In a major boost for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, the Innovation Support Network (ISN) has unveiled a bold strategic roadmap aimed at scaling 120 startups, creating over 10,000 jobs, and driving sustainable SME growth by Q4 2027. The announcement was made during the high-profile Lagos Hubs Meetup held at the Cedar STEM & Entrepreneurship Hub in Yaba, Lagos, where innovators, founders, ecosystem builders, and policymakers gathered to chart the future of innovation support in the country.
A Vision for Growth: Startups, Jobs & Investment Readiness
At the heart of ISN’s 2027 roadmap is a bold vision to transform the Nigerian innovation ecosystem into a globally competitive and inclusive landscape. According to Hanson Johnson, Chairman of ISN, the initiative aims to drive measurable impact by equipping early-stage ventures with the tools they need to scale from ideation to market leadership — strengthening the pipeline of investment-ready startups and SMEs.
“Our innovation hubs are no longer just physical working spaces — they are engines of economic resilience and technological progress across Nigeria,” Johnson said, emphasizing the need for collaboration, capacity building, and strategic funding to unlock the true potential of local entrepreneurs.
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Five Strategic Pillars to Strengthen the Ecosystem
The ISN strategy hinges on five key pillars that together form a comprehensive plan for 2024-2027:
- Startup Scaling: Support 120 high-potential startups with tailored resources, mentorship, and market access.
- Talent Development: Train 30,000 Nigerians in digital and entrepreneurial skills to enhance employability.
- Job Creation: Facilitate at least 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities through supported ventures.
- Funding Mobilization: Secure over $3 million in follow-on financing for startups and SMEs over five years.
- Ecosystem Strengthening: Foster an interconnected network of innovation hubs and support organizations.
These pillars reflect ISN’s commitment to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem that not only attracts investment but also nurtures talent and fosters long-term sustainability for businesses across sectors.
Launching Data-Driven Tools for Better Decision-Making
To support these ambitious goals, ISN plans to publish the Nigeria Innovation Hub Assessment Report in 2026 — a first-of-its-kind study that reviewed over 190 innovation hubs nationwide. Supported by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union, the report aims to fill critical knowledge gaps around legal structures, operational models, sector focus areas, and ecosystem challenges.
Johnson explained that the data-driven insights will help shape evidence-based policy, targeted funding, and effective support programs — addressing longstanding hurdles such as limited access to capital, infrastructure constraints, and capacity-building gaps.
In a move set to professionalize support services, ISN is piloting an Audit and Certification Framework for Innovation Support Organizations. This tiered system — spanning Foundational, Standard, and Advanced levels — will help assess the maturity, credibility, and impact of innovation hubs across Nigeria.
By introducing quality benchmarks and accountability mechanisms, the certification aims to improve service delivery, reduce fragmentation in the ecosystem, and elevate the standards of support available to entrepreneurs.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Entrepreneurial Future
With this ambitious 2027 roadmap, the Innovation Support Network is setting a new standard for startup growth, job creation, and SME development in Nigeria. The strategy signals a shift from “startup enthusiasm” to ecosystem effectiveness, prioritizing measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability.
For founders, investors, and ecosystem partners, ISN’s strategic blueprint offers a clear pathway to stronger collaboration, deeper talent pipelines, and more funding opportunities for innovators ready to scale.
