NITDA, JICA ORGANIZE 5-DAY "IGNITEHER BOOTCAMP" EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM FOR WOMEN'S ECONOMIC GROWTH

"The IgniteHer Bootcamp was specifically designed to foster digital literacy, market opportunities, and the use of technology while addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in entrepreneurship." NITDA 

.... It aimed to bridge the gender gap in business and technology, equip women with critical business knowledge in financial management, business planning, and sustainability, provide access to mentorship opportunities and industry experts to support business growth. 

A collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), under a flagship initiative; "The IgniteHer Bootcamp", was on Friday, March 7, 2025, successfully concluded in Nigeria.

Accordingly, the program which ran for a five day impactful period, empowered 90 female entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, skills, and networks to build and scale successful businesses. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and digital transformation.

The IgniteHer Bootcamp was specifically designed to foster digital literacy, market opportunities, and the use of technology while addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in entrepreneurship. It aimed to bridge the gender gap in business and technology, equip women with critical business knowledge in financial management, business planning, and sustainability, provide access to mentorship opportunities and industry experts to support business growth. Each day of the bootcamp delivered high-impact value, ensuring participants left with actionable strategies to strengthen their entrepreneurial journey.

The first day focused on understanding gender disparity in business. Participants explored systemic barriers limiting women in entrepreneurship, including funding gaps and societal biases, while gaining strategies to overcome these challenges. The second day delved into the fundamentals of a business plan, break-even business analysis, and the Lean Business Model Canvas, along with a practical session on setting SMART goals, enabling participants to develop structured business plans. On the third day, the focus was on digital literacy, the use of cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and human resource and financial management. In addition, there were practical sessions on the use of digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business management. The fourth day explored digital transformation and business growth, where entrepreneurs learned how to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to scale their businesses, covering digital branding, digital marketing, and essential digital tools for operational efficiency.

The final day featured a panel discussion with industry experts; a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist, moderated by an ecosystem accelerator who shared insights on business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship. The session concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their learning and plan their next steps. The bootcamp was highly interactive, with participants engaging in discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies. Many participants shared their key learnings on LinkedIn and other platforms, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact.

One participant, Imaobong Edukere, shared her experience, stating: “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. It's my first time being in a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and drinking from their knowledge... I now feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and make a lasting impact in society. Thank you, NITDA and JICA, for this valuable growth, timely support, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—I have just been IGNITED!” Another participant, Hadiza Isah Mohammed, wrote: “Hello, good morning everyone. This is one of the most inspirational bootcamps I've ever attended. I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I've been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers.”

The initiative fostered a strong network of women entrepreneurs, promoting mentorship and long-term collaboration. The session ended with a vote of thanks from the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, stressing the open opportunity for a tour to Japan for select businesses and startups who will have the opportunity to participate in a startup event in Japan scheduled for August 2025. 

This event provides a unique opportunity to network and partner with Japanese companies. Participants have been provided a link to apply their learnings and submit a pitch deck or business plan on their respective and prospective companies. Indeed, NITDA is ready to handhold these businesses to make an impact in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic growth.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands as a transformative program, driving progress in bridging the gender gap in business and empowering women to thrive in the digital economy.

Three takeaways from this program: 

1. Learning is a continuous process; we should not stop learning 

2. We have been enlightened to take full charge of our businesses by being involved in every aspect and being conscious of doing business the right way 

3. Leveraging on technology and digital media to grow our businesses

Below are testimonials from some of the participants.

Liz Ogah 

Good morning everyone. 

This is a well and understanding program I ever had received on business. So far the experience I had is alot but the most 3 keys here for me are:

1) As a small scale businesswoman I found it so easy to understand how to overcome my problems with my in-laws on this gender gap issues. 

2) The assignment given to us burst my mine on how to use some digital tool on business plan because they are new to me and your lessons on us make me a great achiever on them.

3) I also had a lot experience from all my Facilitators especially on how to get more customers through different  ways of marketing. 

Alhamdulillahi for the name of the project igniteHer am  inginite in all what you people have thought us.

Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity NITDA AND JICA. Really appreciate 🙏

- Fatima Muhammad

My Key take aways are:

1. I got exposed to AI and productivity tools I could adopt in my business to enhance business operations.

2. I got better understanding of how to go about my business plan and how to drafted my unique Lean BMC for my business.

3. I had a total mind change generally from this session on being resilient to grow my business

- Kokoma 

My take away from this session was:  

1. U can start again even when you fall  

2. Women can do better  

3. As small as it is u can also do better 

4. AI can help a lot in generating market planning

Indeed as small as my business is I really learned alot

- Zara Moris 

Hello good morning everyone this is one of the inspirational bootcamps I've ever attended.I was at d point of dropping my dreams cos everything seems not to work but I've been ignited n ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organisers 

-Hadiza Isah Mohammed

My takeaway is that even though AI is there to help me. I should also hone my creative ability. 

