Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is thriving, with an ever-increasing number of startups making waves across various industries. From fintech to healthtech, Nigerian entrepreneurs are developing innovative solutions that are not only making an impact in their local market but also attracting global attention.
As we move into 2024, here’s a list of 25 Nigerian tech startups that are worth keeping an eye on, along with a brief overview of what they do and why they’re generating buzz:
1. Flutterwave
Founded in 2016, Flutterwave has quickly become a leading fintech company in Africa. It provides a seamless and secure payment infrastructure for businesses to facilitate cross-border transactions. With its API, businesses can process payments in local African currencies and over 150 currencies worldwide. Flutterwave’s growth and potential have led to partnerships with major companies like Visa and WorldPay.
2. Trella
Trella is revolutionizing road freight logistics in Nigeria and beyond. Founded in 2016, this startup connects cargo owners with a network of trusted truck drivers, providing real-time tracking and transparent pricing. By leveraging technology, Trella optimizes the cargo journey, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Their expansion plans and recent funding successes make them one to watch.
3. LifeBank
LifeBank is a healthtech startup with a mission to improve access to essential medical products in Nigeria. Founded in 2016, LifeBank delivers blood, oxygen, and other critical supplies to hospitals using a network of smart, fast, and efficient logistics solutions. Their use of technology to save lives and their expansion into other African countries makes them a standout startup.
4. Paystack
Paystack is another Nigerian fintech success story. Founded in 2015, it provides a simple and secure way for businesses to accept online and mobile payments from customers. With its developer-friendly APIs, Paystack has powered growth for thousands of businesses across Nigeria and expanded to other African countries. Its acquisition by Stripe in 2020 further cemented its prominence.
5. Kuda
Kuda is Nigeria’s first digital-only bank, offering a range of banking services through its mobile app. Founded in 2019, Kuda provides a seamless and cost-effective alternative to traditional banking, with no hidden fees and instant notifications. Their rapid growth in customers and recent funding rounds have solidified their position as a disruptor in the banking industry.
6. MAX
MAX is an AI-powered virtual banking assistant designed to revolutionize how people manage their finances. Founded in 2017, MAX uses natural language processing to help users make sense of their spending, provide financial insights, and even negotiate better deals on their behalf. With its unique approach to personal finance management, MAX is attracting attention from investors and customers alike.
7. Farmcrowdy
Farmcrowdy is a leading agritech startup that connects small-scale farmers with sponsors and buyers. Founded in 2016, it provides farmers with access to finance, quality farm inputs, and market linkages. Through its innovative crowdfunding model, Farmcrowdy has helped improve the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and increased food production in Nigeria.
8. Riby
Riby is a fintech startup that provides a digital platform for cooperatives, trade groups, and individuals to manage their finances. Founded in 2017, Riby offers a suite of financial services, including savings, loans, and investment products, tailored to the specific needs of these groups. Their inclusive approach to financial empowerment is making a significant impact.
9. 54gene
54gene is a healthtech startup on a mission to improve the genetic data inclusion of African populations in medical research. Founded in 2019, 54gene is building the world’s first and largest pan-African biobank to advance precision medicine capabilities within the continent and beyond. Their work has the potential to unlock groundbreaking discoveries in disease prevention and treatment.
10. uLesson
uLesson is an edtech startup founded in 2019 that provides an innovative learning platform for African students. It offers personalized, curriculum-relevant content via video lessons, practice questions, and performance-tracking features. uLesson’s unique approach to education has attracted significant funding and is helping to improve learning outcomes for students across the continent.
11. OneFi
OneFi is a fintech company that provides financial services to underbanked individuals and small businesses in Nigeria. Founded in 2012, OneFi offers loans, investment opportunities, and payment solutions to its customers. With its acquisition of Amplify, a leading Nigerian digital wealth management platform, OneFi is well-positioned for further growth and impact.
12. Bamboo
Bamboo is a investment platform that makes it easy for Nigerians to invest in global financial markets. Founded in 2019, Bamboo allows users to invest in stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from over 30 countries. With its user-friendly interface and low fees, Bamboo is democratizing access to global investment opportunities and empowering a new generation of investors.
13. BuyPower
BuyPower is a renewable energy startup that provides affordable and reliable solar power solutions to homes and businesses in Nigeria. Founded in 2015, BuyPower offers a range of solar products, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries, along with installation and maintenance services. Their work is helping to address the energy deficit in Nigeria and reduce carbon emissions.
