At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Nigerian women innovators took the spotlight, demonstrating how grassroots, tech-driven solutions are paving the way for a new era of growth in Africa. The conference, held from August 20-22 in Yokohama, focused on co-creating innovative solutions with the continent, providing a crucial stage for leaders and investors to build partnerships for development.

The highlight for Nigeria came during a key event on the future of Africa’s startup ecosystems, where three female entrepreneurs pitched their groundbreaking companies to a distinguished audience of Japanese investors and global partners. All were finalists from the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, a joint initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The program was designed to break down the significant barriers women often face in the tech world, particularly limited access to funding and mentorship.

Pioneering Pitches for a Better Nigeria
The Nigerian innovators presented three distinct solutions addressing critical challenges in health and education.

Kemisola Bolarinwa, founder of Nextwear Technologies, captivated the audience with an AI-powered device for the early detection of breast abnormalities. Her innovative solution uses technology to tackle a major public health issue, highlighting the potential of local innovation to save lives.

Another compelling pitch came from Anita Ngeri, founder of Nibi’s Tech. Her company is an educational technology firm focused on providing young Nigerians with essential digital skills. By partnering with schools, particularly in the Niger Delta region, Nibi’s Tech offers hands-on training in coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and web design, actively working to bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation.

Rounding out the presentations was Odion Ikyo, co-founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, who introduced MaternalRecord Pro. This platform is Nigeria’s first AI-powered data automation system for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). By replacing outdated paper records with real-time data capture and early risk detection, the platform is designed to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates across the nation.

A Strategic Imperative for Development
The presence of these innovators at TICAD 9 underscored the pivotal role of women-led startups in shaping not only Nigeria’s vibrant tech ecosystem, but also Africa’s future. Their participation aligns with the objectives of Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative dedicated to building strong startup ecosystems and fostering strategic partnerships between African startups and Japanese investors.

As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, NITDA remains committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and strengthening global collaborations for inclusive economic growth. The event’s powerful message was clear: empowering women in technology is more than just about equity—it’s a strategic economic imperative for national development.

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The strategic partnership, announced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), focuses on areas such as software development, cybersecurity training, AI research, and startup incubation.

Under the agreement, Japanese partners will provide technical expertise and training support through exchange programs, joint research labs, and specialized capacity-building centres.

NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa described the deal as a crucial step toward closing Nigeria’s digital skills gap, which is seen as one of the major barriers to scaling the country’s digital economy ambitions.

Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, said the agreement aligns with Japan’s commitment to supporting African countries in building resilient digital economies that foster job creation, trade, and investment.

The partnership comes as Nigeria accelerates the implementation of its National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which seeks to create millions of tech-enabled jobs and position the country as a regional digital hub.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed an agreement with a Japanese consortium for the implementation of the recently announced Abuja Startup Hub Project.

The consortium comprises Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., Intem Consulting Inc., and Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd., all of whom were engaged by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is the project’s financier.

This agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 10, 2025, between Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA’s Nigeria Office.

The MoU aims to foster innovation, support emerging enterprises, and deliver a world-class digital facility with collaborative workspaces and advanced technology infrastructure.

According to NITDA, the Startup Hub Project includes two major components: The first, led by NITDA, involves the development of a state-of-the-art startup hub with funding of $11.2 million.

The second component, valued at $40 million, will be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and focuses on creating a supportive environment for social startups across the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the agency’s growing collaboration with JICA, especially through the iHatch initiative, which has already created over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.

Inuwa further applauded the strengthening of ties between the Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems, including exchange programmes and joint initiatives aimed at building globally competitive, innovation-driven enterprises.

He noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises inclusive economic growth and diversification.

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The project comprises two key components. The first is the development of a cutting-edge Start-Up Hub, valued at $9.9 million, to be implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The second component, worth $21 million, is the Project for the Development of a Supporting Environment for Social Start-ups in Nigeria, which will be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

Aimed at fostering innovation and supporting emerging enterprises, the project will deliver a world-class facility equipped with advanced digital technologies and collaborative workspaces. It also seeks to strengthen linkages across the start-up ecosystem, promoting job creation, industrial diversification, and solutions to social challenges through innovation.

The funds—allocated with provisions for contingencies—will be disbursed in phases through 2030 and will cover infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and consultancy services.

Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, signed on behalf of the Japanese government.

“This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Japan bilateral relations,” Senator Bagudu said. “It reflects our shared vision for innovation-driven economic growth and youth empowerment.”

According to the agreement, Japanese suppliers will be prioritized for primary contracts, though products and services may also be sourced locally.

