KOICA Nigeria Startup Support Project Launches Invitational Training Program

An invitational training program aimed at strengthening Nigeria's digital startup ecosystem has officially begun.

The program is being conducted as part of the "Project for Establishing a Startup Digital Innovation Academy to Support Youth and SME Innovation Growth in Nigeria," supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The project is being implemented by a consortium consisting of Soongsil University, Maincontents, and Eduniety Lab.

The invitational training program brings together policy officials from SMEDAN and relevant Nigerian federal government agencies. It was designed to share Korea's experience in startup policy and ecosystem development while exploring operational strategies and policy cooperation models applicable to Nigeria's local context.

The program officially began with an orientation and welcome session held at Soongsil University. During the session, participants were introduced to the project overview, objectives, training schedule, and key program components. The event also provided an opportunity for Nigerian participants and Korean implementing organizations to discuss future areas of cooperation.

The training program includes lectures, site visits, workshops, and discussion sessions. Participants are expected to explore Korea's startup support policies and institutional frameworks, university- and public-sector-based entrepreneurship programs, as well as startup incubation and investment linkage systems.

Hwang Gi-hyun, PM of the project, stated, "This invitational training program is an important step for helping Nigerian policy officials understand the project's direction and operational structure while building the foundation for future cooperation during the implementation stage."

He added, "By systematically sharing the project overview, objectives, participant structure, and operational plans, we aim to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian government and related institutions."

Meanwhile, the project aims to support innovation-driven growth for Nigerian youth and SMEs while establishing a sustainable digital startup ecosystem through the ACE operational model.