TICAD 9: Nigerian Women Lead Tech Innovation in Japan
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 By replacing outdated paper records with real-time data capture and early risk detection, the platform is designed to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates across the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.