NITDA, as the project’s lead implementing agency, will oversee key responsibilities, including securing regulatory approvals, providing utility infrastructure, and ensuring environmental compliance and safety during the construction phase.

Speaking on the development, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, praised the agency’s ongoing partnership with JICA, particularly through the iHatch initiative, which has already generated over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.

“We are now expanding this initiative across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” Inuwa noted. “Through a six-month incubation program, iHatch equips startups with the tools and mentorship they need to launch market-ready products, leveraging JICA’s global expertise.”

Inuwa also highlighted joint efforts to strengthen ties between Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems by facilitating exchange programs and sponsoring Nigerian startups to attend international events in Japan.

Last month, both agencies launched the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja—an intensive five-day training designed to empower women entrepreneurs and promote an inclusive digital economy.

Once completed, the Abuja Start-Up Hub is expected to become a nucleus for creative entrepreneurs and digital innovators, solidifying the city’s position as a technology powerhouse in West Africa.

Implementation of the project begins in April 2025 and will run through December 2030. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation.

In line with JICA’s operational framework, monthly progress updates will be submitted, and a comprehensive final report is expected within six months after project completion.

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TECHDIGEST– The European Union and Japan are looking to deepen their cooperation on key technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The EU is looking to reduce its reliance on China in certain areas, and Japan is a key partner in this effort.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton met with the Japanese government on Monday to discuss the issue. He said that artificial intelligence would be “very high” on his agenda and that the two sides would also discuss quantum and high-performance computing.

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The EU and Japan have already held a similar council with South Korea, in which the two sides agreed to cooperate on technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. This shows that the EU is looking to build strong relationships with key Asian countries with strong technology sectors.

Semiconductors are a key area of focus for both the EU and Japan. Japan is a key country in the semiconductor supply chain, and the EU is looking to strengthen its own semiconductor industry. The two sides will work together to ensure that they have a secure and reliable supply of semiconductors.

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TECHDIGEST – Microblogging platform, Twitter, has expanded its Twitter Blue subscription service to Japan.

Twitter confirmed the expansion on its support page seen by Ripples Nigeria on Wednesday.

Japan, with over 50 million Twitter users, will be able to buy the subscription for ¥980 ($7.40) per month on the web and ¥1,380 ($10.42) per month on iOS.

READ ALSO: NITDA Bill 2021 ‘ll Help Nigeria Harness Benefits of Global Digital Economy – Editor

The expansion follows closely as the Billionaire-owned company launched Twitter blue in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

“All Twitter Blue features will be available immediately except the blue checkmark, which may take time to appear to ensure review of subscribed accounts meet all requirements,” Twitter wrote on its support page.

Ripples Nigeria understands that the prices set for Japanese users are marginally lower than the US prices of $8 per month on the web and $11 per month on iOS.

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TECHDIGEST – These cities have proven to be a hub for robotics enthusiasts and professionals who wish to boost their careers.

Robotics has emerged as one of the most wanted in the tech industry. Starting from cleaning floors to making innovative new equipment for manufacturing and other industries, robotics has left its mark on every industry it has touched. The industry has the potentiality to transform lives and work practices, raise efficiency, security levels, and provide enhanced levels of service across different sectors. Several robotics professionals and enthusiasts aspire to kickstart their careers by relocating to the best cities that provide top-notch opportunities. In this article, we have listed the top cities in 2022 for robotics enthusiasts.

Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo is one of the best cities that creates novel robotic applications because of its highly skilled workforce, advanced tech universities, and large customer base. The country has immensely surged production in robotics applications over the last couple of decades.

Bristol, England: Bristol is home to several skilled engineers who are working on cutting-edge technologies, like driverless cars and the latest artificial intelligence equipment. The city is home to many large-scale robotics companies, among which is Bristol Robotics Laboratory, the top robotics recruiter in the city.

Boston, Massachusetts: Boston is a hub for robotics companies and enthusiasts. The city has witnessed a massive growth in investments in robotics startups that has led to a surge in robotics applications being applied in the daily routines of the local individuals. Boston also ranks third in the world in terms of venture capital investment.

Austin, United States: Austin is known to be one of the best places to start a robotics business. It is mainly due to its well-educated workforce, and a relatively low cost of doing business as compared to other cities across the world.
Paris, France: Paris is fully embracing robots, as the policy-makers have realized the different ways through which they can benefit the lives of their residents. Wandercraft is one of the top robotics’ employers that is hiring curious robotics enthusiasts and professionals.

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