By Saminu Ibrahim
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have entered into a strategic public-private partnership aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy and expanding access to investment and markets for indigenous technology startups.
Under the partnership, NACCIMA will serve as a private-sector investment pipeline and commercial off-taker facilitator for NITDA-backed startups, technology ventures and enterprise financing initiatives.
The collaboration is designed to connect technology innovators with investors, corporate buyers and businesses across the country through NACCIMA’s network of more than 120 city, state and bilateral chambers, as well as major industrial enterprises.
The initiative follows the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the alignment of a Joint Technical Working Group (TWG) established by both organisations to coordinate implementation.
The working group is co-chaired by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Special Duties at NITDA, and Dr Segun H. Olugbile, NACCIMA’s National Digital Economy Coordinator.
As part of the immediate implementation plan, NACCIMA will mobilise private-sector participation in the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2026, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 10 to 12.
The association will organise business-to-business (B2B) deal rooms, mobilise corporate investors and venture capital firms, participate in startup evaluation panels and connect indigenous technology companies with potential corporate buyers in manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and services.
The partnership will also introduce a national programme, the 10,000 AI Enterprise Accelerator, aimed at equipping 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 support and market access opportunities.
Another component of the collaboration is the proposed launch of a digital trust mark platform to onboard verified businesses and promote compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards.
The platform is expected to support adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, strengthen digital trust and facilitate business transactions along regional trade corridors, including those covered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking on the partnership, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said combining government policy leadership with the commercial capacity of the organised private sector would help strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
He said the collaboration would enable indigenous startups and technology innovators to move beyond developing solutions to securing access to corporate buyers, domestic investment and sustainable commercial contracts.
According to him, NACCIMA’s nationwide business network would provide a platform for connecting technology companies with enterprises seeking digital solutions.
Similarly, NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, said the partnership would position Nigerian commerce and industry to benefit from increased technology adoption.
Ibrahim said the association was committed to serving as a major investment pipeline and commercial off-taker for NITDA-supported startups.
He added that connecting traditional sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, trade and mining, with innovative digital solutions and talent from the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme would help improve enterprise productivity and build a more resilient economy.
To ensure effective implementation, the two organisations have deployed the Joint Technical Working Group to coordinate daily operations.
The team is currently finalising the enterprise pipeline, deal-room structures and launch arrangements ahead of the formal unveiling of the initiatives at DNICE 2026 in Abuja.
Enterprises, corporate investors, technology vendors and startups interested in participating in the B2B deal rooms or the 10,000 AI Enterprise Accelerator are expected to obtain registration updates through NACCIMA’s Digital Economy Desk and NITDA’s official communication channels.
NITDA is responsible for coordinating and promoting information technology development, standardisation and digital transformation in Nigeria, while NACCIMA represents the organised private sector through its network of chambers, business associations and corporate enterprises across the country.
