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By Stella Odueme
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have entered into a strategic public-private partnership to boost investment in Nigerian startups, promote technology adoption and expand commercial opportunities for indigenous enterprises.
The partnership positions NACCIMA as a private-sector investment pipeline and commercial off-take facilitator for NITDA-backed startups, technology ventures and enterprise financing initiatives.
The collaboration is expected to bridge the gap between technology innovators and market demand by connecting startups with investors, corporate buyers and businesses across NACCIMA's network of more than 120 city, state and bilateral chambers, as well as industrial conglomerates.
According to a statement jointly signed by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications at NITDA, and Dr Segun H. Olugbile, NACCIMA Digital Economy Coordinator and Chairman of its Digital Economy Trade Group, on Monday, the initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations and the alignment of their Joint Technical Working Group (TWG), co-chaired by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director of Special Duties at NITDA, and Dr Segun H. Olugbile, NACCIMA National Digital Economy Coordinator.
Under the partnership, NACCIMA will lead private-sector mobilisation for the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2026, scheduled for November 10 to 12 in Abuja.
The association will also organise business-to-business (B2B) deal rooms, mobilise corporate investors and venture capital firms, participate in startup evaluation juries and connect indigenous technology startups with corporate off-takers in manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and services.
Another component of the partnership is a national programme designed to equip 10,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with practical artificial intelligence tools, digital skills, financial readiness structures and market access opportunities.
The organisations will also introduce a digital trust mark platform to onboard verified businesses and promote compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, cybersecurity readiness and digital trust across regional trade corridors, including those covered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
NITDA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the partnership would combine government policy leadership with private-sector commercial demand to accelerate the growth of Nigeria's digital ecosystem.
He said the collaboration would enable indigenous startups and technology innovators to access corporate buyers, domestic capital and sustainable commercial contracts.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that technology innovators can translate their solutions into commercially viable products and services.
NACCIMA National President, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, said the partnership would position Nigerian commerce and industry at the forefront of technology adoption.
Ibrahim said NACCIMA was committed to serving as a major investment pipeline and commercial off-taker for NITDA-supported startups.
He added that connecting traditional sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade and mining with innovative digital solutions and talents from the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme would improve enterprise productivity and strengthen Nigeria's economy.
To ensure effective implementation, the two organisations have established a Joint Technical Working Group comprising senior officials from both institutions.
The team is finalising the enterprise pipeline, deal-room structures and launch arrangements ahead of the formal unveiling of the partnership at DNICE 2026 in Abuja.
Enterprises, corporate investors, technology vendors and startups interested in participating in the B2B deal rooms or the 10,000 MSME AI Enterprise Accelerator are expected to obtain registration updates through NACCIMA's Digital Economy Desk and NITDA's official platforms.