Benue partners Japan to boost digital innovation, startups
The Benue State Government and the Japanese government have entered into a partnership to develop the state’s digital and technological ecosystem.
This was disclosed on Friday in Makurdi by the Programme Team Leader for Benue Test Kits, Mr Jeff Udende.
According to him, the terms of the partnership include developing and building the technical skills of startups from scratch, as well as sourcing funds to help them grow into tech companies.
Jeff stated that the Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is carrying out this initiative, noting that the project is expected to create jobs for youths and generate revenue for the state.
He said, “This is an initiative of the Benue Governor, following the state government’s training of 10,000 youths in ICT. There were two phases — some were trained for direct employment, while others were trained to become employers of labour.
“These individuals came together with different technical skills. The benefit of partnering with JICA is to build these startups from the ground up. Everything related to establishing the final startup, to be selected on the demo day, will be fully supported by JICA.
“From company registration to sourcing funds for their growth, JICA will handle everything. The Benue State Government will hand over the winners to JICA for further development.
“The selected winners will showcase their innovations, and the best will receive full funding to become a tech company. The benefit is that these companies will generate revenue for Benue. Many of them are focused on local content and are already solving problems.
“It is a fulfilment of the Governor’s promise to create jobs in the digital economy and showcase Benue’s potential in the tech sector.”
Also speaking, Não Fawa Fuwa, JICA’s Expert on Strategy and Startups for Nigeria and Africa, said JICA has been working and offering support in Nigeria since 2020.
Fuwa noted that while most people consider Lagos and Abuja as innovation hubs, Benue has the potential to become a centre for innovation as well.
He said, “I saw many innovative ideas, and I believe Benue can be an innovation hub in these areas. That is my expectation, and JICA remains committed to supporting Benue’s startups for the future. We will provide technical support to the seven winners.”
During the event, several ICT groups showcased their expertise in digital technology, particularly in creating programmes and websites designed to solve societal and social problems. At the end of the competition, seven groups emerged as winners.
