Nigeria Opens Tech Hub Program to All 37 States

Nigeria just opened applications for a program that could change where the next generation of tech founders gets their start.

The National Information Technology Development Agency, working with Japan's international aid agency, is selecting one innovation hub from each of Nigeria's 36 states and the capital territory. These 37 hubs will become local incubation centers, giving founders outside major cities access to the same structured support that Lagos and Abuja entrepreneurs enjoy.

The timing matters. Africa's startup scene raised $3.42 billion in 2025, but most of that opportunity flows to companies in big cities. Talented founders in smaller Nigerian cities often lack mentorship, training programs, and connections to investors.

Victoria Fabunmi leads the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation. She explained that iHatch takes a different approach than typical startup programs. "Rather than focusing only on startup recruitment, iHatch adopts a systems-level approach: build stronger hubs, standardize incubation quality, and improve investment readiness outcomes across all 36 states and the FCT," she said.

Selected hubs will commit to at least one year managing about five startups each. They'll guide these companies through a structured program designed to make them ready for growth and funding. Hubs get operational support and resources, with top performers earning additional rewards based on results.

The program looks for innovation hubs that have operated for at least a year and already engage with their local communities. They need physical space to host incubation activities and a track record of supporting their regions.

The Ripple Effect

This strategy of strengthening local ecosystem leaders creates something more lasting than one-time grants to individual startups. By equipping 37 hubs with training frameworks and coordinated support, Nigeria builds infrastructure that can help hundreds of founders over many years.

Each hub becomes a permanent resource in its state, offering consistent quality mentorship regardless of geography. The approach turns uneven access into reliable opportunity, giving founders in every corner of Nigeria a real shot at building successful companies.

Applications close March 16, opening the door for a more geographically balanced tech ecosystem where your state doesn't determine your startup's chances.