The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria into a digitally inclusive, innovation-driven economy through strategic partnerships and grassroots talent development.
This assurance was given by the NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, at the iHatch Cohort 4 National Demo Day held in Abuja. He was represented by the National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Victoria Fabunmi.
Inuwa described the iHatch initiative as a “vibrant demonstration” of Nigeria’s collective resolve to nurture innovation and empower young people.
“This occasion reflects not just the progress of a program, but the collective effort of a nation determined to nurture innovation, empower youth, and build the future of our digital economy.
“We realized the transformative potential of taking this program deeper—into the states, into communities, and closer to the grassroots where talent is abundant but often undiscovered.”
Highlighting the expansion of the initiative, he noted that iHatch now runs across multiple states, enabling founders to compete at the state level, advance to zonal stages, and ultimately showcase their solutions at the national level.
“Most importantly, this approach ensures that no one is left behind. We are building an innovation ecosystem that rises from the grassroots upward — where young people from every corner of this country have the opportunity, the support, and the platform to turn ideas into solutions.”
Inuwa attributed the program’s success to hub managers nationwide and mentors who, according to him, “selflessly shared their expertise and networks” to shape the startups on display.
He congratulated the participating startups, praising their “innovation, resilience, and passion,” and stressing that the Demo Day represented more than a showcase.
“To our startups — I congratulate you. You have endured the rigor of the program, refined your solutions, and remained committed to growth. Your innovation, resilience, and passion are the reason we are here.”
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Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre—represented by Emmanuel Udoidiok—reiterated the ministry’s commitment to building an enabling environment for innovators.
“Today is not merely a showcase of new businesses. It is a strategic affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to building a competitive digital and innovation-led economy.”
He emphasized that the government remains focused on policies that strengthen the digital ecosystem.
“This commitment extends to driving key policies, expanding broadband penetration, supporting digital skills development, and ensuring a regulatory framework that encourages investment in the startup ecosystem.
“We understand that innovation does not grow by chance. It thrives through strategic collaboration and continuous public-private investment.”
The Demo Day marked the culmination of months of intensive coaching, mentorship, and boot camps through which selected startups refined their solutions.
Twelve startups pitched at the finale, with Interface Africa emerging first and winning a prize of $15,000.
Founder of Interface Africa, Al-Amin Mohammed Idris, thanked NITDA for its support from ideation to market readiness, including integration with government agencies and intervention programmes.
On his next steps, Idris said:
“My next line of action is to use this prize money to train 1,000 agents across Nigeria, creating 1,000 jobs. We’ll be providing them with onboarding materials, training, marketing support, and we’ll go into rural communities and empower them.
“Our target is to use this money to not just train them, but to use the resources to unlock investment in about 100,000 businesses, especially in rural markets.”