Kano’s DD Hub Shifts from Training to Enterprise; Unveils 40 New Ventures for Incubation

The Digital Development Hub (DD Hub) has marked a strategic shift in Kano State’s digital landscape, moving beyond classroom instruction to the formal creation of technology-driven enterprises. Following a high-stakes “Demo Day” held from January 1–3, 2026, the Hub announced the selection of 40 high-potential ventures to enter its flagship incubation program this year.

The transition follows the successful completion of the Tech Bridge Fellowship, an intensive three-month technology-based TVET initiative. The program equipped 200 participants—including youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)—with advanced skills in Digital Product Design, Precision Agriculture, GIS, and Content Management.

“The Demo Day was a proof of concept; the incubation program is our proof of impact,” stated Abdulganiyu Rufai Yakub, CEO of DD Hub and Project Coordinator. “Our mission is clear: to convert acquired skills into economic assets by building scalable, registered businesses that anchor local wealth.”

To maximize the impact of the fellowship, DD Hub is deploying a two-track model designed to address both the entrepreneurship gap and the global demand for digital labor.

The Venture Builder Track (Startups)
The selected 40 entrepreneurs will undergo a rigorous three-month incubation sprint. This track focuses on rapid commercialization, providing business model optimization, regulatory registration, and direct investor matchmaking. It also includes go-to-market strategy execution and digital transformation advisory to ensure systemic job creation in vulnerable communities.

Participants on this path will transition into specialized apprenticeships and on-the-job learning. The goal is to secure international and local certifications, positioning these fellows for high-value roles in the global outsourcing market and securing a dignified income.

By targeting often-excluded demographics, DD Hub is intentionally “de-risking” the path to professional growth and entrepreneurship. The initiative aligns digital training with real-world market gaps, ensuring that advancement translates directly into community resilience and a more diversified local economy.

“Whether our graduate is a young woman securing a contract with an international firm or a team launching a GIS-powered agricultural service, they are now economic actors driving Kano’s future,” Yakub emphasized. As the 40 selected ventures begin their incubation journey, the DD Hub continues to solidify its position as a leading force in Northern Nigeria’s digital transformation, fostering an inclusive ecosystem where technology serves as a primary tool for poverty reduction and job creation.