Lagos-based Itana, Africa’s first Digital Special Economic Zone, has announced the launch of its Digital Residency Launchpad, a private community designed for founders, business owners, and diaspora professionals seeking to build, grow, and invest in Africa.
The programme, which offers streamlined entry into Africa’s fast-growing digital economy, promises participants access to strategic networks, regulatory insights, and tailored business support.
“The Digital Residency Launchpad is designed for builders and investors who want more than just a one-off networking event,” said Mayowa Olugbile, CEO at Itana.
“It’s a community-powered experience offering the practical resources entrepreneurs need in order to thrive. We are determined to make scaling in Africa as seamless as possible, and our new initiative is another key step in this direction.”
About Itana
Founded in Lagos, Itana is Nigeria’s first licensed digital economic zone management company. It enables global businesses to incorporate remotely in Nigeria and operate under its free-zone framework.
This special designation allows businesses to take advantage of favourable laws, incentives, and services designed to accelerate growth in the digital economy.
By acting as a virtual gateway, Itana is positioning itself as the “jurisdiction of choice” for African and international companies aiming to expand into African markets without being bogged down by bureaucratic hurdles.
Motives and benefits for participants
The Digital Residency Launchpad is not merely a networking platform; it is designed to provide hands-on support for entrepreneurs and investors.
Participants gain access to a trusted community, strategic partnerships, and insider knowledge of Africa’s regulatory landscape, resources often missing for startups and diaspora professionals seeking to enter the continent.
By streamlining business setup, offering favourable tax policies, and connecting residents with relevant partners, Itana aims to reduce the barriers that have historically discouraged investment in Africa’s digital sector.
Catalyst for national digital economy development
Nigeria and Africa at large stand to benefit from Itana’s initiative as it aligns with wider government ambitions to drive digital transformation and attract foreign investment. By creating a digital-first economic hub, Itana could accelerate innovation, job creation, and cross-border investment flows.
The initiative also signals a broader trend where African countries are seeking to position themselves as digital innovation hubs, potentially unlocking billions in untapped economic opportunities across fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and emerging technologies.
What this means
For Africa-based entrepreneurs, the Launchpad provides a policy-friendly environment to test and scale new ideas. For members of the diaspora, it offers a structured pathway to reconnect with the continent through investment and business creation, removing the uncertainties around compliance and local regulatory frameworks.
Essentially, Itana is building a bridge between Africa and the world’s entrepreneurs, with the promise of making business in Africa less complex and more rewarding.
Requirements and application process
The application for the Digital Residency Launchpad is open to entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals worldwide who are serious about building in Africa.
Interested applicants must apply online through Itana’s platform, where they will undergo a selection process before joining the private community.
Those admitted will be granted access to Itana’s support services, legal frameworks, and market networks, with benefits tailored to their growth ambitions.
