csrreporters 
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially launched the second cohort of its transformative IgniteHer Bootcamp, reaffirming its commitment to empowering Nigerian women through technology and entrepreneurship.
With the theme “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Growth and Innovation,” the bootcamp brings together a vibrant group of female innovators and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria—both onsite and online—for intensive training in digital skills, innovation management, business development, and investor readiness. This initiative is made possible through a strategic collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
At the launch event, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, underscored the programme’s pivotal role in driving women’s economic inclusion and national innovation.
“Through IgniteHer, we are actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding women’s access to technology and economic opportunity,” Tambuwal stated.
The bootcamp is a core component of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (2024–2027) and aligns closely with the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS). NITDA aims to equip 12.7 million Nigerian women with digital literacy skills by 2027, making IgniteHer a vital instrument for poverty reduction, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
From over 12,000 applications, selected participants are undergoing hands-on capacity building, gaining not only technical and business knowledge but also the confidence to lead, innovate, and grow sustainable businesses.
“We are not merely imparting skills; we are creating self-reliant entrepreneurs, change-makers, and leaders,” said the DG.
Citing data from the World Wide Web Foundation, Inuwa highlighted that closing the digital gender gap in Nigeria could unlock as much as $13 billion in GDP growth over the next decade.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reaffirmed Japan’s enduring support for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and gender equity efforts. He revealed that JICA is currently backing two grant projects worth $30.9 million, focused on strengthening Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and building inclusive innovation hubs.
Looking ahead to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” Ambassador Kazuyoshi emphasized Japan’s commitment to shaping a digitally inclusive future in partnership with Africa.
Lead facilitator, Hajiya Hafsat Salabi-Dange, described IgniteHer not just as a training programme but as a movement for transformation and community upliftment.
“What you gain here goes beyond business. It is a tool for national growth and generational impact,” she said, urging participants to pay it forward within their communities.
As Nigeria advances in its digital transformation journey, initiatives like IgniteHer are not only closing the gender divide but also paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient economy. Every new line of code written, pitch delivered, and business idea developed is a step toward ensuring that no woman is left behind in the nation’s digital future
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