TICAD9: Nigerian women innovators shine, advance a Nigeria’s tech-driven future in Japan

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA with the Winners of IgniteHer Bootcamp Competition, in Yokohama, Japan        Photo: NITDA

*Nigerian women showcased innovative solutions to drive a new narrative of technology-led growth with access to funding and mentorship at the recent Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, held in Yokohama, Japan

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Taking the centre stage before the global community, who gathered in Yokohama, Japan, Nigerian women have showcased innovative solutions, driving a new narrative of tech-led growth at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

The conference, with the theme: “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, served as a critical platform for leaders and investors to forge partnerships and explore new avenues for the continent’s development.

ConsumerConnect reports the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said the key thematic global event focused on the future of Africa’s startup ecosystems.

Three Nigerian women innovators, all finalists from the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, mounted the global stage, and pitched their groundbreaking solutions to a distinguished audience of Japanese investors and international partners.

NITDA disclosed the bootcamp was a joint initiative by Nigeria’s IT sector regulator and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

According to the agency, both NITDA and JICA specifically designed the initiative to dismantle the significant barriers that women face in the tech world, including limited access to funding and mentorship.

The agency also noted that one of the standout presentations came from Kemisola Bolarinwa, a female innovator and Founder of Nextwear Technologies.

Bolarinwa showcased a cutting-edge, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered device for early detection of potential breast abnormalities.

Her solution leverages technology to address a critical health challenge, demonstrating the power of grassroots innovation in public healthcare.

Anita Ngeri, Founder of Nibi’s Tech, an educational technology company, in Nigeria, also made another pitch at the bootcamp before the global partners and potential investors.

Ngeri’s solution is designed to provide young Nigerians with digital skills for the future.

NITDA explained Nibi’s Tech company partners with schools, particularly in the Niger Delta region, to offer hands-on training in subjects, such as coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Web Design.

The tech compai is focused on bridging the digital divide and nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders, stated the agency.

Odion Ikyo, Co-founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, pitched her company’s flagship product, MaternalRecord Pro.

According to NITDA, this platform is Nigeria’s first AI-powered, multi-tenant data automation system, designed to replace outdated paper records in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

By enabling real-time data capture and early risk detection, MaternalRecord Pro aims to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates across the country.

The agency also affirmed that the presence of the young innovators at the event in Japan further highlighted not only Nigeria’s vibrant tech ecosystem, but also the pivotal role of women-led startups in shaping Africa’s future.

The Nigerian IT sector regulator averred that their participation aligns with the objectives of Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative dedicated to building robust startup ecosystems, expanding funding opportunities, and fostering strategic partnerships between African startups and Japanese investors.

The agency stated: “As Nigeria continues to advance its digital transformation agenda, NITDA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and strengthening global collaborations to unlock new opportunities for inclusive economic growth.

“This event underscores a powerful message: empowering women in technology is not just about equity, but a strategic economic imperative for national development.”