The Federal Government is set to roll out two new funding initiatives in 2026 under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme — a move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s growing tech and creative startup ecosystem.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, announced that the funds will build on the programme’s recent $64 million investment milestone, signalling renewed federal commitment to youth-driven innovation and job creation.
According to government sources, the upcoming funds will support early-stage startups, strengthen innovation hubs, and attract global investors to Nigeria’s digital economy. The initiative will also prioritize inclusion, ensuring women and young entrepreneurs gain access to capital and mentorship.
Vice President Shettima emphasized that the iDICE programme represents the government’s strategy to make Nigeria a leading hub for technology and creative talent in Africa.
“With the success we’ve achieved so far, the next phase is to empower more Nigerian innovators to transform ideas into sustainable businesses,” Shettima said.
Launched in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and French Development Agency (AFD), the iDICE programme is a multi-billion-naira intervention designed to nurture the country’s innovation ecosystem and create millions of jobs across digital and creative industries.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 rollout, industry players say the new funds could become a game changer for Nigeria’s startup landscape — unlocking new opportunities for tech founders, digital artists, and creative entrepreneurs nationwide.
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