Startupinsight

   Venus Hotel Management Software  is strengthening its position in Nigeria’s hospitality technology market, with the company reporting increased adoption among hotels and growing recognition of its locally developed platform. According to data presented by SEOSAGE, the SEO specialist and Growth Manager for Venus, the platform recorded an increase in its user base between January and August 2026, reaching more than 100 active subscribers across different parts of Nigeria. The company said the growth reflects a growing shift among Nigerian hoteliers from fragmented and manual operational processes to integrated digital systems for managing their businesses. Venus provides tools covering reservations, front desk operations, billing, guest management, food and beverage sales, inventory, accounting, reporting and other core hotel functions. The development has also been supported by positive feedback from hotels using the platform. The founder of R & K Guest Palace, one ...

   _Blog post, first person, by Abiola Ayilara_ I have handed many things to many people in my years as a nurse. Medications. Discharge instructions. Sometimes hard news, held as gently as I could. But on 26 July in Lagos, I handed a room full of people something I had never given anyone before: the first glimpse of my book, _The Homecare Framework_. Writers will tell you a book preview is exciting. They are right, but that is not the whole truth. What I felt watching people turn those pages was closer to exposure. This book carries twenty years of my life in it, from my nursing training here in Nigeria, through the NHS and homecare settings I worked in across the United Kingdom, to the Nigerian homes I have served since returning to found my homecare business. The night shifts. The homes I entered as a nurse and left as almost family. The failures of our system that I witnessed so often they stopped shocking me, which frightened me more than the failures themselves. What move...

    By Abiola Ayilara I have handed many things to many people in my years as a nurse: medications, discharge instructions and, sometimes, hard news held as gently as I could. But on July 26 in Lagos, I handed a room full of people something I had never given anyone before  the first glimpse of my book, The Homecare Framework. Writers will tell you that a book preview is exciting. They are right, but that is not the whole truth. What I felt watching people turn those pages was closer to exposure. This book carries 20 years of my life in it  from my nursing training here in Nigeria, through the NHS and homecare settings where I worked across the United Kingdom, to the Nigerian homes I have served since returning to found my homecare business. It carries the night shifts. The homes I entered as a nurse and left feeling almost like family. It also carries the failures of our healthcare system that I witnessed so often that they stopped shocking me. That frightened me mo...

Startup naija is looking at  how Cologne Kraft, a leading fragrance retail brand based in Ajah, Lagos State, is positioning itself as a destination for consumers seeking authentic designer, niche and luxury fragrances. The brand offers a curated range of perfumes for both men and women, with its collection spanning designer scents as well as niche and ultra-niche fragrances. According to the company, the products are sourced with emphasis on authenticity and quality. Cologne Kraft also offers both boxed and unboxed fragrances, giving customers options across different preferences and purchasing needs. The brand said its focus is on providing customers with access to distinctive fragrances, including signature scents and less common perfume selections, while maintaining standards around authenticity. Beyond everyday fragrance purchases, Cologne Kraft also caters to customers looking for premium scents as gifts or for personal collections. With its base in Ajah, the Lagos-based busin...

     By Chinwe Eze A 12-year-old Nigerian actor, Chibuchi David Francis from Aniocha South Delta state, has won a bronze medal in the Acting category (Ages 11–12) at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), bringing international recognition to Nigeria at one of the world's foremost performing arts competitions. The championship, held from July 13 to July 21 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, attracted performers from more than 80 countries competing across acting, singing, dancing, modelling, instrumental performance and other creative disciplines. Popularly described as the "Entertainment Olympics," the annual competition provides a global platform for emerging performers while promoting cultural exchange and artistic excellence. Chibuchi represented Team Nigeria under the leadership of Ambassador Lovethpatra White Ekufu, National Director of WCOPA Team Nigeria, Team Manager, Founder and Executive Director ...

