Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chair of the iDICE Steering Committee, has formally launched additional investment initiatives under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, aimed at supporting Nigerian startups in the technology and creative sectors. The launch featured an anchor investment in a new venture fund managed by Ventures Platform, which achieved a $64 million first-round close and targets a final close of $75 million, with contributions from institutional partners including the IFC, Standard Bank of South Africa, and British International Investment (BII).
Speaking on the milestone, Vice President Shettima described the launch as a key step in unleashing the potential of Nigerian youth and advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda. The programme, valued at $617 million, focuses on building skills, expanding access to finance, and creating a pro-business environment to empower young Nigerians aged 15-35 and foster innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
The iDICE initiative will introduce two additional funds in 2026: a Creative Sector Fund targeting startups in film, music, fashion, and digital media, and a Fund of Funds to invest in smaller funds supporting technology and creative enterprises. Supported by international partners including the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and French Development Agency, with the Bank of Industry as co-investor, iDICE aims to create jobs, accelerate high-growth enterprises, and transform Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