14. Jumoke
Jumoke is an AI-powered recruitment platform that uses machine learning to match candidates with job opportunities. Founded in 2018, Jumoke analyzes resumes, assesses skills, and identifies the best-fit roles for job seekers. Their innovative approach to recruitment is helping to streamline the hiring process and improve employment outcomes for Nigerians.
15. Delivery Science
Delivery Science is a logistics tech startup that leverages data and technology to optimize delivery operations for businesses. Founded in 2017, Delivery Science provides route optimization, real-time tracking, and analytics solutions to help companies reduce costs and improve the efficiency of their last-mile deliveries. Their work is having a significant impact on the e-commerce industry.
16. Afriex
Afriex is a fintech startup that enables seamless cross-border payments and remittances between Africa and the rest of the world. Founded in 2019, Afriex leverages blockchain technology to provide fast, secure, and low-cost money transfers. Their innovative approach to remittances is helping to unlock the economic potential of the African diaspora.
17. Gidi Mobile Limited
Gidi Mobile Limited is a cybersecurity startup that provides cutting-edge solutions to protect businesses and individuals from online threats. Founded in 2014, they offer a range of products, including anti-fraud systems, identity management, and data protection solutions. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, Gidi Mobile Limited is well-positioned for significant growth.
18. DrugStoc
DrugStoc is a healthtech startup that provides an online B2B marketplace for pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. Founded in 2017, DrugStoc connects drug manufacturers and suppliers directly to pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Their platform ensures the availability of genuine drugs, improves supply chain efficiency, and helps combat the issue of drug counterfeiting.
19. Autochek
Autochek is a leading auto tech company that provides a seamless digital platform for car buyers, sellers, and owners in Africa. Founded in 2020, Autochek offers a range of services, including auto financing, vehicle inspections, and warranty services. With operations in Nigeria and East Africa, Autochek is well on its way to becoming the go-to platform for all things automotive.
20. Sendy
Sendy is a logistics startup that provides on-demand and last-mile delivery services for businesses and individuals in Nigeria. Founded in 2014, Sendy leverages technology to connect customers with a network of professional drivers, offering real-time package tracking and transparent pricing. Their expansion across Africa and recent funding successes make them a startup to watch.
21. Tizeti
Tizeti is a broadband internet service provider that offers unlimited internet access to residential and business customers in Nigeria. Founded in 2012, Tizeti utilizes solar-powered towers to provide reliable and affordable internet connectivity. With their unique approach to broadband delivery, Tizeti is helping to bridge the digital divide and connect more Nigerians to the world.
22. ThankUCash
ThankUCash is a loyalty and rewards platform that enables businesses to create and manage customized loyalty programs. Founded in 2017, ThankUCash helps businesses retain and engage customers through a range of loyalty solutions, including reward points, cashback, and exclusive offers. Their innovative approach to customer loyalty is gaining traction with businesses and consumers alike.
23. Pricepally
Pricepally is an agritech startup that leverages group-buying to make food items more affordable for consumers. Founded in 2019, Pricepally connects farmers directly to consumers, allowing them to buy food in bulk at wholesale prices. By aggregating demand, Pricepally reduces costs for consumers while ensuring a stable market for farmers.
24. Crowdyvest
Crowdyvest is a fintech startup that provides a digital savings and investment platform for individuals and businesses. Founded in 2019, Crowdyvest offers a range of investment opportunities, including fixed-income and equity-based investments, that are tailored to meet the financial goals of its users. Their focus on transparency and trust is attracting a growing user base.
25. GoMyCode
GoMyCode is an edtech startup that provides coding and digital skills training to children and youth in Nigeria. Founded in 2017, GoMyCode offers a range of programs, including after-school clubs, holiday camps, and online courses, to empower the next generation with 21st-century skills. Their work is helping to bridge the digital skills gap and create a future-ready workforce.
These 25 Nigerian tech startups showcase the innovation, talent, and impact coming out of the country’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether it’s through financial inclusion, healthcare access, or logistics optimization, these startups are solving pressing problems and improving lives.
As they continue to grow and scale, they will undoubtedly continue to make waves in 2024 and beyond.
Tola Yimika
Owolabi Meshach
Rindx Team
