By Chinenye Anuforo
Nigerian women are taking bold strides on the global innovation stage, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and reinforcing the role of women-led enterprises in Africa’s digital transformation at Nigerian women innovators shine at TICAD 9, driving Africa’s tech future the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
The high-level forum, themed Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa, brought together African leaders, global investors, and development partners in Yokohama, Japan, to chart new pathways for the continent’s growth. At a key session on Africa’s startup ecosystems, three Nigerian women entrepreneurs stood out as they pitched groundbreaking solutions to Japanese investors and international stakeholders.
The innovators, finalists of the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, a joint initiative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) addressed critical gaps in health, education, and maternal care through technology. The programme was designed to dismantle barriers that limit women’s access to funding, mentorship, and visibility in the tech sector.
Among the standout pitches was Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder of Nextwear Technologies, who unveiled an AI-powered device for early detection of breast abnormalities, offering a potentially life-saving tool in public health. Anita Ngeri, Founder of Nibi’s Tech, presented her edtech platform that equips Nigerian students, particularly in the Niger Delta, with hands-on digital skills such as coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Similarly, Odion Ikyo, Co-Founder of PrimeSafePath Solutions, introduced MaternalRecord Pro, Nigeria’s first AI-driven, multi-tenant data automation platform for Primary Healthcare Centres, designed to cut maternal mortality through real-time data and risk detection.
Their participation not only highlighted Nigeria’s thriving innovation ecosystem but also underscored the vital role of women-led startups in shaping Africa’s digital economy. The event also reinforced the goals of Project NINJA, JICA’s flagship initiative to strengthen startup ecosystems, expand funding access, and foster cross-border collaborations.
As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation agenda, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women innovators and driving partnerships that unlock opportunities for inclusive growth. The message from Yokohama was clear: empowering women in technology is more than a matter of equity—it is a strategic imperative for sustainable national and continental development.
