By Nkechi Eze
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled a ₦3 billion investment and contract pipeline for Nigerian startups through its Builders Festival initiative, aimed at connecting local innovators with investors, customers and business opportunities.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, announced this at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, describing the initiative as a major boost to Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
According to him, the Builders Festival aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms aimed at creating an enabling business environment, attracting investment and strengthening private-sector participation in economic growth.
He explained that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between Nigerian innovators and real 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 said the festival’s three-day Deal Room provided a platform for startups and prospective clients to negotiate pilot projects, sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and secure investment and contract opportunities.
He noted that beyond attracting investment, the initiative was designed to address one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian startups: access to customers.
According to him, encouraging public institutions and private organisations to adopt locally developed technological solutions would create opportunities for startups to scale their businesses, generate employment, retain local talent and contribute to the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The NITDA boss disclosed that Nigerian startups raised $635 million in the first nine months of 2026, noting that the additional ₦3 billion investment and contract pipeline would further strengthen the country’s position as a leading destination for startup investment in Africa.
He said the Builders Festival demonstrated how the Digital Nigeria International Conference was translating discussions and technological innovations into tangible economic opportunities by placing homegrown solutions at the centre of Nigeria’s development.
