Africa’s first Digital Economic Zone for technology and service-based business
Set up your business completely online, and get access to tax, banking, immigration benefits, and so much more!
In partnership with the support of the Federal Government
Build a global business in Nigeria
Itana provides the ideal jurisdiction for technology-powered companies — such as tech startups, financial service companies, business service providers and so on — to operate in Nigeria and scale globally, all done completely online.
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Establish a business entity in Nigeria's Digital Zone
In partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, we are building a business jurisdiction for digital, technology, finance, and service-based businesses to scale globally.
Set up your business in the zone, completely online
Operate in foreign currencies — USD, GBP, EUR, LIR, YEN, ZAR
Leverage tax benefits for qualified businesses
Priority visa processing for you and your team. No expat quota
Seamlessly set up your banking operations
Access the business marketplace of verified specialists to support your expansion
Dedicated support team to help you navigate the business processes and licensing requirements
Incorporate your business in 3 steps
1
Step 1
Complete the form via the Itana app, telling us more about your business. Then, make a payment of $250 (this is an enterprise reservation fee collected on behalf of NEPZA, our government partner).
2
Step 2
You will receive an email from the Itana team to schedule an exploratory call. We're working with only 100 companies right now, and we'd like to learn a little more about what you're building.
3
Step 3
Submit your application documents, and we'll take it from there! You'll receive your Business Registration Certificate in two to four weeks, and you can begin operations as a FZE!
Companies in the Itana Digital Zone
Our biggest challenges and fear are regarding regulatory approval and licenses. Free zones are not new to Nigeria; unfortunately it was only available to manufacturing and was never available to the tech sector. Nigeria has been home; I've been here for decades, and I think Africa is the future.
Sudhanshu Gaurav
Co-Founder & CEO @InCash
Converting to Naira to pay our employees is a stressful process, and people want to earn in USD. Additionally, we have expatriates from different parts of the world, not only is there a limited expatriate quota, the cost is quite high. I’m pumped that Itana is helping to solve all of these problems.
Ifeoluwa Awodein
Legal & Compliance Manager @Future Africa
Itana is one of the very strong mitigants that would help businesses in Nigeria and on the continent thrive. It serves as a two way portal between attracting FDI and businesses for the digital economy and exporting of knowledge based businesses and services.
Yomi Amoussa
CEO @CineGo, Serial entrepreneur & Investor
I’m trying to expand my business into West Africa. What Itana is trying to do that differs from others is that we’re part of an ecosystem. And I value being a part of a community with other startups more than going in our own way.
John
Founder & CEO @Empowa
A community of builders, innovators, investors, and more!
Join our international community collaborating in exciting ways: sharing insights, making intros to experienced African and global business stakeholders, finding partners and co-founders, and so much more!
Collaborate with a community of 3,000 ambitious Africa-focused founders and business operators
Access a growing range of vetted service providers for your business
Establish a Nigerian company online and operate it from anywhere in the world
Gain local insights on expanding and operating in Nigeria and Africa
Hire qualified talent from the vast community
Priority access to secure real estate in the Itana District
Eco-friendly “live-work-build” environment to do your best work
Itana is building an eco-friendly environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and community for the digital economy.
Located in the economic capital of Africa – Lagos, Nigeria, The Itana District will be a model of the future for African cities and will feature co-working spaces, residential blocks, sustainable parks, and more, all powered by a fully integrated digital app that unites every aspect of life.
Become a pioneer
Be the first in an exclusive group of 30 companies operating in, and contributing directly to the policies of Africa’s first free zone for the digital economy. Comes with added benefits of complementary legal and compliance consulting services!
Officially become recognized as a pioneer company in the Digital Zone
Advance the future of e-governance and the legal framework for the Digital Zones of Nigeria
Be the voice of your industry, and share insights as we liaise with African governments
Join a community of ambitious founders innovating on the African continent
Pricing
Simple, transparent pricing that grows with you.
Total incorporation fee
$2,000
$250: Non-refundable enterprise reservation fee
$250: One-time incorporation fee (refundable if registration unsuccessful)
$1,000: Annual operating license fee to be renewed in the second year (refundable if registration unsuccessful)
$350: Legal/admin fees (registered agent, notarization, etc; refundable if registration unsuccessful)
Learn more about the incorporation process here.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about the Itana, and how you can leverage it to drive your business growth
Global technology companies that are looking to set up and operate or hire talent in Nigeria/Africa can take advantage of the Itana Digital Zone for its remote setup processes and ecosystem support.
Companies already have operations in the country but looking to streamline operations may also benefit from setting up a Itana Free Zone Enterprise.
Services companies
Service orientated businesses with pan-African and/or global clients that might require the ability to establish FX controls and easy transfer of capital. These might include business consulting and advisory, marketing, design & PR, finance and investment services.
Itana’s vendor marketplace also provide opportunity for partnered vendors to access an ecosystem of global clientele.
Startups
Global startups at launch or growth stage that are building in Nigeria can benefit from Itana’s robust community network and support.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost:
- $250: Non-refundable enterprise reservation fee
- $250: One-time incorporation fee (refundable if registration unsuccessful)
- $1,000: Annual operating license fee to be renewed in the second year (refundable if registration unsuccessful)
- $500: Legal/admin fees (registered agent, notarization, etc; refundable if registration unsuccessful)
Kindly note that the annual operating fee may be subject to change from the second year.
- Complete the application form and make a payment. Then, you'll get an email confirmation from us.
- We'll set up a call to learn more about your business and collect information about your leadership team, shareholding information, and KYC.
- Complete legal registration documents and business plan (we'll provide easy-to-use templates)
- We'll work with NEPZA to complete the process and obtain your official Business Registration Certificate and Operating License.
Community members have an interest in starting a company in Nigeria and be able to operate remotely and through the community will learn more about the business landscape of Africa and become better prepared to start a business.
Itana Digital Residency provides a platform and opportunities for networking with founders and investors as well as partnership building with local technology companies.
We’re on course to welcome our first residents in 2026, and you’ll be able to invest in your ideal space as soon as 2024.
