Ambassador SUZUKI attended the Foundation-Laying Ceremony of the Startup Hub
2026/11/3
H.E. Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo attended the foundation-laying ceremony of the Startup Hub in Wuye, Abuja, on 23 October 2026. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, graced this occasion. Representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and other stakeholders also participated.
Japan is expanding its support for Nigeria's innovation and startup ecosystem with approximately $31 million in total grant assistance under their longstanding partnership. This initiative includes providing $10 million to construct a modern hub for prototyping and business incubation, alongside a proposed $21 million investment fund to strengthen the startup ecosystem. These efforts build directly on the existing collaboration between NITDA and JICA, such as the iHatch program.
The Startup Hub provides young Nigerian entrepreneurs with opportunities to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses, develop solutions to local challenges, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Ambassador Suzuki encouraged the entrepreneurs to utilize this Hub as a space to turn their dreams into reality, connect with global partners, and drive economic development."
Japan is expanding its support for Nigeria's innovation and startup ecosystem with approximately $31 million in total grant assistance under their longstanding partnership. This initiative includes providing $10 million to construct a modern hub for prototyping and business incubation, alongside a proposed $21 million investment fund to strengthen the startup ecosystem. These efforts build directly on the existing collaboration between NITDA and JICA, such as the iHatch program.
The Startup Hub provides young Nigerian entrepreneurs with opportunities to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses, develop solutions to local challenges, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Ambassador Suzuki encouraged the entrepreneurs to utilize this Hub as a space to turn their dreams into reality, connect with global partners, and drive economic development."