Nigeria and Israel Enhance Innovation Collaboration

Nigeria and Israel reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in research, technology, and innovation during the closing ceremony of the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) cohort in Abuja. Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced that funding for the fifth edition of I-FAIR has been secured, with the program scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Freeman emphasized that I-FAIR focuses on enabling Nigerian innovators to create local solutions to national challenges, supported by Israeli mentorship. He noted the initiative's role in uniting government, academia, investors, engineers, and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.

The relationship between Nigeria and Israel has expanded significantly over the past four and a half years, encompassing various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and technology. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, reiterated TETFund's commitment to fostering research and innovation through partnerships, aligning with Nigeria's priorities in food security, agriculture, and clean energy.