NITDA, NACCIMA Partner To Unlock Investment, Markets For Nigerian Startups …Target 10,000 MSMEs for AI-driven transformation

"The partnership is designed to bridge the gap between technology innovation and market demand by connecting indigenous startups with corporate investors, venture capital firms and commercial off-takers across Nigeria’s manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, mining and services sectors." NITDA. NACCIMA 

.... Says "The partnership would focus on three priority initiatives."

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have partnered to mobilise private-sector investment, expand market access and secure commercial contracts for Nigerian startups and technology-driven enterprises.

The partnership is designed to bridge the gap between technology innovation and market demand by connecting indigenous startups with corporate investors, venture capital firms and commercial off-takers across Nigeria’s manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, mining and services sectors.

Under the arrangement, NACCIMA will serve as a private-sector investment pipeline and commercial off-take facilitator for NITDA-backed startups, technology ventures and enterprise financing initiatives.

The collaboration will leverage NACCIMA’s network of more than 120 city, state and bilateral chambers, alongside industrial conglomerates, to facilitate investment opportunities and accelerate the adoption of locally developed digital solutions.

A joint statement by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hadiza Umar, FNIPR, and NACCIMA Digital Economy Coordinator and Chairman of its Digital Economy Trade Group, Dr Segun H. Olugbile, said the partnership would focus on three priority initiatives.

The first is private-sector mobilisation for the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2026, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 10 to 12.

Under the initiative, NACCIMA will organise business-to-business (B2B) deal rooms, mobilise corporate investors and venture capital firms, participate in startup evaluation juries and connect indigenous technology businesses with potential corporate buyers.

The initiative is expected to create direct commercial opportunities for startups, particularly those developing solutions for manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and other productive sectors of the economy.

The second priority is an AI Enterprise Accelerator programme designed to equip 10,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with practical artificial intelligence tools, digital skills, financial readiness structures and market access opportunities.

The programme is expected to strengthen the capacity of small businesses to adopt emerging technologies, improve productivity and compete more effectively in an increasingly digital economy.

The third initiative involves the development of a digital trust mark platform to onboard verified businesses and strengthen compliance with data protection and cybersecurity requirements.

The platform will promote adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, improve cybersecurity readiness and build digital trust among businesses operating across regional trade corridors, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking on the partnership, NITDA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said combining government policy leadership with the commercial strength of the organised private sector would create new opportunities for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

He said the collaboration would ensure that indigenous startups and technology innovators moved beyond developing solutions to securing access to corporate buyers, domestic capital and sustainable commercial contracts.

According to him, the partnership is intended to strengthen the link between technology innovation and the needs of businesses, ensuring that locally developed solutions find practical applications across critical sectors of the economy.

NACCIMA National President, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, mni, FNSE, FAEng., OON, said the alliance would position Nigerian commerce and industry at the forefront of technology adoption.

Ibrahim said NACCIMA was committed to serving as a major investment pipeline and commercial off-taker for NITDA-supported startups, while promoting the integration of digital technologies into traditional industries.

He noted that connecting agriculture, manufacturing, trade and mining with innovative digital solutions and technical talent from the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme would boost enterprise productivity and contribute to building a resilient, future-ready economy.

To ensure effective implementation, both organisations have established a Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising senior officials from NITDA and NACCIMA.

The group is co-chaired by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Special Duties at NITDA, and Dr Segun H. Olugbile, NACCIMA National Digital Economy Coordinator.

The working group is currently finalising the enterprise pipeline, B2B deal-room structures and operational arrangements ahead of the formal unveiling of the initiatives at DNICE 2026 in Abuja.

Businesses, corporate investors, technology vendors and startups interested in participating in the B2B deal rooms or the 10,000-MSME AI Enterprise Accelerator are expected to obtain registration updates through the official NACCIMA Digital Economy Desk and NITDA portals.

NITDA is Nigeria’s public agency responsible for coordinating and driving information technology development, digital transformation and the country’s ambition to become a leading digital hub in Africa.

NACCIMA, on its part, serves as the umbrella organisation for Nigeria’s organised private sector, representing chambers of commerce, business associations and corporate enterprises nationwide.