By Stella Odueme
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has introduced the Builders Festival, an initiative designed to attract ₦3 billion in investments and contract opportunities for Nigerian startups.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, announced the initiative at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.
He said the festival was aimed at connecting local innovators with business opportunities, while strengthening the country's startup ecosystem in line with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms.
According to him, the initiative provides a platform for pre-qualified startups to engage with more than 100 verified operational challenges identified by ministries, government agencies, corporate organisations and financial institutions.
Inuwa explained that the three-day festival featured a Deal Room where startups could meet prospective clients, negotiate pilot projects, sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and secure investment and contract opportunities.
He noted that beyond raising funds, the initiative was designed to address one of the major challenges confronting startups in Nigeria: limited access to customers and markets.
He said the programme would promote the adoption of locally developed technologies by public and private sector organisations, enabling startups to expand their operations, create employment, retain skilled talent and contribute to the growth of the digital economy.
The NITDA boss disclosed that Nigerian startups raised $635 million in the first nine months of 2026, adding that the additional ₦3 billion investment pipeline would further strengthen Nigeria's position as a leading destination for startup investments in Africa.
He said the Builders Festival underscored the Federal Government's commitment to converting technology-driven ideas and innovation into practical economic opportunities, with locally developed solutions playing a central role in national development.