Nigerian Women Innovators Take Centre Stage @ TICAD 9

2 weeks ago

15 2 minutes read

Nigerian Women Innovators Take Centre Stage @ TICAD 9 — NITDA TICAD.jpg

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The director-general, National Information Technology Development Agency, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi (third from left) flanked by the finalists of the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs in Japan.

Nigerian women are asserting themselves on the global stage, showcasing bold solutions and reshaping the narrative of tech-led growth at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

Held in Yokohama, Japan, the conference, themed “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” brought together leaders and investors to explore partnerships and chart new avenues for development.

At a high-level session on Africa’s startup ecosystems, three Nigerian women innovators, all finalists of the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, presented their groundbreaking ideas to Japanese investors and global partners. The bootcamp, a joint initiative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was designed to address the barriers women face in technology, particularly in funding and mentorship.

Founder of Nextwear Technologies, Kemisola Bolarinwa introduced an AI-powered device for early detection of breast abnormalities, a solution that leverages innovation to tackle one of the most pressing health challenges facing women.

Founder of Nibi’s Tech, Anita Ngeri pitched her education technology company that equips young Nigerians with digital skills including coding, robotics and artificial intelligence, with a focus on schools in the Niger Delta. Co-founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, Odion Ikyo presented MaternalRecord Pro, the country’s first AI-driven, multi-tenant data automation platform for primary healthcare centres, which aims to replace paper records, enable real-time data capture and reduce maternal mortality.

Their participation underscored both the dynamism of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and the pivotal role of women-led startups in Africa’s development. The event also aligned with Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative to build stronger startup ecosystems, expand funding access and foster partnerships between African innovators and Japanese investors.

Speaking at the event, officials noted that supporting women entrepreneurs is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic imperative for national development. With women-led ventures driving solutions in health, education and public service delivery, stakeholders emphasised that unlocking their potential would accelerate inclusive growth across Africa.

As Nigeria advances its digital transformation agenda, NITDA has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women innovators and deepening global collaborations that open doors to investment and knowledge exchange. The strong showing of these women at TICAD 9 sent a clear message: Africa’s future will be shaped by innovation and women must remain at the centre of that story.