The Israeli Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel-Harpaz, has announced a major expansion of Israel’s innovation partnership with Nigeria, pledging more investments.
She also promised increased startup participation, and deeper collaboration across security, agriculture, tourism, and technology.
Speaking in Abuja at a press conference hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria, Haskel-Harpaz described the innovation hub project; a joint venture between both governments as a “true revolution” for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
The programme, which trains and supports entrepreneurs over six-month internships, will now open its doors to 40 additional startups, up from the current cohort of 20, after attracting more than 2,000 applications in the last round.
“We are seeing brilliant Nigerian minds in healthcare, energy, recycling, and fashion developing solutions that not only improve lives here, but have global impact.
“What is most remarkable is that production, skills, and know-how remain here in Nigeria even motherboards are being built locally and from here, you can export to the world,” she said.
The Deputy Minister noted that the programme has already created hundreds of jobs in tech-related sectors and supported agricultural innovations that have employed tens of thousands.
She added that millions of dollars have been invested in participating startups, with the Nigerian Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as well as the Tech Fund, serving as key partners.
On security, she pledged to share Israel’s counter-terrorism expertise with Nigeria, citing the country’s own battle with multiple hostile groups.
“If anyone can truly understand the heart of the Nigerian people and what they are going through, it’s us in Israel,” she said, revealing that border security training programmes for Nigerian officials will soon begin in Israel.
She urged both countries to take a united stand against terrorism, noting that many groups around the world share common sources of funding, training, and ideology.
Fielding questions from journalists, Haskel-Harpaz addressed the ongoing Gaza war, reiterating Israel’s determination to “eradicate the Hamas terrorist organization” as the only path to lasting peace.
She rejected accusations concerning journalists killed in Gaza, alleging that many were “Hamas-affiliated operatives” used for propaganda.
The Deputy Minister accused Hamas of rejecting multiple ceasefire proposals agreed to by Israel and supported by the United States, blaming some European leaders for “rewarding” the group with political gestures that encouraged prolonging the conflict.
“The war can end in one way only when all our hostages are safely home and Hamas disarms itself,” she declared. “Until then, we have no choice but to continue.”
Haskel-Harpaz emphasised that Israel’s engagement with Nigeria goes beyond political agreements.
“This is government-to-government, but also people-to-people. These are the bridges that strengthen bonds,” she said.
The Israeli Embassy confirmed that applications for the next round of startups in the innovation programme are now open, with selected entrepreneurs to receive training, mentorship, and access to global investment networks.
In his remarks the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Architect Sonny Echono, urged Nigerians to embrace innovation and local production as tools for economic growth.
Drawing comparisons with Japan and China’s industrial rise, Echono stressed that consistent government patronage, sustained funding, and citizen support were critical to turning local initiatives into global competitors.
“Nigeria has the same potential because we are better than most countries in the world,” he said.
“We have fantastic weather, abundant mineral resources, fertile agricultural land, and a growing population — a demographic dividend we must harness.”
Echono warned that failure to invest in innovation and value addition would deepen economic strain, as oil revenues dwindle and population growth outpaces available resources.
He argued that processing raw materials locally not only increases revenue but also creates jobs across the value chain, which in turn drives demand for goods and services.
“A man who yesterday could only feed himself will tomorrow want good clothes, a house, and a television. Once people earn enough to afford these, the economy grows because producers will strive to meet the growing demand,” he said.