The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced the Builders Festival, an initiative targeting ₦3 billion in investments and contracts for Nigerian startups as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s digital economy.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa disclosed this at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, describing the initiative as a major boost to Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
He said the festival aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms aimed at creating an enabling business environment, attracting investments and strengthening private-sector participation in economic growth.
According to him, the initiative connects Nigerian innovators with practical business opportunities by matching pre-qualified startups with more than 100 verified operational challenges submitted by ministries, government agencies, corporate organisations and financial institutions.
Inuwa explained that the three-day festival featured a Deal Room where startups and potential clients could negotiate pilot projects, sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and secure investment and contract opportunities.
He said the initiative goes beyond raising capital to address one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian startups: access to customers and markets.
He noted that encouraging public institutions and private organisations to adopt locally developed technology solutions would create opportunities for startups to expand their businesses, generate employment, retain skilled talent and contribute to the growth of the digital economy.
“With Nigerian startups raising $635 million in the first nine months of 2026, the ₦3 billion pipeline further strengthens the country’s position as a leading destination for startup investment in Africa,” he said.
The Builders Festival underscores efforts to translate discussions and innovations at the Digital Nigeria International Conference into tangible economic opportunities, while placing homegrown technology solutions at the centre of Nigeria’s development.
