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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to connect Nigerian technology startups with private sector investors, corporate customers and new commercial opportunities.
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between technology innovation and market demand by leveraging NACCIMA’s network of more than 120 city, state and bilateral chambers, alongside industrial conglomerates, to attract investment and expand market access for indigenous technology businesses.
The organisations announced the collaboration on Monday following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and the alignment of a joint technical working group to coordinate implementation.
NACCIMA to connect startups with investors and corporate buyers
Under the agreement, NACCIMA will serve as an investor pipeline and commercial off-taker facilitator for NITDA-backed startups, technology ventures and enterprise financing initiatives.
The association will organise business-to-business (B2B) deal rooms, mobilise corporate investors and venture capital firms, participate in startup evaluation panels and connect local technology companies with potential corporate buyers.
The approach is designed to help Nigerian startups move beyond product development to securing commercial contracts, attracting capital and establishing sustainable business relationships.
Priority sectors include manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and services, where technology adoption can support productivity improvements, operational efficiency and broader market access.
An immediate focus will be mobilising private sector participation for the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2026, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 10 to 12.
NITDA targets stronger commercial outcomes for local innovators
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa said the collaboration would help local technology innovators translate their solutions into commercial opportunities by improving access to corporate customers and investment.
“Combining government policy leadership with the active commercial demand of the organised private sector creates an unprecedented growth engine for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” Inuwa said.
He added that the partnership would give homegrown startups more direct access to corporate buyers, domestic capital and sustainable commercial contracts.
By bringing government-led digital development initiatives closer to established businesses and investors, the arrangement seeks to strengthen the connection between Nigeria’s technology ecosystem and the wider economy.
Partnership targets 10,000 MSMEs with digital and AI tools
The agreement also provides for a national programme targeting 10,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
Participating businesses are expected to receive practical artificial intelligence (AI) tools, digital skills development, financial readiness support and access to market opportunities.
The initiative is intended to help smaller businesses strengthen their capacity to adopt digital technologies and participate more effectively in commercial markets.
NACCIMA National President Jani Ibrahim said the agreement would position Nigerian commerce and industry to benefit more directly from technology adoption.
“NACCIMA is committed to serving as the primary off-taker and investor pipeline for NITDA-supported startups,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that connecting agriculture, manufacturing, trade and mining with digital solutions and technical talent from the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme could improve enterprise productivity and contribute to a more resilient economy.
Digital trust mark initiative to support compliance and cybersecurity
The collaboration also includes plans for a digital trust mark platform intended to onboard verified businesses and strengthen compliance with data protection and cybersecurity requirements.
The proposed platform is expected to promote adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, improve cybersecurity readiness and build confidence among businesses operating across regional trade corridors.
For businesses adopting digital solutions, stronger data protection practices and cybersecurity readiness can help establish trust with customers, commercial partners and investors.
The initiative could also support enterprises seeking to participate in cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where digital trust and compliance are relevant to business relationships across multiple markets.
Expanding investment and market access for Nigeria’s technology ecosystem
The NITDA-NACCIMA partnership brings together government-led digital development efforts and the organised private sector’s commercial networks to address some of the barriers facing Nigerian technology startups.
By facilitating investment connections, corporate procurement opportunities, MSME digital adoption and stronger compliance practices, the collaboration aims to create more pathways for indigenous technology businesses to scale.
The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on implementation, the level of private sector participation and the ability to convert startup-investor connections into sustained commercial relationships. Its planned activities also place digital skills, enterprise readiness and trust at the centre of efforts to expand technology adoption across Nigeria’s economy.
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