In a landmark move, Commonwealth nations are set to adopt Nigeria’s National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) innovation model to drive inclusive growth across all 56 member states. This decision follows a high-level strategic meeting at the Nigerian High Commission in London on October 13, 2025, led by Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director-General/CEO of NBTI, and hosted by Ambassador Abu-Obe Eche, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the UK.

Chief Information and Public Relations Officer Olajumoke David confirmed in a statement that the engagement brought together Commonwealth Secretariat representatives and innovation partners to explore Nigeria’s proven approach. Dr. Raji emphasized that NBTI serves as a mechanism to transform grassroots creativity into commercially viable enterprises, addressing the investable project deficit. “Our research shows that the challenge is not the absence of capital, but the absence of investable, innovation-driven projects,” Dr. Raji said in a statement.

The NBTI model, through its Technology Incubation Programme, provides structured support like mentorship and access to investment networks, turning local innovations into globally competitive ventures. David noted that this aligns with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, including the C-RISE Framework and Commonwealth Investment Network, designed to scale innovation and investment collaboration.

Dr. Raji highlighted Nigeria’s leadership, pointing to the recent NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 in London, where 105 Nigerian innovators were showcased. Mr. Al-Amin Muhammad Idris won the £1.5 million award, demonstrating African innovators’ potential for global impact. “This achievement shows that with the right support ecosystem, African innovators can lead the world,” Dr. Raji stated in a statement.

The Commonwealth delegation, led by Mr. Arif Zaman and Ms. Angela, praised the NBTI model as a practical framework for activating innovation ecosystems. David reiterated that Nigeria is prepared to lead this charge, with collaboration focused on operationalizing the C-RISE Framework ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026.

A report titled “From Mandate to Momentum” outlines a Pan-Commonwealth strategy based on connecting markets, resourcing the ecosystem, and involving citizenry. The Commonwealth Investment Network will drive this agenda, replicating NBTI’s success through technical assistance and knowledge exchange.

Dr. Raji affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to shared prosperity, stating, “By sharing our experience through NBTI, we can help the Commonwealth turn innovation into investment and investment into shared prosperity.” David concluded that Nigeria’s model offers a practical solution for transforming ideas into investable realities across the Commonwealth.