The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, today declared open the second cohort of the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women to actively participate in and benefit from the country’s growing digital economy.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is themed “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Growth and Innovation.”
It brings together selected female entrepreneurs from across Nigeria both physically and virtually for intensive training in digital skills, investor readiness, innovation, and business development.
In his opening remarks, Inuwa emphasized the transformative power of female entrepreneurship, noting that when women are empowered, entire communities benefit.
“We are not merely imparting skills; we are nurturing self-reliant entrepreneurs, changemakers, and leaders,” he said. “This second cohort builds upon the success of the first and has been expanded in scope, duration, and format, with a focus on practical application and digital enablement.”
The DG highlighted the economic importance of gender inclusion, citing a report by the World Wide Web Foundation that suggests closing the digital gender gap in Nigeria could unlock up to $13 billion in GDP growth over the next decade. He further noted that Nigeria’s 108 million women represent a vital demographic that must be empowered to achieve inclusive national development.
Under the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0: 2024–2027), the Agency aims to equip 12.7 million women with digital literacy skills by 2027.
The IgniteHer programme, along with complementary initiatives such as the iHatch incubation programme, reflects NITDA’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in collaboration with strategic partners like JICA and the Government of Japan.
“Empowering women is not just about equity it is a strategic economic imperative,” Inuwa stated. “No woman should be left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”
He urged the participants—selected from over 12,000 applicants—to fully engage in the opportunity presented to them, and to use the platform not just to survive but to lead, innovate, and shape the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The IgniteHer Bootcamp continues to position women at the forefront of innovation, driving inclusive growth, creating jobs, and building a resilient digital economy to one woman at a time.
Japanese Ambassador, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, in his remarks reaffirmed Japan’s Commitment to Supporting Women Entrepreneurs and Innovation in Nigeria.
He expressed deep appreciation to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the invitation and collaboration.
Matsunaga commended the IgniteHer Bootcamp for its mission to enhance the technical and financial capacities of Nigerian women entrepreneurs, strengthen business models, and build vital networks across the innovation ecosystem.
Highlighting the strategic partnership between Japan and Nigeria, the Ambassador announced that the Japanese government, through JICA, is currently supporting two major grant projects worth $30.9 million aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. These projects are designed to: Strengthen the investment climate in Nigeria, drive institutional reforms to support innovation and entrepreneurship, and establish a modern, inclusive startup facility that serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
Ambassador Matsunaga also referenced the forthcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), to be held in Japan. Themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” the conference underscores Japan’s commitment to advancing co-development and innovation-led growth on the continent.
Reaffirming Japan’s long-term support, the Ambassador assured participants that Japan remains a dedicated partner in promoting economic resilience, digital innovation, and deeper collaboration between Japanese and Nigerian enterprises. He emphasized that such initiatives contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s sustainable and prosperous future.
In her remarks, Lead Facilitator, IgniteHer Bootcamp, Hajiya Hafsat Salabi-Dange
expressed deep inspiration and admiration for the initiative jointly led by NITDA and JICA, describing it as far more than a mere training program. According to her, IgniteHer is a movement, a powerful catalyst for social and economic transformation through the empowerment of women.
She praised the vision behind the Bootcamp, which is effectively bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship and digital inclusion by equipping women with not only the tools and technical knowledge to thrive, but also the confidence, strategic mindset, and support networks critical for success.
She said participants were trained in strategic business planning, lean business models, and tools to navigate and address the gender gap in tech and entrepreneurship.
Beyond business skills, the program she said nurtured confidence, curiosity, and community. Salabi-Dange encouraged participants to remain curious, build peer networks, and continue to challenge themselves beyond the Bootcamp.
She stated that the future of Nigeria’s economy is both female and digital, and programs like IgniteHer place women at the center of that transformation.
She urged participants to apply what they’ve learned with purpose and pride, reminding them that their growth is not just personal—it’s a contribution to the collective advancement of Nigerian society.
“This is not the end, but the beginning of a powerful journey,” she said. “Believe in your capacity to lead, to grow, and to ignite change not just for yourselves, but for your communities and generations to come.”
For Nwakwibeya Merit, one of the beneficiaries and founder of EverythingWoman, a thriving fabric business in Abuja, “entrepreneurship wasn’t a lifelong dream, it was a discovery born out of her NYSC experience. What began as a modest post-service endeavor has grown into a sustainable business producing plain and patterned fabrics for clothing, supporting not only herself but her family as well.
“I never imagined I’d run a fashion-focused fabric business,” said Merit, who studied Public Administration and is currently pursuing her master’s degree. “But NYSC opened my eyes to what was possible.”
Operating out of her shop in Jikwei and living in Kurudu, Abuja, Merit said she has been in business for five years now. Her drive and determination have allowed her to build EverythingWoman into a brand that stands on its own—so much so that she’s been able to support her family independently.
“I got married three years ago to someone I met during NYSC,” she shared. “Even now, my business is self-sustaining, and I haven’t had to depend on my husband financially.”
Her journey with the Ignite Her program began after receiving an email invitation to apply. Seeing it as an opportunity for growth, she joined the cohort with big aspirations. “I hope to expand, gain fresh ideas, and ultimately empower others,” she said.
Already, Merit is takiing it forward. She mentors a team of students who are learning the ropes under her guidance. Through this hands-on training, she is building the capacity of future entrepreneurs while strengthening her own impact.
“My goal is not just profit,” she emphasized. “It’s about equipping others—especially women—with the skills they need to stand on their own.”
With ambition woven into every thread of her business, Nwakwibeya Merit is not just creating fabrics, she’s crafting futures.
Also in an inspiring conversation, Oluwagbemiro Favor, CEO of Magnifical Corp Craft, shared how she is using her passion for fine art to transform lives, particularly those of women and girls through handicrafts.
Favor, who specializes in macrame creations such as bags, bracelets, and wall hangings, has been honing her craft since 2016.
Drawing from her background in fine arts, she found in macrame not just a creative outlet, but a sustainable means of livelihood. Over time, her expertise has earned her recognition, invitations to exhibitions, and opportunities to train others.
“I’ve always wanted to use my hands to create beauty,” she said. “Macrame has become a bridge to not just express myself but also to empower others.”
Favor learned about the Ignite Her program through LinkedIn—a platform she credits with significantly boosting her career. “LinkedIn has opened many doors for me,” she noted. “From visibility to professional connections, it’s helped me gain recognition and land opportunities I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.”
Through Ignite Her, she hopes to further showcase African talent to a global audience and gain access to more platforms where she can continue to train and inspire others. “My goal is to empower the next generation, to help them become independent and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she said.
One of her key challenges remains space. With a larger facility, she says she could expand her reach and accommodate more trainees. Despite the limitations, she continues to train children for free and charges a token fee of N25,000 for women—a modest sum aimed at encouraging serious commitment.
“I believe in giving back,” she said. “Every skill passed on is a step closer to a self-reliant society.”
Through her work, Favor is weaving not just cords, but opportunities turning thread into purpose for a new generation of artisans.
