NigComSat Launches Digital Empowerment Initiative to Support Over 5,000 Startups and MSMEs in Nigeria
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited has strengthened its role in Nigeria’s digital economy with a broad empowerment initiative that has supported over 5,000 startups, positioning them for growth within the country’s evolving MSME ecosystem.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat, Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this at the 2026 SOYUZNIK Alumni National Congress in Abuja, where she highlighted the organisation’s expanding efforts to bridge the gap between innovation and real economic impact.
According to her, the initiative anchored on the agency’s Space Accelerator Program—has entered its third cohort, providing structured support to startups operating within Nigeria’s growing space and technology ecosystem. The program focuses on nurturing innovation, building capacity, and enabling startups to scale into viable businesses.
“In NigComSat, through our Space Accelerator Programme, now in its third cohort, we have supported over 5,000 startups, nurturing Nigeria’s emerging space and technology ecosystem,” she said.
Beyond startup incubation, the agency has also prioritised digital skills development as a key pillar of its empowerment strategy. Through its Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) training programs, young Nigerians across states such as Adamawa State, Jigawa State, Cross River State, and Enugu State have been equipped with practical, employable skills in satellite technology and digital connectivity.
MSME platform access
These interventions are designed to strengthen the talent pipeline supporting MSMEs, particularly in sectors where reliable connectivity and technical expertise are essential for growth.
Egerton-Idehen also pointed to infrastructure-driven initiatives such as the 774 Connectivity Project, which has delivered connectivity to dozens of local government secretariats, enhancing access to digital services and supporting governance at the grassroots level.
She added that NigComSat has extended broadband connectivity to several state ICT centres, creating opportunities for digital learning, enterprise development, and innovation-driven businesses.
The NigComSat boss emphasised that digital infrastructure now plays a critical role in enabling MSMEs to operate efficiently, access markets, and compete in a technology-driven economy.
“In today’s interconnected world, infrastructure is no longer limited to roads and bridges; it includes connectivity, data systems, cloud platforms, and satellite networks. Connectivity is the new oxygen of economic growth,” she said.
Startup mentorship program
She further stressed the need for Nigeria’s education system to evolve in line with the demands of the digital economy, noting that practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship must take centre stage in preparing young people for future opportunities.
With emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite communications, and data science reshaping industries, stakeholders say initiatives like NigComSat’s empowerment drive are critical to unlocking the full potential of startups and MSMEs, while accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a digital and innovation-led economy.
