The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama, Japan, became a defining moment for Nigeria’s digital future as three women innovators showcased ground-breaking solutions before an audience of global leaders and Japanese investors.
At the conference, themed “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” the innovators’ pitches, Digital TimesNG learnt, not only highlighted the strength of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem but also reaffirmed the strategic importance of empowering women in technology as drivers of inclusive growth.
At a thematic session on Africa’s startup ecosystems, the innovators, all finalists from the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, demonstrated how Nigerian women are rewriting the continent’s innovation story.
The bootcamp, jointly organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was designed to dismantle barriers such as limited access to funding and mentorship that often hold back women in the tech space.
One of the standout innovators, Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder of Nextwear Technologies, presented an AI-powered device for early detection of breast abnormalities, a health-tech breakthrough with the potential to transform cancer screening and save countless lives, an innovation that underscored the role of grassroots solutions in tackling pressing public health challenges.
Another finalist, Anita Ngeri, Founder of Nibi’s Tech, pitched her company’s edtech model that equips young Nigerians with digital skills in coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and web design. Working particularly in the Niger Delta, Nibi’s Tech partners with schools to bridge the digital divide and nurture a pipeline of future innovators and leaders.
Also taking the stage was Odion Ikyo, Co-Founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, who introduced MaternalRecord Pro, Nigeria’s first AI-powered, multi-tenant data automation platform for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
The solution replaces paper-based maternal records with real-time data capture and risk detection, aiming to drastically reduce maternal mortality across the country.
Their collective presence at TICAD 9 reflected the broader objectives of Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative to strengthen startup ecosystems, expand funding opportunities, and foster cross-continental partnerships.
As Nigeria pursues its digital transformation agenda, NITDA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting global collaborations to unlock inclusive economic growth.
The message from Yokohama was clear: empowering women in technology is no longer just a matter of equity, it is a strategic imperative for national and continental development.
