Startupinsight

  Lagos based real estate developer Gate & Carter has announced a new residential project in Ikate, Lekki, adding to a pipeline that has positioned the company as one of the more technology-focused developers operating in the city's mid-to-upper residential market. Medallion Apartments Lekki will be a multi-floor mid-rise building offering a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom units. The developer has set a November 2026 completion target. Pricing has not been disclosed, though Gate & Carter is marketing pre-completion units at what it describes as early buyer rates. The project sits in Ikate, a district that has attracted growing developer interest as Lekki's commercial and residential footprint expands westward. Gate & Carter is pitching the development at Lagos professionals and families seeking apartments with integrated technology, a segment the company has built its brand around since its founding roughly six years ago. On the technology side, the building is ...

    By Kehinde Odiah Tunji Olaseinde, the founder and chief executive of Lagos based smart-home developer Gate & Carter Limited, has announced the launch of Future Inc., a new company targeting Nigeria's electricity deficit and security challenges through two separate commercial divisions. The announcement marks a significant expansion of Olaseinde's business interests beyond real estate. Gate & Carter, which he founded roughly six years ago, built its reputation developing technology integrated residential properties across Lagos, among them a smart apartment building in Lekki Phase 1, ultra-luxury waterfront homes along Cowrie Creek, and CLAY Beach Resort, a wellness development currently under construction on the private island of Ilashe. Future Inc. is organised into two divisions. The first, Future Energy, will sell solar power systems to households and businesses and finance purchases through instalment payment plans, an arrangement the company says is designed t...

For many Nigerians, real estate has always been seen as a long-term goal; something to pursue “when the time is right.” But Nanoy Homes is challenging that mindset by redefining how and when people can enter the property market. At its one-year anniversary event held at Harris Hotel, Wuye and hosted by Alinonu Chibuzor, one of Africa’s most sort after event host, the company presented a compelling case for a new approach to land investment; one that is built on early positioning, shared ownership, and informed decision-making. A key theme that ran through the event was the idea that Abuja’s most valuable locations were not always obvious at the beginning. In fact, many of today’s high-demand districts were once overlooked, only gaining attention after prices had already surged. This reality formed the basis of the panel discussion, where experts explored how investors can identify opportunities before they become mainstream. The takeaway was clear: in real estate, waiting for certainty...

  A new chapter has begun in Abuja’s creative industry as Mrs. Tolulope Oladipupo, Chief Executive Officer of Alveena Events and Victoria O Signature Events, has been elected as the inaugural President of the Association of Creative Event Designers, Abuja (ACEDA). Her emergence, which followed the association’s election held on March 26, 2026, is widely seen as a defining moment for stakeholders within the capital’s event design ecosystem, with expectations high for structural growth and global visibility. Accepting the mandate, Oladipupo pledged to reposition the industry through innovation, sustainability and strategic collaboration, noting that her administration would be guided by a forward-thinking blueprint tagged “Vision to Velocity.” “I am honoured and grateful for the trust placed in me. My focus is on member advocacy and protection, ensuring a balanced relationship between designers and clients, and setting a sustainable global blueprint for our industry. Together, we wil...

  The Route to Market (RTM) West Africa Summit will return in June 2026 as a leading platform for shaping consumer-centric growth and strengthening market resilience across the region’s fast-evolving FMCG landscape. Building on the success of its 2025 edition, the summit will convene industry leaders, manufacturers, distributors, and technology providers in Lagos to address critical challenges and unlock new growth opportunities in West Africa. The 2025 edition, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, set a benchmark for industry collaboration, attracting over 1,000 attendees, 25+ expert speakers, and 5+ exhibiting companies. The event delivered over 21 hours of networking and connected stakeholders from more than 200 companies serving over 1.8 million retail outlets across the region. Key sessions in 2025 featured leading voices across finance, FMCG, and technology, addressing macroeconomic pressures, digital transformation, consumer behavior, and supply chain optimization. Indus...

 Ayodele Oyeniyi  What started as a modest digital marketing operation in Karu, Abuja, has grown into one of Nigeria's most recognized full-service agencies, offering everything from search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising to billboard placements, web development, and professional tech training under one roof. SoniBaze Digital, headquartered in the Federal Capital Territory, has built its reputation over the years by serving businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations that needed more than a single service provider clients who wanted strategy, execution, and accountability from one team. The agency's growth has been recognized on the global stage. SoniBaze Digital currently holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Sortlist, one of the world's most respected platforms for evaluating digital marketing agencies, and has been featured on TechBehemoths as a leading digital partner for businesses operating in Nigeria. What observers point to as a key differentiator is the...