  Lenzo Homes Ltd has unveiled Lenzo Peninsula, a master-planned residential development in Ketti, Kabusa, Abuja, describing the project as a lifestyle-focused estate designed to offer residents the experience of "vacation every day" within their own community. The estate, which has entered the pre-sale phase, is being positioned as one of the company's flagship developments, with a master plan that combines residential living, commercial activities and recreational facilities in a single location. According to the developer, Lenzo Peninsula represents a departure from conventional housing estates by creating a self-sustaining community where residents can access essential services and leisure amenities without leaving the neighbourhood. Speaking on the vision behind the project, the company said the estate is designed to promote convenience, relaxation and an improved quality of life. The development will feature commercial zones, a filling station, schools, places of wo...

By Atomi Yesh  Nigeria's pioneering immersive art and culinary platform, ARTCATION , is set to return for its fourth edition, bringing together some of the country's finest chefs and contemporary artists in a celebration of African creativity, culture and storytelling. The organisers announced that this year's edition will feature renowned culinary experts Chef Fregz, Chef Amaka and Chef Colombs, who will lead the gastronomic experience alongside an impressive lineup of contemporary visual artists. Since its debut in 2024, ARTCATION has evolved beyond a conventional art exhibition, establishing itself as a unique cultural platform that merges contemporary visual art, gastronomy, performance and storytelling to create immersive experiences for audiences. Over the past three editions, the platform has showcased works by notable artists including Joseph Abdallah, 12th, Mariam Olubunmi Aliu, Adetola Adenuga and Chuma Anagbado. It has also attracted support from major brands, in...

    By Timi James Persianas Retail Limited (PRL), PUMA's official partner in Nigeria and one of the country's leading sports and lifestyle retailers, has opened the doors of the PUMA Afrobeat House in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC). The dedicated hospitality and cultural hub was created for Team Nigeria at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The PUMA Afrobeat House opened on Friday, July 24th and will be open for 10 days. Throughout this period, it has served, and will continue to serve, as a rallying point where athletes, delegates, guests, families and friends can connect and celebrate, with DJ sets, entertainment, Nigerian food, drinks and hospitality. The House also hosted a World Press Conference on Wednesday July 30th, where the NSC, PUMA and PRL celebrated Team Nigeria’s strong showing at the Commonwealth Games and recognised some of the country’s medal-winning athletes for their outstanding performances. Currently, Team Nigeria sits 5t...

          Nigerian highlife star Flavour is set to headline the LOUD IN AFRICA Concert Series in New York City on August 14, 2026, as organisers prepare for what is expected to be one of the biggest African music events of the summer. The concert will take place at Racket NYC, bringing together music lovers from across the African diaspora for an evening celebrating African music, culture and entertainment. Popularly known as the "King of Highlife," Flavour has built a global reputation with his blend of highlife, Afrobeats and contemporary African music, earning a loyal fan base across Africa, Europe and North America. The event will also feature performances by Naomi Achu, Prince Bright of Buk Bak, Bruck Up (Mr. Excitement), 2Cent, Unathi Nkayi, while Nollywood actress Mercy Macjoe is expected to make a special guest appearance. Speaking ahead of the concert, Founder of LOUD IN AFRICA, Abass Mubarak Akeju, described the event as part of a broader effort to pro...

      Often, people say Lagos may be one of Africa’s fastest growing cities, but alongside its housing deficit lies another growing concern: the increasing demand for homes that offer more than just four walls and an address. As the city expands, many homebuyers and investors are seeking spaces that combine functionality, intentional design, and long term value. Responding to this need, D’Lodge Apartments has been introduced as a premium residential development in Lekki Peninsula II, positioned within reach of key business districts, schools, and lifestyle destinations. Comprising thoughtfully designed one and two bedroom apartments, D’Lodge reflects a vision of creating spaces that place equal emphasis on comfort, functionality, and everyday living experiences. With features such as open plan kitchens and expansive panoramic balconies, the development has been designed with modern homeowners, young professionals, growing families, and investors in mind. D’Lodge is more t...

