Nigerian women-led enterprises are gaining global recognition in the field of innovation, as three startups founded by women showcased their groundbreaking solutions before Japanese investors and stakeholders at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed.
The featured startups emerged as finalists from the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs — a programme spearheaded by NITDA in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). They pitched their projects during a session focused on Africa’s startup and SME landscape, highlighting the potential of female innovators on the continent.
Among the showcased ventures, Nextwear Technologies presented an artificial intelligence-driven device created to aid early detection of breast abnormalities, with the goal of improving access to quality healthcare. Nibi’s Tech demonstrated its digital learning initiatives, which provide Nigerian youths with skills in areas such as coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and website development. Meanwhile, PrimeSafePath Solutions unveiled MaternalRecord Pro, an AI-powered health data platform designed to support primary healthcare centres and lower maternal mortality rates.
According to NITDA, the IgniteHer initiative seeks to break systemic barriers that restrict women’s advancement in technology and entrepreneurship, particularly in terms of limited access to capital, structured mentorship, and vital business networks.
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The programme also aligns with JICA’s Project NINJA, which is focused on reinforcing startup and SME ecosystems across Africa, broadening channels for investment, and creating meaningful connections between local innovators and international partners.
Industry analysts observed that these presentations not only spotlighted the significant role of Nigerian women-led SMEs in advancing digital innovation but also opened doors for increased investment inflows, global collaborations, and opportunities to scale within Africa’s rapidly evolving technology space.