-Tamara Wodu

My key takeaways:

1. Leveraging AI for business growth. 

2. Learning the lean business model Canva. 

3. The importance of digital marketing for business growth.

-Eseohe Okhue 

Good morning everyone..

The past five days was worth it!!!

From unlearning, relearning 

It's been a mind shifting, mind blowing and of cos it has ignite a fire to do better and be best at the Agric industry!!

I see me going digital, using technology...

U all Wii see Alayofg on every click on the web!!!

Thank you to

NITDA and JICA..

May God bless your efforts

-Ann Ayorinde

My key take away are:

1. I didn't know the reality of gender gap until I heard people sharing their personal experience. 

2. Learning about the need to have Business Plan, that it's the roadmap to having a Successful Business 

3. The incorporation of Digital Marketing, Financially Literacy and using the technology . It has been really mind-blowing and insightful. Thank you very much for this opportunity

-Shukura Ojuile

Thank you to NITDA and jica 

I’m grateful to be with amazing women that share from their wealth of knowledge regarding digital marketing strategies . And as we celebrate women’s days tomorrow’s event such a wonderful opportunity and experience

-Modupeola Oduwole

Such an educative and inspiring program. – Hauwa Uda

Thank you so much for this opportunity. This program is really an eye opener, it has also change my perspective towards my business. With this 4 days training, I see my business grown bigger already in the next 3 months. And I promise to implement all that I have learnt during the bootcamp. Just that my question please how do we write a successful partnership request? – Maryam Ibrahim Hamza

Morning Everyone. Thank you for NITDA and JICA for this fantastic opportunity. My key highlights from the sessions this week have been:  

Learnings from the business plan and business model canvas - allowed me to revamp my business plan and incorporate smart goals for the months ahead, which I will definitely be implementing in my business. It will allow me to run my business in a structured way.

 I will also be looking at courses to help me with SEO and SEM marketing to help with my website. The sessions gave me confidence and the ability to look into doing these things myself.

Leveraging AI to help in my business - particularly with automating processes and email campaigns/lists. – Rume Oshenye 

Key highlights from me:

I am grateful for every moment in this boot camp especially because I have begun implementing the lessons learnt and I’m thriving already

1. During the ‘Leveraging Technology’ session yesterday I learnt how to analyse my website and implement changes to optimise my businesses presence.

2. I got to read the startup Act, something I never knew about, and it was very insightful to know all of the benefits and responsibilities I have as a startup in Nigeria. (I have a few questions on this though @Aisha) 

3. I have been very encouraged through the stories told by the facilitators and women in this boot camp. I am spurred up to become a Unicorn and to win at my dreams. 

– Magdalene-Ada Ogban

Thank you Nitda and JICA for organizing this kind of program.  It's a game changer for me 

My key takeaways:

*A great business idea is not enough; execution and strategy matter!

*AI is not just for tech companies; it can revolutionize any industry, including mine.

*Being present and intentional in business is very crucial  

This bootcamp has empowered me to refine my business strategy and embrace technology-driven innovation. 

Thank you – Ubeydat Ismail

3 Highlights for Me:

1. Business Model vs. Business Plan: Realizing the distinction between these two concepts was eye-opening and crucial for strategic thinking. Creating my first lean business model canvas and marketing plan was empowering. It showed me that I can contribute to product marketing even without being a specialist.

2. I learned to use Zoho Books, a tool I initially thought was only for accountants. Before joining this bootcamp, I was told it's a tool used by accountants only. 

3. Technology and AI: I learned how AI and various digital tools can enhance operations, improve decision-making, and simplify processes, ultimately boosting productivity.  

3 Key Takeaways:

1. The bootcamp reinforced that learning is a lifelong journey, and skills can be acquired regardless of one's field of study.

2. The focus on gender inclusivity and empowerment strategies was inspiring and motivating.

3. This was the best bootcamp I've attended, offering valuable insights and practical skills. The knowledge gained will be instrumental in developing our startup business.

A heartfelt thank you to NITDA, JICA and the facilitators for organizing such an impactful bootcamp. Your dedication and expertise made this the best entrepreneurship experience I've ever had. – Maimunat Ibrahim

Thank you so very very very much for this program I have really learnt a lot and it's priceless, motivating and inspiring 🥰🥰🥰  I got exposed to new things, successful entrepreneurs, new experiences on different aspects and it has really changed my thoughts, my perspective and my zeal to learning new things. Thank you all ❤️ - Fatima Jarma M. 

Today has really been inspiring…. Thank you to the facilitators for this amazing opportunity to hear from you, I’m

 having a paradigm shift from the experiences you shared! Thank you 🙏 – Ruth Tsaku