The IgniteHer Bootcamp, a flagship initiative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully concluded on Friday, March 7, 2025. The intensive five-day program empowered 90 female entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and networks to scale and sustain successful businesses.
The bootcamp was specifically designed to foster digital literacy, open up market opportunities, and address the systemic barriers that limit women’s participation in entrepreneurship. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and digital transformation.
Speaking on the initiative, the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA emphasized the program’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic growth and inclusive development.
“We are committed to handholding these businesses as they move from ideas to impact,” the Special Assistant stated, while announcing an exclusive opportunity for selected startups to participate in an international event in Japan scheduled for August 2025.
Five Days of Impactful Learning
Each day of the IgniteHer Bootcamp was crafted to deliver high-impact value, equipping participants with actionable strategies:
- Day One explored the gender disparity in business, identifying barriers such as funding gaps and societal biases. Participants were introduced to strategies to overcome these challenges and thrive in entrepreneurship.
- Day Two focused on the fundamentals of business planning, including break-even analysis, the Lean Business Model Canvas, and setting SMART goals.
- Day Three provided practical knowledge on digital literacy, covering cloud storage, internet safety, online communication, and HR and financial management. It also featured hands-on sessions on content creation, bookkeeping, and digital business management tools.
- Day Four emphasized digital transformation and business growth, teaching participants how to leverage technology and AI for scaling their ventures. Sessions also covered digital branding, digital marketing, and tools for operational efficiency.
- Day Five featured a panel discussion with industry experts, including a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist. Moderated by an ecosystem accelerator, the session highlighted funding opportunities and strategies for overcoming entrepreneurial challenges. The day concluded with an open discussion where participants shared insights and outlined their next steps.
Participants took to social media platforms, including LinkedIn, to express their gratitude and share their transformative experiences.
Imaobong Edukere, one of the attendees, described the bootcamp as “an incredibly transformative experience”, adding,
“It’s my first time being in a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and drinking from their knowledge… I now feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and make a lasting impact in society. Thank you, NITDA and JICA, for this valuable growth, timely support, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—I have just been IGNITED!”
Another participant, Hadiza Isah Mohammed, expressed her renewed determination,
“This is one of the most inspirational bootcamps I’ve ever attended. I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I’ve been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers.”
The IgniteHer Bootcamp did not end with training alone. Participants were invited to submit their pitch decks or business plans for the chance to join a startup event in Japan this August, providing them with global networking opportunities and potential partnerships with Japanese companies.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands out as a transformative initiative driving the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. It marks another bold step by NITDA and JICA in bridging the gender gap in business and ensuring women thrive in the digital economy.
