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2025 NITDA

Digital Innovation

Challenge

Empowering MSMEs through Emerging Technology

Group
Okta

Solutions That
120 100 80 60 40 20 0 MPH
Move The Needle

This edition of the NDIC invites innovators to build bold, practical solutions that solve challenges for Nigeria's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

From automating business processes to improving market access, teams will apply emerging tech to enable growth, resilience, and digital inclusion for MSMEs.

Challenge Structure

The challenge is a 3–stage competition designed to spotlight innovation from every corner of Nigeria.

Compete at the state level, rise through the regions, and battle for the grand prize at the national level.

37 Qualifiers State Level (36 States + FCT)
6 Regional Winners Regional Level (6 Geo–Political Zones)
1 Grand Prize Winner National Level
Focus Area

Focus Areas

Tackle real challenges MSMEs face by building a solution in one of these key impact areas.

Inventory and logistics optimization
Business compliance automation
Access to finance and credit for MSMEs
MSME data collection & decision-making
Digital storefronts & marketplace platforms
Women-led or informal MSME digitization

How the Challenge Works

From problem to pitch, here's what you'll do, step by step.

1

Identify a core MSME pain point in your state

Pinpoint a pressing problem faced by MSMEs in your state that needs an innovative solution.

2

Build a simple tech-driven product idea

Build a simple tech-driven product idea that addresses the problem you've identified.

3

Participate in a sprint with expert mentors

Join a fast-paced sprint with expert mentors who'll help you refine and improve your solution.

4

Present your solution to a panel of judges

Present your refined solution to a panel of expert judges who will evaluate your innovation.

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Competition Timeline

26 - 15
May - June
2025
Application window (State-Level)
State level applications open
16 - 22
June
2025
State Evaluation
Evaluation of competing teams start at the state level
30 - 06
June - July
2025
Regional Hackathons
Evaluation of competing teams start at the state level
21 - 27
July
2025
National Demo Day
Evaluation of competing teams start at the state level
28 - 03
July - Aug
2025
Post Program Support
State level applications open

Eligibility Criteria

Teams

Teams

Teams of 2–5 people, combining tech and business skillsets.

Nationality

Nationality

Must represent a Nigerian state based on familiarity or affiliation.

Age

Age

All team members must be 18 years or older.

Join 500 teams building products that shape the country