What began as a lockdown hobby in early 2020 has grown into a thriving real estate company helping Nigerians achieve home ownership and build wealth. The founder of Adifua Real Estate and Construction started his journey during the COVID-19 lockdown, frequently viewing properties across the capital. With guidance from a supportive boss, real estate quickly became more than a side interest. While still operating without a formal team, he also ventured into the hospitality sector, successfully establishing Flenjo, a popular restaurant and grill. Today, the company has built a reputation for helping individuals grow their wealth through strategic real estate investments. Many clients have reportedly become millionaires thanks to well-chosen properties. Adifua Real Estate and Construction is particularly focused on affordability and long-term value. The company only promotes properties with strong appreciation potential and currently offers FCDA-approved lands and homes in prime and emergi...

    Fikun Aluko, an AI, Cybersecurity and Technology Leader and Chevening Scholar, delivered a presentation at the 6th International AI in Business Summit on the 1st of June, 2026, challenging business leaders on why most organisations are using AI but almost none are leading with it. Speaking to founders, investors, engineers, researchers, and enterprise leaders, he opened with a provocation. "Almost every organisation is using AI. Almost none are leading with it," he said. McKinsey research found 88% of organisations are using AI, yet only 6% qualify as genuine high performers.¹ The WRITER 2026 Enterprise AI Survey found 75% of executives admit their AI strategy is more for show than actual guidance, and 48% called AI adoption a massive disappointment.² A Leadership Problem, Not a Technology Problem Drawing on his experience leading enterprise-wide AI adoption across 5 business divisions at a leading EMEA business services firm, Aluko said the most critical work happened be...

  By Pat Josh Dexta Africa has announced that it is on course to deliver its maiden residential development, D’Lennox, in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to raising the standard of luxury housing in Nigeria. The announcement comes nearly two years after the company entered the real estate market with a promise to provide Nigerians with thoughtfully designed homes built with exceptional quality, functionality, and attention to detail. With Nigeria, particularly Lagos, continuing to experience a significant housing deficit and growing concerns over construction quality, Dexta Africa stated that its vision extends beyond simply building houses to creating homes that offer comfort, functionality, and long-term value. Located in the prestigious Lekki Peninsula II, D’Lennox is an exclusive development comprising seven ultra-luxury four-bedroom terrace duplexes with boys’ quarters (BQ). The project is strategically positioned less than two minutes from Ur...

              For many entrepreneurs, success is measured by profit margins and business growth. But for Mballoh Fofana, founder of Le Mandingue African Restaurant in Philadelphia, the true measure of success lies in overcoming adversity, preserving culture and creating opportunities for others. Fofana's story is one of resilience after tragedy. In 1998, she lost one of her legs in an accident an experience that could have ended her entrepreneurial aspirations. Instead, she turned the setback into motivation, rebuilding her life through determination, faith and hard work. More than 22 years later, she has established Le Mandingue African Restaurant as one of the Philadelphia region's longest-serving African restaurants, earning a reputation for authentic West African cuisine and warm hospitality. Beyond the restaurant business, Fofana has also expanded into real estate, building a portfolio of commercial and residential properties across the Philadelph...

They Didn't Meet at a Startup Accelerator. They Met Because They All Hit the Same Wall. Inside the technical build, the founding story, and the deliberately phased rollout strategy behind ChatPay, Nigeria's newest bet on conversational banking.  No accelerator. No shared employer. No prior investor introduction. The three founders behind ChatPay found each other the way most durable startups actually start, by independently running into the same problem and searching for people who could help solve it. What's notable about ChatPay isn't just the pitch, banking inside WhatsApp, the app more than 50 million Nigerians already use monthly, it's the discipline behind the build: a phased rollout gated by licensed banking-partner certification, rather than a rush to claim full functionality before it's ready. ChatPay, operated by CP Technology Limited and headquartered on Ikorodu Road in Maryland, Lagos, is built to close that gap: send money, buy airtime, pay bills an...

