The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), themed “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” served as a crucial platform for showcasing innovative technological advancements emerging from the African continent. Nigerian women entrepreneurs took center stage, demonstrating the power of technology to address critical challenges in healthcare, education, and maternal health. These presentations underscored the significant role women-led startups play in shaping Africa’s digital future and fostering sustainable development. This confluence of African innovation and international collaboration exemplified the conference’s core objective of forging partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for growth across the continent.
Three Nigerian innovators, finalists from the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, a joint initiative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), presented their groundbreaking solutions to a global audience of investors and partners. The bootcamp embodies a concerted effort to empower women in the technology sector by addressing persistent barriers such as limited access to funding, mentorship, and professional networks. By nurturing a supportive environment and providing access to essential resources, IgniteHer aims to cultivate a thriving community of women tech entrepreneurs poised to transform their communities and the continent at large.
Kemisola Bolarinwa, the founder of Nextwear Technologies, presented an AI-powered device designed for the early detection of potential breast abnormalities. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve public health outcomes by enabling timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately contributing to reduced mortality rates and improved quality of life for women. Bolarinwa’s work exemplifies the potential of technology to address pressing healthcare challenges and empower individuals with accessible and effective diagnostic tools.
Anita Ngeri, the founder of Nibi’s Tech, showcased her educational technology company’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians, particularly those in the underserved Niger Delta region, with crucial digital skills. Nibi’s Tech focuses on providing training in coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and web design, empowering the next generation with the technological prowess needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By focusing on a region often overlooked, Ngeri’s initiative embodies a commitment to inclusive development and equitable access to opportunity.
Odion Ikyo, the co-founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, presented MaternalRecord Pro, Nigeria’s first AI-powered, multi-tenant data automation platform designed specifically for primary healthcare centers. This innovative platform addresses the critical need for enhanced real-time data capture, contributing to improved maternal healthcare and a reduction in maternal mortality rates. Ikyo’s solution demonstrates the power of technology to streamline healthcare processes, improve data management, and ultimately save lives.
The participation of these Nigerian women entrepreneurs at TICAD9 highlighted the increasing prominence of Africa as a hub of technological innovation. Their presentations demonstrated the potential of technology to address critical development challenges across the continent, from healthcare and education to maternal health. These women are at the forefront of a growing movement of African innovators leveraging technology to create positive change and drive sustainable development.
The event aligned perfectly with Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative aimed at strengthening startup ecosystems across Africa. Project NINJA focuses on expanding funding opportunities for African startups and fostering valuable partnerships between these emerging companies and Japanese investors. By connecting African innovation with global capital and expertise, Project NINJA aims to accelerate the growth of African startups and contribute to the continent’s broader economic development. The showcasing of Nigerian women entrepreneurs at TICAD9 served as a testament to the potential of these initiatives to drive meaningful impact and unlock the transformative power of technology in Africa. Their presentations not only highlighted the innovative spirit of African entrepreneurs but also underscored the crucial role of international collaboration in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem and supporting sustainable development across the continent.
