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Nigeria and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in research, technology, and innovation, with both countries pledging to expand partnerships that support entrepreneurship, accelerate research commercialisation, and drive sustainable economic development.
The commitment was reiterated during the closing ceremony and innovation showcase of the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) held in Abuja, where stakeholders highlighted the growing impact of cross-border collaboration in building Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
During the event, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced that funding had been secured for the fifth edition of the fellowship programme, scheduled to commence in October 2026.
I-FAIR to Return for Fifth Edition
Freeman described the I-FAIR initiative as a practical example of the expanding innovation partnership between Nigeria and Israel, noting that the programme focuses on empowering Nigerian innovators to develop homegrown solutions to local challenges through mentorship and technical collaboration.
According to him, the fellowship is designed to strengthen indigenous innovation rather than import foreign solutions.
“This programme has never been about bringing Israeli solutions to Nigeria. It has always been about helping brilliant Nigerian innovators create Nigerian solutions to Nigerian challenges, supported by Israeli experience, mentorship and innovation,” he said.
The ambassador explained that the initiative has successfully brought together government agencies, academic institutions, investors, engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses capable of generating employment and contributing to economic growth.
Announcing the continuation of the programme, Freeman confirmed that the next cohort would begin later this year.
“I am proud to announce that, together with our partners, we have secured funding for I-FAIR 5, which will launch in October 2026,” he stated.
Bilateral Cooperation Expands Across Strategic Sectors
Freeman noted that relations between Nigeria and Israel have continued to deepen over the past four and a half years through collaboration across multiple sectors, including technology, agriculture, healthcare, education, cybersecurity, water management, and innovation.
He expressed confidence that expanding cooperation would unlock new opportunities for startups, research institutions, and technology-driven businesses in both countries.
According to him, Israel contributes technical expertise, innovation, and experience across several industries, while Nigeria offers entrepreneurial talent, creativity, and one of Africa’s largest youthful populations.
“Israel brings experience in innovation, technology, agriculture, healthcare, cybersecurity, security and water management, while Nigeria brings extraordinary talent, creativity, entrepreneurship and one of the most dynamic young populations anywhere in the world,” he said.
Freeman added that the partnership between both nations is expected to continue evolving as they explore new areas of collaboration that promote innovation-led economic growth.
TETFund Prioritises Research Commercialisation
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem through strategic partnerships and innovation-focused initiatives.
He said the I-FAIR programme aligns with the country’s priorities in agriculture, food security, healthcare, clean energy, technology, and the circular economy.
According to Echono, TETFund remains committed to supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and commercial enterprise.
He stressed that stronger collaboration between government, academia, and industry is essential for transforming research outcomes into products, services, and businesses that deliver socioeconomic benefits.
“The linkage between science, engineering, technology, innovation and the productive sector is essential for translating research and development outcomes into finished products that benefit society,” he said.
Innovation Infrastructure and Student Funding Expanded
Echono disclosed that TETFund is collaborating with partners to establish innovation hubs across approximately 60 tertiary institutions nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation capacity.
He also revealed that the Fund has introduced a Student Innovation Fund, which will provide up to ₦50 million in financial support for students with commercially viable innovations and technology-driven business ideas.
The initiative is expected to encourage entrepreneurship, promote technology transfer, and accelerate the commercialisation of academic research.
In addition, Echono announced plans to organise a National Research Fair later this year, providing innovators with an opportunity to showcase their products before policymakers, investors, financial institutions, and potential commercial partners.
The event is expected to facilitate investment opportunities and strengthen collaboration between researchers and industry.
Paying tribute to Ambassador Freeman, Echono commended his contributions to strengthening relations between Nigeria and Israel.
“Nigeria is grateful for your service. You have been a strong bridge between our two countries,” he said.
Innov8 Hub Highlights Need for Stronger Innovation Ecosystem
Earlier, the Head of Programmes at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, emphasised that sustainable economic development depends on building an ecosystem capable of transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses.
She noted that Innov8 Hub has supported more than 3,000 innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, helping them convert research outcomes into products, startups, and investment-ready ventures.
According to Aina, Nigeria possesses abundant talent, but stronger institutional support is required to help innovators commercialise their ideas.
“Nigeria does not suffer from a shortage of brilliant minds. What we need are stronger pathways that enable ideas to become products, businesses and opportunities that improve lives,” she said.
She also commended the Embassy of Israel and TETFund for their continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem through collaborative programmes.
According to her, long-term partnerships between government, development institutions, academia, and the private sector remain essential to building an innovation-driven economy capable of supporting entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and creating sustainable jobs.
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