The IgniteHer Bootcamp, a groundbreaking initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), concluded on Friday, March 7, after five days of intensive training aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. The program brought together 90 female entrepreneurs and focused on equipping participants with essential digital skills, business strategies, and mentorship opportunities to help them scale their ventures and contribute to economic growth.
Held as part of NITDA’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and digital transformation, the bootcamp addressed systemic barriers that often impede women’s participation in entrepreneurship. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and real-world case studies, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and the use of technology to drive growth.
Tech Digest reported that the bootcamp began with a comprehensive examination of gender disparities in business, addressing challenges such as funding gaps and societal biases. Participants were taught strategies to overcome these obstacles, setting a positive tone for the days ahead. The second day concentrated on business planning, featuring sessions on the Lean Business Model Canvas, break-even analysis, and setting SMART goals to assist participants in developing structured business plans.
The third day emphasized digital literacy, where participants learned about cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and financial management. Practical workshops on digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business management provided valuable hands-on experience. The fourth day focused on digital transformation, with entrepreneurs exploring how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to scale their businesses. Topics discussed included digital branding, marketing, and tools for operational efficiency.
The final day featured a panel discussion with industry experts, including a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist. Moderated by an ecosystem accelerator, the discussion offered insights into business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming entrepreneurial challenges. Participants also engaged in an open discussion to reflect on their learning and to plan their next steps.
The participants praised the bootcamp for its practical approach and transformative impact. Imaobong Edukere, one of the attendees, described the experience as life-changing. “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. It’s my first time being in a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and learning from their knowledge. I now feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and make a lasting impact in society,” she said.
Hadiza Isah Mohammed, another participant, shared how the program reignited her entrepreneurial spirit. “I was about to abandon my dreams because everything seemed hopeless, but I’ve been inspired and am ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers,” she said.
The bootcamp concluded with the announcement of a unique opportunity for select participants to travel to Japan in August 2025 for a startup event organized by JICA. This event will enable Nigerian entrepreneurs to network with Japanese companies and explore potential partnerships. Participants were encouraged to apply their learnings by submitting pitch decks or business plans for consideration.
Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of NITDA, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic growth. “NITDA is ready to guide these businesses to achieve a meaningful impact,” he stated.
The IgniteHer Bootcamp has set a new benchmark for empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. By providing access to cutting-edge tools, expert mentorship, and a supportive network, the program has equipped women to thrive in the digital economy. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants underscores the bootcamp’s success in bridging the gender gap and fostering sustainable growth.
As Nigeria continues to strive for greater gender inclusivity in business and technology, initiatives like the IgniteHer Bootcamp are paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. With the skills and confidence they have gained, these 90 women entrepreneurs are well-positioned to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development.
