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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced the Builders Festival, an initiative targeting ₦3 billion in investments and contract opportunities for Nigerian startups as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s digital innovation ecosystem.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, announced the initiative at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, describing it as a strategic intervention to connect indigenous technology startups with viable business opportunities.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment, attracting investments and strengthening private-sector participation in Nigeria’s economic growth.
According to Inuwa, the Builders Festival is designed to bridge the gap between innovation and market opportunities by connecting pre-qualified Nigerian startups with more than 100 verified operational challenges submitted by ministries, government agencies, corporate organisations and financial institutions.
A major component of the three-day festival was its Deal Room, which provided a structured platform for startups and prospective clients to negotiate pilot projects, sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and explore investment and contract opportunities.
The NITDA chief explained that the initiative goes beyond investment mobilisation to address one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian startups: access to customers and sustainable markets.
He noted that by encouraging public institutions and private organisations to adopt locally developed technology solutions, the initiative would create opportunities for indigenous startups to scale their businesses, generate employment, retain skilled talent and contribute to the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Inuwa further disclosed that Nigerian startups raised $635 million in the first nine months of 2026, noting that the ₦3 billion investment and contract pipeline would further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for startup investment in Africa.
The Builders Festival underscores NITDA’s commitment to advancing indigenous innovation, expanding opportunities for technology entrepreneurs and translating Nigeria’s growing digital capabilities into tangible economic value.
