Telecom & Digital

Nigeria Startup Act 2022

Legal and institutional framework for Nigerian startups — a labelling system, tax and investment incentives, a Startup Investment Seed Fund and a National Council chaired by the President.

Signed
2022-10-19
Status
In force

1 Background

Co-created by the tech ecosystem and government, the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 gives labelled startups a dedicated legal regime: a 'startup label' issued via a portal, access to tax reliefs (including pioneer-status incentives) and a Startup Investment Seed Fund (targeted at ₦10bn) managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. It creates the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (chaired by the President) and a Secretariat under NITDA, and provides for regulatory support, talent development, and easier access to credit and grants. It was signed by President Buhari on 19 October 2022.

2 Key provisions (5)

01
'Startup label' regime with a dedicated portal and eligibility criteria
02
Tax incentives (pioneer status, reliefs on investment) for labelled startups
03
Startup Investment Seed Fund (₦10bn target) managed by NSIA
04
National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, chaired by the President
05
Secretariat under NITDA; regulatory, credit and talent-development support

3 What changed in practice

First statutory recognition and support regime for Nigerian tech startups
Framework used to onboard labelled startups from 2023 onward

4 Who it affects

Startups & foundersInvestors/VCsNITDANSIATech talent

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