“NBTI Leads Nigeria’s Innovation Renaissance: A New Era of Technological Advancements”
By Gambo Jagindi
October 02, 2025
Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is on the rise, driven by a youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic investments. The country’s thriving startup scene is not only fueling economic development but also transforming the lives of millions of Nigerians. At the forefront of this revolution are innovative startups that are redefining traditional industries and creating new opportunities for growth and development.
The FinTech sector is one area where Nigerian startups are making significant strides. Companies like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Interswitch are pioneering financial solutions that offer innovative services like mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending, and online banking platforms. These startups have made financial services accessible to millions of Nigerians, driving financial inclusion and economic growth.
In the HealthTech space, startups like 54gene and Lifebank are advancing medical research and providing solutions tailored to the African population’s unique health needs. These companies are improving access to quality healthcare and addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. AgriTech startups like ThriveAgric and FarmCrowdy are also essential for improving food security and supporting local farmers. These companies provide innovative solutions that give farmers access to funding, markets, and data-driven farming techniques.
The Nigerian government has launched initiatives to support the innovation ecosystem, including the development of an $11.2 million innovation hub in Abuja, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The AfriLabs InnovateNaija Challenge, a N250 million initiative launched by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in partnership with AfriLabs, is another example of the government’s commitment to supporting innovation.
Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is attracting global recognition and investment, with companies like Microsoft and Flapmax collaborating to promote local innovation and advance financial inclusion. The country has also seen significant investment in its startup scene, with over $2 billion in funding raised between 2015 and 2022.
As Nigeria continues to invest in its innovation ecosystem, the country is poised to become a leader in Africa’s tech space. With a growing number of startups, increasing investment, and government support, Nigeria’s innovation renaissance is set to drive economic growth, improve lives, and position the country as a hub for technological innovation in Africa. The launch of the NBTI Global App, a powerful platform linking Nigerian innovations with diaspora markets, global investors, and African entrepreneurs worldwide, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The app’s launch is part of a broader strategy to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, and to position the country as a hub for technological innovation in Africa. With the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 edition on the horizon, Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is set to continue its growth trajectory, driving economic development and transforming the lives of millions of Nigerians. As Dr. Kazeem Kolawole, Director General/CEO of NBTI, notes, “We are not exporting talents—we are amplifying solutions from Africa to the world. The NextGen Innovation Challenge is Nigeria’s innovation renaissance, and we will not stop until the youth of this nation have a seat at every global innovation table.”