The Israeli government has announced the launch of 40 new startup opportunities for Nigerian innovators, aiming to enhance productivity, attract investment, and build local capacity in skill development and entrepreneurship.
This initiative was highlighted during the visit of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz, to the Innov8 hub in Abuja.
Her visit coincided with the 4th Graduation Ceremony of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers, which supports young Nigerian innovators.
Accompanied by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, and the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, the minister commended the role of Innov8 as a hub that nurtures Nigerian talent. Over the years, the facility has served as an incubator for startups across various sectors, empowering local innovators to leverage technology in solving societal challenges.
She said, “Giving opportunity to brilliant minds in Nigeria in different fields of energy, agriculture, and recycling is advancing humanity,” adding that the knowledge in Nigeria will enhance the capability of the people for productivity in areas of skill acquisition.
She further emphasized the global relevance of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and its potential to stimulate economic growth. According to her, fostering innovation is a strategic pathway to job creation and sustainable development.
“We are opening this project with another 40 start-ups that will be able to apply for a new programme and a new internship that will revive the Nigerian brilliant and creative minds to apply for this programme to make their dream come true, to learn skills and develop them to advance humanity and advance their country,” she said.
In his remarks, TETFUND Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to capitalize on its demographic strengths. He highlighted innovation, creativity, investment, and value addition as key drivers for national growth and economic diversification.