By Ayodele Oyeniyi  From wedding photography to catering to venue booking one app simplifies event planning across 24 service categories with verified vendors, real portfolios, and secure payments. Planning an event in Nigeria still means navigating fragmented vendor networks, uncertain pricing, and the risk that your hired photographer won't show up or your caterer will deliver subpar work. The friction is real. Without a centralized platform, event planners whether couples planning weddings, families organizing naming ceremonies, or diaspora Nigerians coordinating from abroad rely on referrals, social media profiles, and hope. Vendors operating independently on Instagram and WhatsApp have no way to systematically reach customers or maintain booking accountability. The Celevend Solution Celevend addresses this directly. The mobile marketplace connects customers actively planning events with professionals across 24+ service categories: photography, catering, decoration, DJ services...

   Lagos based technology entrepreneur Walter Enyioha , founder of e‑Technologies, is urging Nigerian businesses to shift from reactive IT support to a proactive model, as cybercrime continues to cost the economy an estimated $500 million annually and regulatory fines under the Nigeria Data Protection Act reach ₦10 million per breach.“We’ve spent years on the ground repairing systems and watching businesses struggle with unexpected IT failures and security incidents,” said Walter Enyioha . “The reality is that waiting for something to break or worse, waiting for a ransomware attack is no longer sustainable.  The financial and reputational damage is too high.”To address this, e‑Technologies has developed e‑Tech 360, a managed IT service that bundles 24/7 endpoint monitoring, enterprise‑grade cybersecurity, and daily cloud backups into a fixed monthly fee, billed Locally.  The service is delivered through official partnerships with global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky...

  Five-time GRAMMY-winning global music icon Angélique Kidjo has returned with a brand new single titled “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back)”, featuring Nigerian Afropop star Ayra Starr, in what is being described as a powerful cross-generational collaboration. The single, released on March 27, 2026, serves as a precursor to Kidjo’s highly anticipated album HOPE!!, scheduled for release on April 24 under Warner Music Group. The song blends rich African musical heritage with contemporary pop influences, delivering a message that redefines love as true wealth in a world often driven by materialism. Accompanied by a cinematic music video shot at the iconic Power Station Studio in New York, the visuals capture both artistes in an intimate performance setting, illuminated by candlelight and framed by a grand piano, reflecting the song’s central theme of love, connection, and emotional richness. The collaboration also tells a deeper story of inspiration and legacy. Ayra Starr, who has often c...

   By Ayodele Oyeniyi As streaming demand shifts toward authenticity, Fayne Thri’s “Gone Dead” highlights how artists from Eastern Nigeria are using personal transformation and regional identity to stand out in a saturated Afrobeats market.Artists from Nigeria’s eastern corridor are increasingly redefining their creative direction by merging regional identity with personal evolution, contributing to a broader diversification of the country’s music landscape. Traditionally dominated by Lagos and Abuja-based acts, the Nigerian music industry is witnessing a gradual redistribution of influence as artists from non-coastal regions introduce sounds shaped by local culture, language, and individual life experiences.One of such artists is , an Enugu State-based rapper, singer, and songwriter whose recent release, reflects both artistic growth and regional grounding.  Hailing from Aninri Local Government Area, Thri’s music blends hip-hop, Afrobeats, and soul while incorporating Ea...

Firm combines real estate, tech, and emerging markets to help clients navigate uncertain economyTraditional investment playbooks are failing. Markets shift faster than portfolios can adapt, and investors increasingly realize that betting everything on one sector or one strategy is a losing game. Damian Capital Group is solving this problem head-on. The firm operates across four distinct investment lanes: real estate and infrastructure, technology and digital innovation, emerging market ventures, and traditional financial assets. This approach directly addresses what institutional investors have learned the hard way: concentration kills returns. Data from major asset managers confirms it portfolios built on diversification outperform single-sector bets by significant margins, especially during downturns.What makes Damian Capital Group stand apart is its execution.  Rather than chasing trends, the company uses research-backed analysis to identify where real opportunity lives. Real es...

      AFRICOIN Makes History as One of Africa’s First Regulated Real-World Asset Platforms Under Ghana SEC’s Virtual Asset Sandbox     AFRICOIN, a pioneering blockchain-based real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform headquartered in Rwanda, today announced a historic milestone after being admitted into the regulatory sandbox of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Ghana under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154). The inclusion positions AFRICOIN among the first platforms in Africa to operate within a regulatory environment for tokenized real-world assets, marking a major step toward unlocking Africa’s vast natural wealth through blockchain technology. The announcement follows the SEC Ghana’s official confirmation that it has finalized its regulatory sandbox framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). The sandbox enables selected companies to pilot their digital asset products and services within a controlled regulato...

In Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy, access to reliable laptops has become more important than ever. From students and freelancers to tech bros, tech companies, business owners, and professionals who rely on high-performance devices daily, the demand continues to rise. However, one major challenge persists—the prevalence of substandard and counterfeit laptops in the market. This is where Eagle Way Technology is making a difference. Positioned as a trusted provider of brand-new and premium used laptops in Nigeria, Eagle Way Technology has built its reputation on quality assurance, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Unlike many vendors, the company focuses on sourcing tested, verified devices that meet international standards. “Our goal is simple—give Nigerians access to reliable laptops without the fear of being scammed or overpaying,” a representative of the company explained. Over time, Eagle Way Technology has become a go-to destination for tech professionals, startups, a...

