The IgniteHer Bootcamp, spearheaded by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), wrapped up successfully on Friday, March 7, 2025. Spanning five intensive days, the initiative empowered 90 female entrepreneurs with crucial skills, insights, and networking opportunities to establish and expand their businesses. Participants engaged in expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, gaining practical knowledge in business development, financial management, and digital transformation.
Designed to enhance digital proficiency, unlock market potential, and integrate technology into business strategies, the IgniteHer Bootcamp directly addressed the structural challenges hindering women’s involvement in entrepreneurship. The program sought to close the gender gap in business and technology, equip women with essential knowledge in finance and sustainability, and provide mentorship and industry connections to facilitate business growth. Each day delivered valuable insights, ensuring participants left with tangible strategies to advance their entrepreneurial ventures.
The first day centered on understanding gender disparities in business, where participants examined challenges such as limited funding and societal biases while exploring strategies to overcome them. Day two covered essential elements of business planning, including break-even analysis and the Lean Business Model Canvas, complemented by a practical session on setting SMART goals to help structure their business plans. The third day emphasized digital literacy, covering cloud storage, online communication, internet security, and human resource and financial management. Practical sessions also introduced participants to digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business administration. On the fourth day, the focus shifted to digital transformation and business expansion, exploring the role of technology and artificial intelligence in scaling businesses, with a deep dive into digital branding, marketing, and operational efficiency tools.
The final day featured a dynamic panel discussion with industry experts—including a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist—moderated by an ecosystem accelerator. The panelists shared key insights on business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming entrepreneurial challenges. The session ended with an interactive discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their experiences and strategize their next steps. Throughout the bootcamp, participants actively engaged in discussions, hands-on activities, and real-life case studies, with many sharing their takeaways on LinkedIn and other platforms, showcasing the program’s long-term impact.
One participant, Imaobong Edukere, described her experience: “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been truly transformative. Being part of a strong network of like-minded female entrepreneurs and learning from their expertise has been invaluable. I feel fully equipped to apply these lessons and make a meaningful impact. Huge appreciation to NITDA and JICA for this life-changing opportunity—I have truly been IGNITED!”
Another participant, Hadiza Isah Mohammed, reflected: “Good morning everyone. This has been one of the most inspiring bootcamps I’ve attended. I was on the verge of giving up on my dreams, but this experience has reignited my passion and determination. A huge thank you to the organizers!”
The bootcamp fostered a vibrant network of female entrepreneurs, encouraging mentorship and long-term collaboration. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, who highlighted an exciting opportunity for selected businesses and startups to participate in a startup event in Japan scheduled for August 2025. This initiative will offer a platform to connect with Japanese companies and explore potential partnerships. Participants have been provided with a link to submit their pitch decks or business plans, enabling them to apply their learnings and further develop their businesses.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp has solidified its place as a transformative program, advancing gender inclusion in entrepreneurship and equipping women with the tools to excel in the digital economy.
