Telecom & Digital · In force

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
Assented by
Status
In force
01 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.

02 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
03 What changed in practice
→
First statutory recognition and support regime for Nigerian tech startups
→
Framework used to onboard labelled startups from 2023 onward
04 Who it affects
Startups & foundersInvestors/VCsNITDANSIATech talent
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