🔥 Trending Nigeria Launches $350,000 Funding Program for Startups

The Nigerian Federal Government (FG)-backed Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program is a comprehensive initiative designed to bolster Nigeria's startup ecosystem. Launched in 2023 with a total funding of $617.7 million, iDICE aims to support Nigerian founders from early-stage ideas to scalable ventures through targeted training, mentorship, and access to capital ¹⁶.

Objectives of the iDICE Program

The primary goals of the iDICE program are multifaceted, focusing on both direct support to startups and broader ecosystem development:

• Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem: iDICE seeks to enhance the early-stage startup environment in Nigeria by providing crucial resources and support mechanisms ³.
• Funding and Investment: The program offers grants and equity investments to tech entrepreneurs and creative enterprises, aiming to bridge funding gaps ²⁵.
• Capacity Building: It provides structured entrepreneurship and growth platforms, including training and mentorship, to equip founders with the necessary skills for success ¹⁵.
• Crowding in Private Investment: Beyond direct funding, iDICE is designed to attract additional private-sector investment into Nigeria's innovation ecosystem by creating a pipeline of investable businesses and supporting financing mechanisms ⁴.
• Job Creation and Economic Growth: By nurturing digital and creative enterprises, the program aims to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities across the country.

Key Components and Offerings

The iDICE program encompasses several key components tailored to support startups at various stages:

iDICE Startup Bridge

This is a structured accelerator program that forms a core part of iDICE. It focuses on supporting early-stage startups with:

• Grants: Startups can receive grants of up to ₦10 million ⁷⁸.
• Equity Investment: The program also offers equity funding, with some sources indicating up to $100,000 in equity funding opportunities ⁸.
• Training and Mentorship: Participants benefit from targeted training and mentorship from experienced professionals ¹⁵.
• Access to Capital: Beyond grants and direct equity, the program facilitates access to further investment opportunities ⁷.

Funding Details

The iDICE initiative represents one of the largest government-backed efforts to stimulate investment in Nigeria's digital economy, with an initial funding of $617.7 million ⁶. The program recorded its first startup investment in late 2025 through Ventures Platform, a seed-stage venture capital firm ⁶.

Eligibility and Coverage

The program has a national coverage, with all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory eligible to benefit ⁹. Direct beneficiaries are selected based on transparent criteria and competitive calls ⁹.

Application Process

Applications for programs like the iDICE Startup Bridge are periodically opened. For instance, the call for applications for the iDICE Startup Bridge Program 2026 was announced, with grants of up to ₦10 million available ⁷. Interested startups are typically required to apply through designated portals ⁶⁸.

The iDICE program is a significant step by the Nigerian government to foster innovation, support local talent, and position Nigeria as a leader in the digital and creative economies.