Israel and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in research, technology, and innovation.
Both nations pledged to expand partnerships that will drive entrepreneurship, commercialize research, and accelerate economic development.
The commitment was made at the closing ceremony of the I-FAIR innovation showcase in Abuja.
During the event, the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced that funding has been secured for a fifth edition of the program.
The new cohort is scheduled to begin in October 2026, signaling a long-term investment in the partnership.
Freeman emphasized that the initiative is a practical demonstration of the growing ties between both countries.
He noted that it has enabled Nigerian innovators to develop local solutions to national challenges through Israeli mentorship.
“This programme has never been about bringing Israeli solutions to Nigeria,” Freeman stated.
“It’s been about helping brilliant Nigerian innovators develop Nigerian solutions to Nigerian challenges supported by Israeli experience, mentorship and innovation.”
The envoy highlighted that the initiative has successfully brought together government, academia, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The goal is to transform innovative ideas into businesses that can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Announcing the continuation, Freeman confirmed, “I am so proud to stand here today and announce that we have secured with our partners funding for I-FAIR 5 and I-FAIR 5 will be launching in October 2026.”
Freeman also reflected on the broader relationship, noting that cooperation has grown significantly in agriculture, healthcare, education, and water management.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration will unlock greater opportunities for startups and research institutions.
“Israel brings experience and innovation, technology, agriculture, healthcare, cyber security, security and water management. Nigeria brings extraordinary talent, creativity, entrepreneurship and one of the most dynamic young populations anywhere in the world,” he said.
He added, “I have no doubt that the best chapters of the relationship between Israel and Nigeria are still ahead of us.”
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arch. Sonny Echono, also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening research through strategic partnerships.
Echono stated that the I-FAIR programme aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s priorities in food security, medicine, clean energy, and the circular economy.
He stressed that collaboration between government, academia, and industry is critical for translating research into finished products.
“It is this critical linkage, especially between science, engineering, technology and innovation, and the productive sector that is critical for translating R&D results and inventions into finished products for socio-economic benefits of our people,” Echono explained.
To further this goal, Echono disclosed that TETFund is working to establish innovation facilities in about 60 tertiary institutions.
He also announced the creation of a student innovation fund that will provide up to ₦50 million to students with commercially viable ideas.
Furthermore, he revealed plans for a National Research Fair later this year to connect innovators with financial institutions and investors.
tribute to the outgoing Israeli ambassador, Echono described Freeman as a strong bridge between Nigeria and Israel.
“Nigeria is grateful for your service. You have been a strong bridge between our two countries,” he stated.
Earlier, the Head of Programmes at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, noted that sustainable economic development depends on building a robust innovation ecosystem.
She pointed out that Innov8 Hub has supported more than 3,000 innovators, helping them convert research into investment-ready ventures.
“Nigeria does not suffer from a shortage of brilliant minds, what we need are stronger pathways that help those ideas become products, businesses, and opportunities that improve life,” Aina remarked.
She thanked the Embassy of Israel and TETFund for their support in strengthening the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
“Building an innovation-driven economy requires collaboration, long-term commitment and shared purpose,” she concluded.