As Nigeria’s fintech sector continues its rapid evolution, Recharge2Cash is emerging as a significant player in bridging the gap between telecommunications value and financial accessibility.  With a growing user base of over 500,000 and billions of naira worth of airtime successfully converted into cash since its founding in 2018, the platform is redefining how Nigerians interact with everyday digital assets.In a country where mobile penetration far exceeds access to formal banking infrastructure, airtime remains one of the most widely held digital commodities.  Yet, until recently, it functioned largely as a closed-loop asset—purchased, transferred, and consumed, but not easily converted into liquid cash. Recharge2Cash has transformed that dynamic by enabling users to unlock the monetary value of airtime instantly.This innovation has proven particularly impactful for individuals and small business operators who often encounter situations where airtime is available, but cash i...

   Three Years of Structure, Strategy and Steady Growth: The Dexta Africa Story   Three years ago, Dexta Africa Limited began with a simple but ambitious conviction: that real estate in Nigeria could be done differently — with structure, discipline, and long-term institutional thinking.   Today, as the company marks its third anniversary, that conviction has evolved into a growing portfolio of developments across Lagos and Ogun States, strengthened governance, and rising investor confidence within one of Africa’s most complex property markets.   Building in a Deficit Economy   Nigeria’s housing deficit remains estimated at over 20 million units, according to figures referenced by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and infrastructure expansion continue to drive demand for both serviced land and residential housing.   Yet opportunity in the Nigerian real estate sector has always been accompanied by volatility. Be...

   Caution Fee in Nigeria: How To Get Your Money Back By: Pelumi Adelowokan | Reading time: 4 mins   The caution fee deposit is supposed to protect the landlord. But in Nigeria, disputes over deposit refunds are extremely common. Many tenants complain they never receive their deposit back when they move out. How Caution Fee Work Deposits are usually collected to cover: 1.  Property damage 2.  Unpaid utility bills 3.  Cleaning costs The deposit is not supposed to be used as extra rent. How To Protect Yourself Before moving in: 1.  Take photos of every room 2.  Record property condition 3.  Send copies to the landlord or agent Before moving out: 1.  Clean the apartment properly 2.  Fix minor damages 3.  Give proper notice The Biggest Mistake Tenants Make Not documenting property condition during move-in. If there is no record, disputes become difficult to resolve. If you want more transparent rental experiences, search properties...

    Daniel Hargley Warns: “The Era of Manual Strategy Is Over- AI Visibility and AI-Powered Consulting Will Redefine Business Growth in Africa” As African businesses contend with increasing competition, digital disruption, and rapidly evolving consumer behavior, Daniel Hargley, Lead Strategist and Senior Partner at Ardwatter Business Solutions, is calling on business leaders to rethink not only how they grow, but where and how they are discovered. According to Hargley, Artificial Intelligence has become the new gateway to visibility, trust, and customer decision-making, fundamentally reshaping digital marketing and business strategy across Africa. “Businesses are no longer competing only on Google search results,” Hargley explains. “Consumers are now asking generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity direct questions about brands; Which company is the best? Which is most affordable? Who should I trust? If your business isn’t visible or understood by these AI systems, y...

The Nexus Community by Workium has launched operations in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan within a 90-day period, establishing city-based hubs aimed at organizing access to international employment opportunities for African professionals. The rollout comes amid sustained global labor shortages across sectors such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, logistics, and hospitality. While interest in working abroad remains high across Nigeria and other African countries, access to verified information and compliant recruitment channels has often been inconsistent. Nexus was introduced as a structured response to that gap. Rather than operating solely as an online forum or event series, the initiative functions through city chapters led by designated community managers. These chapters convene professionals seeking employment abroad and provide guidance on regulatory requirements, occupation-specific demand, documentation standards, and employer expectations in various destination countries. Th...

  Education technology company Tespire has begun its Seed fundraising round following a year of foundational product development and gradual pre-seed completion. The Abuja-based startup, which provides tablet-based school management and learning systems, was part of the CcHUB x Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in 2025, receiving up to $100,000 in equity-free funding to strengthen its product and operations. Tespire Announces Seed Round Launch Following Strategic Pre-Seed Closure and EdTech Fellowship SupportTespire, a Nigerian education technology startup focused on empowering semi-urban and underserved schools, has officially announced the launch of its Seed fundraising round as it prepares to scale its core product and operations across northern Nigeria and nationally. The Seed round follows the company’s gradual completion of its pre-seed fundraising activities in 2025, during which Tespire raised a mix of equity-backed funding and debt commitments. While the total pre-se...