News Highlights:
- Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Essential Skills
- Building a Strong Entrepreneurial Network and Future Opportunities
No fewer than 90 female entrepreneurs were equipped with vital digital knowledge, skills, and networks to launch and grow their thriving businesses at the just-concluded IgniteHer Bootcamp, a premier initiative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The programme, which successfully wrapped up on Friday, March 7, 2025, spanned an intensive five days, immersing participants in expert-led sessions and interactive learning. Throughout the bootcamp, they gained hands-on experience in business development, financial management, and digital transformation.
The IgniteHer Bootcamp was designed to enhance digital literacy, expand market opportunities, and promote technology adoption while tackling systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in entrepreneurship.
Its goal was to bridge the gender gap in business and technology by equipping women with essential skills in financial management, business planning, and sustainability.
The programme also provided access to mentorship and industry experts to support business growth. Each day of the bootcamp delivered high-impact learning, ensuring participants left with practical strategies to advance their entrepreneurial journey.
The first day centred on understanding gender disparities in entrepreneurship. Participants examined systemic challenges such as funding gaps and societal biases while learning strategies to navigate and overcome these obstacles.
On the second day, the focus shifted to business fundamentals, covering business plan development, break-even analysis, and the Lean Business Model Canvas. A hands-on session on setting SMART goals equipped participants with the tools to create structured business plans.
Day three emphasized digital literacy, including cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and human resource and financial management. Practical sessions introduced participants to digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business operations.
The fourth day explored digital transformation and business expansion. Entrepreneurs discovered how to leverage technology and artificial intelligence for growth, with sessions on digital branding, digital marketing, and essential tools for enhancing operational efficiency.
The final day featured a dynamic panel discussion with industry experts, including a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist. Moderated by an ecosystem accelerator, the session provided valuable insights on business growth, funding opportunities, and strategies for overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.
An open discussion followed, allowing participants to reflect on their experiences and outline their next steps. The bootcamp was highly interactive, incorporating discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies. Many participants shared their key takeaways on LinkedIn and other platforms, highlighting the program’s lasting impact.
One participant, Imaobong Edukere, described her experience as transformative, saying: “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly life-changing experience for me. It’s my first time being part of such a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs, learning from their wealth of knowledge.
“I now feel more equipped to apply what I’ve learned and create a lasting impact in society. Thank you, NITDA and JICA, for this invaluable growth, timely support, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—I have just been IGNITED!”
Similarly, Hadiza Isah Mohammed shared: “Good morning, everyone. This has been one of the most inspiring bootcamps I’ve ever attended. I was at the verge of giving up on my dreams because nothing seemed to be working, but now I’ve been reignited and am ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers!”
The initiative cultivated a strong network of women entrepreneurs, fostering mentorship and long-term collaboration, and came to an end with a vote of thanks from the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, who highlighted an exciting opportunity for select businesses and startups to participate in a startup event in Japan, scheduled for August 2025, which offers a unique platform to network and establish partnerships with Japanese companies.
Participants were also given a link to apply their learnings by submitting a pitch deck or business plan for their current or prospective ventures.
NITDA remains committed to supporting these businesses, ensuring they make a meaningful impact in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic growth.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands as a transformative program, driving progress in bridging the gender gap in business and empowering women to thrive in the digital economy.
