Israel has pledged to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria through expanded investments in innovative technology, entrepreneurship, and capacity building, aiming to boost socio-economic growth and human capital development.
Israeli Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel-Harpaz, announced the commitment at a press conference in Abuja, revealing that 40 start-ups will be recruited in the fourth round of the Innovate8 initiative—doubling the previous intake.
According to Haskel-Harpaz, Israel’s flagship programmes in Nigeria, including the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR), have attracted millions of dollars in investments while fostering creativity, venture creation, and people-to-people ties.
“We’re inviting Nigeria’s brilliant minds to apply. This is about turning ideas into reality—building skills, producing solutions, and advancing humanity. These bonds between governments and people are the real bridges,” she said.
The Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that such initiatives are reserved for Israel’s closest partners, noting that i-FAIR is unique to Nigeria and has no equivalent in other countries. Plans are also underway to launch a branch of Innovate8 in Lagos.
On security cooperation, Haskel-Harpaz disclosed that Israel will share expertise with Nigeria in counter-terrorism, intelligence, border security, and training. Israeli border security specialists will train Nigerian officials, with some, expected to travel to Israel for advanced courses.
She commended Nigeria’s solidarity with Israel since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack, describing faith-based diplomacy as a key driver of bilateral ties. She also urged Nigeria to take a strong public stance against terrorist organisations.
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, praised Israel’s support, emphasising that innovation is essential for Nigeria’s economic expansion.
“Our population is growing, but our resources are limited. We must grow the economic pot through innovation, creativity, and value addition,” Echono said.
Beyond technology, Nigeria and Israel are also exploring broader cooperation in trade and agriculture.
Innovate8, an Israeli-sponsored technology hub, serves as a centre for start-up incubation, technology transfer, skills development, and prototype fabrication, playing a central role in the growing Nigeria–Israel partnership.
Hauwa Abu