NITDA, NACCIMA partner to drive startup funding, market access in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have announced a strategic public-private partnership aimed at accelerating the country’s digital economy growth.

Under the partnership, NACCIMA serves as an official private-sector investor pipeline and commercial off-taker facilitator for NITDA-backed startups, technology ventures, and enterprise financing initiatives.

The collaboration bridges the gap between government technology supply—innovators and regulatory frameworks—and real-sector demand across NACCIMA’s nationwide network of over 120 city, state, and bilateral chambers, as well as industrial conglomerates.

Following the execution of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the alignment of the NITDA–NACCIMA Joint Technical Working Group (TWG), co-chaired by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director, Special Duties Directorate, NITDA and Dr Segun H. Olugbile, the National Digital Economy Coordinator, NACCIMA both institutions are deploying three immediate priority initiatives.

NACCIMA will lead private-sector mobilisation for DNICE 2026 scheduled for Abuja from 10–12 November 2026. NACCIMA will curate B2B Deal Rooms, mobilise corporate investors and venture capital firms, participate in startup evaluation juries, and connect indigenous tech startups directly with corporate off-takers across manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, and services.

A national programme designed to equip 10,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with practical AI tools, digital skills, financial readiness structures, and market access pathways across all 36 states and the FCT.

A joint compliance effort through the launch of a digital trust mark platform designed to onboard verified businesses, ensuring adherence to data protection standards (NDPA 2023), cybersecurity readiness, and digital trust across regional trade corridors such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Combining government policy leadership with the active commercial demand of the organised private sector creates an unprecedented growth engine for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”

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“Through NACCIMA, we are ensuring that indigenous startups and tech innovators do not just build solutions, but gain direct access to corporate buyers, domestic capital, and sustainable commercial contracts.”

“This strategic alliance positions Nigerian commerce and industry at the forefront of technology adoption. NACCIMA is committed to serving as the primary off-taker and investor pipeline for NITDA-supported startups.

“By connecting traditional industries—agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and mining—with innovative digital solutions and 3MTT technical talent, we are driving enterprise productivity and building a resilient, future-ready economy,” (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, National President, NACCIMA, said.

To drive daily operational execution, a Joint Technical Working Group comprising senior leads from both NITDA and NACCIMA has been deployed. The team is currently finalising the enterprise pipeline, deal-room structures, and launch modalities ahead of the formal unveiling at DNICE 2026 in Abuja.

Enterprises, corporate investors, tech vendors, and startups seeking to participate in the B2B deal rooms or the 10,000 AI Enterprise Accelerator can access registration updates through the official NACCIMA Digital Economy Desk and NITDA portals.