The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken a significant step towards supporting startups with the launch of a brand new Startup Support and Engagement Portal. This all-encompassing portal acts as a one-stop-shop for startups, providing them with easy access to a range of services and resources such as registrations, information, incentives, collaboration, and linkages.
According to the agency, the portal is a key component of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), aimed at empowering Nigerian startups and propelling the nation’s digital economy forward.
“This game-changing portal is paving the way for a new era of creativity, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Join us on this transformative journey as we empower startups to thrive, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and digital economic growth,” it said.
NITDA said the portal was set up as part of efforts to collate and classify startups in Nigeria to benefit from the opportunities provided in the Nigerian Startup Act 2022.
The agency added that the portal will facilitate the labelling of Nigerian startups, venture capital companies, hubs, and innovation centres in Nigeria according to the requirements of Section 10 of the Nigerian Startup Act, 2022.
This game-changing Portal is paving the way for a new era of creativity, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Join us on this transformative journey as we empower startups to thrive, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and digital economic growth.
For more details, visit… pic.twitter.com/bSgqcY2nkY
— NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) December 22, 2023
Features of Startup Support and Engagement Portal
- Identifying structured and quality support for high-impact and scalable startups.
- Providing startups with valuable knowledge and information resources for growth and success.
- The Act offers a range of incentives to encourage both local and foreign investors to invest in a Nigerian startup.
- Ensuring access to financial resources and effective fund management for startups.
- Building a robust support structure for the startup ecosystem to grow and thrive.
- Fostering partnerships and connections with relevant government agencies to advance startup initiatives.
Also Read: NITDA advocates collaboration for Nigeria’s digital transformation
The Nigeria Startup Act
The Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) project is a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech startup ecosystem and the Presidency to harness the potential of Nigeria’s digital economy through co-created regulations.
The Act is aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s laws and regulations are clear, planned and work for the tech ecosystem to contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for the growth of the ecosystem, as well as the attraction and protection of investment in tech startups.
Highlights of the NSA
- Establishes the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (The Council), with representation from relevant Ministries and Agencies of the Federal Government as well as the Nigerian Startup Ecosystem, to support complementary policy-making and approve programmes for the development of startups in Nigeria.
- Set up a consultative forum for Nigerian ecosystem stakeholders to engage and present proposals to ‘The Council’ on policies and ideas to develop the Nigerian Startup Ecosystem.
- Provide for the Startup Investment Seed Fund which will be managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). to support pipeline development and improve access to seed capital for tech-enabled startups.
- Simplifies registrations and access to government services through the Startup Support and Engagement Portal.
- Introduces several incentives to improve the viability of startups and facilitate investment in Nigerian startups.
