Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme has revealed plans to roll out two new funds in 2026 to boost financing for startups in the country’s technology and creative industries. The announcement comes as the initiative officially begins investing, with a major first move being an anchor commitment to a new venture fund managed by Ventures Platform.
The fund reached a first close of 64 million dollars last Thursday, November 6, backed by investors such as the International Finance Corporation, Standard Bank of South Africa, and British International Investment. Ventures Platform was appointed in August 2025 as the fund manager for iDICE’s technology component after a competitive selection process overseen by the programme’s partners.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, described the milestone as a significant moment for the Federal Government’s push to unlock the potential of young Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He said the start of iDICE’s investments signals the government’s determination to support youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
Bank of Industry CEO Olasupo Olusi welcomed the development, noting that the government’s participation in Ventures Platform Fund II strengthens its commitment to scaling the technology and creative sectors through strategic support for high-growth, tech-enabled businesses. He added that the effort aligns with Nigeria’s wider economic transformation goals, including mass job creation and empowering entrepreneurs nationwide.
Ventures Platform founding partner Kola Aina said the firm is proud to serve as iDICE’s technology fund manager and looks forward to helping young innovators turn their ideas into impactful solutions that contribute to national growth.
The iDICE programme operates across three major focus areas: developing skilled digital and creative talent, improving access to financing through multiple investment instruments, and shaping a more supportive policy environment for innovation and enterprise. As part of its 2026 plan, the programme will also unveil a dedicated creative sector fund targeting early-stage ventures and a “fund of funds” designed to invest in smaller capital pools supporting both tech and creative startups.
Launched with 617 million dollars in backing from the African Development Bank Group, the Islamic Development Bank, and the French Development Agency, iDICE aims to equip Nigerians aged 15 to 35 with the skills, funding, and support needed to thrive in the digital and creative economy. The Bank of Industry serves as co-investor and implementing agency.
Ventures Platform, founded in 2016, has invested in more than 90 African startups, including Paystack, Piggyvest, Moniepoint, and LemFi, and is positioned to play a central role in driving the next wave of Nigerian innovation.
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