The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has unveiled iHatch Cohort 4, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Scheduled to run from October 2024 to January 2025, the program will support 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs nationwide, equipping them to thrive in both local and global markets.
As a key component of NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy, iHatch Cohort 4 is designed to stimulate entrepreneurship, drive economic growth, and create jobs by offering tailored mentorship, training, and investment readiness. This initiative is also aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes economic diversification and the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The program takes a dual approach, offering comprehensive support to startups while strengthening innovation hubs. This strategy ensures startups refine their business models, develop scalable products, and innovation hubs evolve into sustainable incubators for local entrepreneurs.
“iHatch Cohort 4 will accelerate the growth of the startup ecosystem across Nigeria by equipping innovators with the knowledge, resources, and funding they need to turn their ideas into impactful businesses,” said Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation. “Through our partnership with JICA and local innovation hubs, we are building a more inclusive and vibrant digital economy in Nigeria.”
The program is open to startups from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a particular focus on high-impact sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, logistics, edtech, and civic tech. Innovation hubs will also receive targeted training to enhance their mentorship capabilities, facilities, and access to funding, fostering international partnerships and opportunities for ecosystem stakeholders.
A Demo Day will serve as the program’s climax, where startups will pitch their ideas to investors and industry leaders, aiming to secure critical funding and partnerships.
The program sets ambitious targets, including incorporation for 90% of participating startups, the development of market-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) by 80%, and investment acquisition for 30%. The initiative aims to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and ensure 70% of startups remain operational six months after completion.
iHatch Cohort 4 aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and contributes to the Nigerian Startup Act by fostering innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs). The program promises to catalyze economic diversification, job creation, and technology-driven solutions, further solidifying Nigeria’s role in Africa’s digital transformation.
Applications for startups and innovation hubs are now open. Interested innovators and ecosystem builders are encouraged to apply via the official iHatch website at programs.startup.gov.ng/ihatch. Stay updated by following NITDANigeria and ONDINigeria on social media.
