Japan strengthens digital partnership with Nigeria, focusing on innovation and skill enhancement
In a recent high-level meeting, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) of Nigeria and the Japanese embassy in Nigeria discussed ways to deepen their digital partnership. The collaboration aims to unlock the full potential of digital technologies for national development, driving inclusive, sustainable growth across sectors.
The meeting, led by Ambassador Hideo SUZUKI of Japan and Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries in the digital sector. Discussions centered on technology innovation, digital skills development, and capacity building, with both parties emphasizing the importance of fostering mutual cooperation.
One of the significant outcomes of this partnership is the upcoming Abuja Startup Hub. This $51.2 million initiative, jointly managed by NITDA and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to nurture tech entrepreneurs, create jobs, boost private sector investment, and support Nigeria’s digital economy. The project, scheduled to run from April 2025 to December 2030, includes financing Nigerian startups to engage in activities in Japan.
Another milestone in the collaboration is the Digital Cooperation Agreement signed in July 2025. This agreement targets technology innovation, digital upskilling, and capacity building, aiming to deepen bilateral ties and foster innovation and skills development in Nigeria’s digital sector.
The partnership also supports initiatives that empower Nigeria’s tech workforce. This is evident in the Public Sector Innovation Collaboration, a landmark MoU signed by Nigeria with UNDP, which aims to accelerate public sector innovation and digital transformation, including establishing a National Public Sector Innovation Hub and launching digital skills programs for civil servants.
The collaboration between Nigeria and Japan is not just about advancing the digital economy or creating new opportunities for investment and knowledge exchange. It is also about accelerating innovation and digital transformation, with the goal of advancing Nigeria's digital economy and fostering mutual cooperation.
This collaboration underscores the commitment of both nations to a digital future and their shared vision of a globally competitive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem. The visit reinforces the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Japan and sets the stage for more collaborative ventures in the digital sector.
[1] Source: TechCabal (2023). [Abuja Startup Hub: Nigeria, Japan Partner to Boost Tech Ecosystem](https://techcabal.com/2023/04/13/abuja-startup-hub-nigeria-japan-partner-to-boost-tech-ecosystem/) [2] Source: IT News Africa (2025). [Nigeria and Japan Sign Digital Cooperation Agreement](https://www.itnewsafrica.com/2025/07/nigeria-and-japan-sign-digital-cooperation-agreement/) [3] Source: The Guardian (2025). [Nigeria, Japan Deepen Digital Ties with New Agreement](https://guardian.ng/technology/nigeria-japan-deepen-digital-ties-with-new-agreement/) [4] Source: BusinessDay (2025). [Nigeria, UNDP Sign MoU to Boost Public Sector Innovation](https://www.businessdayonline.com/technology/article/nigeria-undp-sign-mou-to-boost-public-sector-innovation/)
- The upcoming Abuja Startup Hub, a joint initiative between NITDA and NSIA, supported by JICA, demonstrates a focus on technology innovation and education-and-self-development, as it aims to nurture tech entrepreneurs, create jobs, and support digital skills development in Nigeria.
- The Digital Cooperation Agreement signed in July 2025 between Nigeria and Japan targets technology innovation, digital upskilling, and capacity building, further emphasizing a shared commitment towards education-and-self-development in Nigeria's digital sector.
