The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have launched the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja to empower Nigerian women entrepreneurs. The five-day program focuses on business skills, digital literacy, and financial inclusion.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja. This five-day intensive program aims to equip women with the skills and resources needed to succeed in business and drive economic transformation in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, represented by Mrs. Iklima Musa, Special Adviser on Strategic Partnerships, highlighted the importance of gender inclusion in Nigeria’s economic development. He stated that as the world celebrates International Women’s Day and Month, it is crucial to recognize that empowering women is not just about fairness but about unlocking the full potential of society. The IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp aligns with the global push for gender equality and economic inclusion, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to thrive.
NITDA acknowledged JICA’s commitment to empowering women and fostering sustainable development in Nigeria. According to Inuwa, the collaboration demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in driving meaningful change. Quoting Ravi Shankar, he reiterated that women shape the world, drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and inspire future generations. This vision is what IgniteHer seeks to achieve by breaking down the barriers limiting women in business.
About the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
The IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is specifically designed to address key challenges that women in Nigeria face in business, including limited digital literacy, restricted access to financial resources, and structural barriers that hinder business growth. Many women entrepreneurs struggle with technology adoption, limiting their ability to scale their businesses. They also face difficulties obtaining loans or funding to expand their ventures, and they often encounter legal, operational, and strategic business challenges.
Over the course of five days, women entrepreneurs will receive training in foundational business skills, scaling strategies, sustainability practices, and strategic planning. They will learn how to understand market trends, manage finances, expand their businesses, and adopt eco-friendly and socially responsible business models. The program also emphasizes the importance of long-term business planning to ensure sustained growth.
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Inuwa expressed confidence that empowering women in business is a strategic imperative for national development, as female entrepreneurs contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and innovation. He stressed that supporting women in business will ultimately boost the country’s economy and foster a more inclusive business environment.
Speaking on behalf of JICA, representative Nao Fuwa expressed excitement about the program’s potential impact. He described it as a great opportunity for women and encouraged participants to be fully engaged. He urged them to ask questions, be interactive, and enjoy the event, reinforcing the idea that active participation is key to making the most of the IgniteHer Bootcamp.
Fuwa also stressed the broader impact of the initiative, stating that the event will not only shape the participants but will also shape the vision of Nigeria’s economy. The IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is positioned to be a catalyst for long-term change. By addressing the unique struggles faced by female entrepreneurs, it seeks to create a more inclusive and digitally empowered business environment in Nigeria.
Inuwa encouraged participants to embrace the bootcamp with an open mind, a spirit of collaboration, and a drive to excel. He urged them to see this as an opportunity to refine their skills, expand their horizons, and connect with mentors and peers who will support their journey. He left them with a powerful message, reminding them that the future belongs to those who dare to dream, innovate, and take bold steps toward their goals. This, he said, is their moment to shine.
The IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, spearheaded by NITDA and JICA, is a groundbreaking initiative set to empower Nigerian women in business. By providing essential skills, mentorship, and strategic insights, the program ensures that more women entrepreneurs can contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy and economic growth. As the bootcamp unfolds, its impact will be measured not just in knowledge gained but in businesses transformed and lives changed.
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