Trailblazer in Tech

    Mayowa’s journey from Silicon Valley to global influence in tech highlights her dedication and hard work.

    Starting as an Advanced Software Engineer at Altera, she significantly enhanced software and hardware development processes.

    Her achievements set the stage for her future leadership roles and the founding of Dyvintel, a business intelligence firm serving top executives.

    Her time at Altera was transformative.

    “My work required precision; the slightest error could cost the company thousands,” Mayowa Ijisesan recalls.

    By automating repetitive tasks, Mayowa boosted efficiency, showcasing her innovative spirit.

    “I wrote a program that did the job for me,” she explains. This innovative spirit marked the beginning of her journey in tech, demonstrating her ability to find new ways to increase efficiency.

    However, an unexpected opportunity led her to establish Dyvintel.

    “My boss at that time called me into her office and asked if I had ever thought of starting a company. She said if I did, they’d be my first clients. And the rest as they say is history.”

    Encouraged by her former boss, she founded the firm. The firm focused on offering Data Analytics and Business Intelligence and solves problems for companies in the US and Canada.

    However, Mayowa did not foresee the challenges she would come to face in business development and marketing but her experience in ministry strengthened her skills in this area and prepared her ahead, solidifying her impact in the tech industry.

    Mayowa Ijisesan: Addressing Challenges in the Nigerian Tech Ecosystem

    Mayowa Ijisesan...a visionary tech leader
    Mayowa Ijisesan…a woman in tech with a difference

    Mayowa identifies key challenges like infrastructure issues and the need for high-quality data in AI development. She emphasizes the difficulty of securing funding without strong venture capitalist relationships.

    Despite these challenges, she sees immense potential in AI across fintech, agriculture, healthcare, education, and e-commerce.

    With Nigeria’s large, youthful population and vibrant startup scene, Mayowa believes in the country’s capacity for growth and innovation.

    Empowering Through Ministry and Community Initiatives

    Beyond her professional achievements, Mayowa Ijisesan contributes significantly through ministry. As the Resident Pastor of KingsWord International Church in Chicago and EVP of Strategy for KingsWord Ministries, she expands the ministry’s global reach.

    Her initiatives, like Career Resources and Thrive Women’s Conferences, demonstrate her commitment to empowering individuals and communities.

    Mayowa Ijisesan’s remarkable journey extends beyond personal achievement—it serves as a testament to visionary leadership and community impact.

    Her relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with a deep commitment to service, exemplifies the transformative potential of technology when aligned with purpose. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, Mayowa stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the tech industry.

    Her story reminds us that true leadership transcends mere professional success; it is about uplifting others and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. In our rapidly evolving world, Mayowa Ijisesan isn’t merely driving change—she is shaping the future.

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