          _400+ Unit Estate Also Known As Morire City, Financed by Federal Mortgage Bank, With Ongoing Projects in Prime One Sangotedo and Yabatech GRA_ Ishi Homes Limited, a real estate development company headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos, is driving large-scale housing delivery across Nigeria through strategic investments in Lagos and Kwara States. The company, founded by Otunba Dr. Olayinka Ilufoye, is currently executing multiple projects including a fully integrated estate of over 400 housing units in Offa, Kwara State named AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate, also known as Morire City. The estate is named in honour of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and is financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank. The company also has ongoing multi-billion naira developments at Prime One Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos and Yabatech GRA, Lagos. Speaking on the company’s vision, Otunba Ilufoye said Ishi Homes is committed to buildi...

   By Ganiyu Asa Lagos reporter Platform combines client-facing digital dashboard with managed execution services  addressing the trust gap that costs Nigerian property owners billions annually through payment disputes, site readiness failures, and intermediary-driven quality degradation. Murals  Nigeria Limited (RC 8034511) today announced the public launch of Spaces by  Murals.ng , a client-facing digital platform combined with managed execution services for complex commercial interior projects. Spaces helps hotels, developers, property owners, and other commercial clients move from an approved design or project brief to a documented, finished interior through one coordinated execution process. “Clients should not have to choose between creative ambition and delivery visibility. Spaces gives the client a clearer view of what is being produced, who is responsible for each stage, what needs to happen before installation, and when a project is ready for approval....

     By Yetunde Tayomide FCCPC-licensed fintech expands physical presence to the Fedral Capital Territory, backed by its mobile app platform MCO Penny, driven by a mission to solve financial instability in public sector lending, is now in Abuja extending its promise of financial inclusion to the underserved civil servant sector they are passionate about serving. For many years, civil servants have been perceived as a segment that is either underpaid or unable to fully benefit from traditional banking services. MCO Penny saw this gap as an opportunity to create meaningful impact, building financial solutions that promote stability, convenience, and peace of mind for public sector employees. The company’s goal has remained simple: to bridge the financial inclusion gap and empower civil servants with access to responsible, reliable, and accessible financial services. Founded by business leader and public sector expert Michael Collins with a mission to make financial services...

  By Remi Udoka The African Catalyst Announces EESII 3.0 "Powering Africa Beyond Solar: Unlocking Biogas, Wind, and Small-Scale Hydro" — Virtual Event, Thursday, 23 July 2026  The African Catalyst (TAC) has announced the third edition of its Enabling Early-Stage Infrastructure Investing (EESII 3.0), a high-level virtual convening bringing together investors, policymakers, development finance institutions, infrastructure developers, project sponsors and technical experts from across Africa and beyond. While solar energy has transformed off-grid electrification across the continent, significant opportunities remain untapped in biogas, wind and small-scale hydropower — technologies capable of delivering more reliable, resilient and scalable energy for households, industries and underserved communities. These sectors, however, continue to face barriers in project preparation, financing, technical capacity and enabling policy, preventing many promising projects from reaching finan...

By Femi Lazarus Cynosure Realty has hosted the maiden edition of its Stakeholders’ Roundtable in Abuja, bringing together professionals, industry leaders and business partners to strengthen collaboration and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria's real estate sector. The event, held on July 11 at Hall 1, Novare Central Mall, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, was themed "The Maiden: Partnerships that Build Legacy." It featured stakeholder engagements, project unveilings, panel discussions, networking sessions and entertainment. Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Cynosure Realty Ltd and Convener of the Cynosure Stakeholders' Roundtable (CSR), Mr. Micheal Okuboye, described the gathering as a defining moment for the company. "This maiden stakeholders' roundtable marks the beginning of stronger, more intentional partnerships that will define our legacy. We brought together stakeholders from different industries to align on shared goals and explore opportunitie...