The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has opened a new investment window for Nigerian startups developing technology-driven solutions to some of the country’s pressing business and social challenges.
The initiative will provide emerging technology companies with an opportunity to connect directly with investors, venture capital firms and financial institutions through the Digital Nigeria Builders Festival 2026.
NITDA said the programme is targeted at startups that are already addressing identifiable market needs, testing their products and services, and building businesses with potential for expansion.
The agency urged investors to look beyond conventional startup presentations and engage directly with founders to understand the problems their businesses are addressing and the solutions they have developed.
“Don’t just hear the pitch. See the problem. Understand the solution. Meet the builder,” NITDA said.
Applications for the Builders Festival opened on September 26 and are scheduled to close on October 16, 2026. Selected startups will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibitions (DNICE) 2026, scheduled for November 10 to 12.
The festival is being organised by NITDA in partnership with Tech Revolution Africa and is designed to create connections between innovative startups and potential sources of funding.
According to information from the official Digital Nigeria platform, the wider Builders Festival programme is focused on connecting institutions with deployment-ready startups capable of addressing real operational challenges through technology. The programme includes a matching process and deal-room engagements at DNICE 2026.
The initiative comes as Nigeria’s technology ecosystem continues to develop, with startups increasingly creating locally focused solutions across sectors including financial services, healthcare, governance, telecommunications and other areas.
NITDA encouraged investors to use the platform to discover emerging businesses, interact with founders and explore potential investment opportunities.
For participating startups, the programme offers an avenue to demonstrate the practical value of their products while gaining exposure to investors and institutions seeking technology-based solutions.
The agency said the initiative is intended to strengthen the connection between innovation, investment and real-world problem-solving within Nigeria’s growing digital economy. @+234 703 552 5048
NITDA Launches Investment Window for Nigerian Tech Startups
