iDICE Startup Bridge to Power Nigeria’s Agri-Tech and Business Innovation

News in Brief:

-The iDICE Startup Bridge Programme is supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs, including agri-tech founders, with funding, mentorship, and tools to grow their ideas into scalable businesses.

-Through initiatives like Founders Lab and Growth Lab, the programme aims to strengthen innovation, expand access beyond major cities, and boost investment in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

Nigeria’s growing agri-tech and agribusiness ecosystem is set to benefit from a new wave of innovation support following the launch of the iDICE Startup Bridge Programme. Designed to help entrepreneurs move from idea to scale, the initiative opens up fresh opportunities for startups tackling challenges in agriculture, food systems, and rural value chains.

The programme operates under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), a Federal Government-backed initiative implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI) and supported by global partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

For Nigeria’s agri-tech founders, many of whom operate outside major tech hubs, the programme offers a structured pathway to develop scalable solutions in areas such as precision farming, supply chain logistics, agri-financing, and food processing.

Funding and Support for Early-Stage Founders

Vice President Kashim Shettima described iDICE as a tool to unlock jobs and drive economic inclusion, particularly among young Nigerians. This aligns closely with agriculture’s role as one of the country’s largest employers and a key sector for innovation-led growth.

At the core of the Startup Bridge are two tracks: Founders Lab and Growth Lab. Founders Lab, which has opened for applications, is a 12-week programme targeting early-stage entrepreneurs, including those with agri-tech ideas or prototypes. Participants will receive mentorship, training, and access to resources needed to validate their business models.

Notably, the top 100 participants will each receive ₦10 million in grant funding, creating a potential ₦1 billion injection into Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. For agribusiness innovators, this could support the development of solutions ranging from farm management tools to market access platforms for smallholder farmers.

According to Cindy Ezerioha, Head of Founders Lab, the programme is designed to help founders validate problems, build minimum viable products, and prepare for investment. Importantly, it aims to expand access beyond Lagos and Abuja by working with innovation hubs across all 36 states and the FCT.

Growth Opportunities for Scaling Startups

The Growth Lab, expected later in the year, will focus on scaling startups by providing up to $100,000 in equity investment, alongside governance support and access to follow-on funding. Selected startups may also receive additional matching funds.

With partnerships spanning global tech firms and local enablers, the iDICE Startup Bridge is positioned to strengthen Nigeria’s pipeline of investable startups—including those transforming agriculture through technology.

For agri-tech entrepreneurs, the message is clear: the opportunity to build, validate, and scale impactful solutions has never been more accessible.