Nigerian Women Innovators Shine at TICAD 9 in Japan
Nigerian women are gaining global recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to technology and innovation at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
The conference, held in Yokohama under the theme “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” provided a platform for leaders and investors to strengthen partnerships and explore new avenues for Africa’s growth.
At a key session on the future of Africa’s startup ecosystems, three Nigerian women entrepreneurs — finalists from the IgniteHerBootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs — pitched innovative solutions before Japanese investors and global stakeholders. The bootcamp, jointly organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), seeks to dismantle barriers women face in the tech industry, particularly in funding and mentorship.
Among the presenters was Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder of Nextwear Technologies, who unveiled an AI-powered device designed for the early detection of breast abnormalities. Her innovation tackles a pressing health challenge and underscores the potential of technology-driven solutions in public health.
Anita Ngeri, founder of Nibi’s Tech, showcased her educational technology platform that equips young Nigerians, particularly in the Niger Delta, with digital skills such as coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and web design. Her initiative aims to close the digital divide and prepare the next generation of innovators.
Also featured was Odion Ikyo, Co-Founder of PrimeSafePathSolutions, who pitched MaternalRecord Pro — Nigeria’s first AI-powered, multi-tenant data automation system for Primary Healthcare Centres. The platform is designed to replace paper-based health records, enable real-time data capture, and help reduce maternal mortality through early risk detection.
Their participation highlighted Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem and the crucial role women-led startups play in shaping Africa’s future. The initiative aligns with JICA’s Project NINJA, which promotes robust startup ecosystems, expands funding access, and strengthens ties between African startups and Japanese investors.
NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering international collaborations to drive inclusive digital growth. The agency emphasized that empowering women in technology is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic driver of national development.
