There have been loads of launches and sky-high valuations, some startups are quietly impacting industries and improving lives. Nigeria and other African nations are innovating commendably, building solutions across the climate, AI, fintech and other sectors.

In 2024 alone, African startups attracted over $2 billion in funding. Although this was lower than the previous year, the continent gained even more global competitiveness and recognition, revealing that Africa is no longer ‘just catching up’.

Startups like Flutterwave, Opay, Moove and others have not stopped keeping us in awe, but there are even more startups emerging to disrupt the problem-solving determination and we must keep an eye on them in 2025.

Here are the top 15 startups to watch in 2025:

1. Moniepoint (Nigeria)

Moniepoint reached unicorn status in 2024 after a $110 million Series C funding round led by Development Partners International, Google’s Africa Investment Fund, Verod Capital, and Lightrock. This funding pushed the fintech company’s valuation to over $1 billion.

Moniepoint specialises in banking-as-a-service solutions, providing digital payments, banking, foreign exchange, credit, and business management tools. This integrated platform aims to serve African businesses of all sizes, processing over 800 million transactions monthly valued at over $17 billion, while maintaining profitability.

Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and group CEO, recently reiterated the company’s focus on driving financial inclusion and empowering Africa’s informal economy, which employs 83% of the continent’s workforce. Moniepoint has even been recognised by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s National Inclusive Payment Initiative Award in 2022.

In October 2024, the company’s $110 million funding made up 43% of total African startup investments that month. During a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended Moniepoint’s contributions to financial inclusion, SME empowerment, and anti-fraud initiatives in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Moniepoint’s mission is to create “financial happiness” by expanding its footprint across Africa and offering seamless business solutions to ensure NJ economic growth and stability.

2. Vesti (Nigeria)

Among the top startups to watch in 2025, Vesti is a migration fintech company simplifying the complex processes of migration and cross-border financial services. In 2024, Vesti celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art software engineering office in Lagos, a ₦1 billion investment in Nigeria’s tech sector.

This Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering and Financial Technology is designed to enable collaboration and innovation. The facility included themed meeting rooms, collaborative workspaces, a lounge, cafeteria, swimming pool, and gym, as Vesti’s focused on employee satisfaction and talent development.

Co-founders Olusola and Abimbola Amusan revealed plans to create over 600 engineering jobs in Lagos within two years and 1,500 by 2027. Vesti is also working to connect Africans to global markets.

The company’s platform provides comprehensive legal and financial services for immigrants, including AI-powered support, remittances, and foreign exchange. Following successful expansions to Ghana, Zambia, and the UK, Vesti now plans to enter Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in 2025.

With cash-positive operations in H1 2024, Vesti is targeting a Series A funding round to further scale its global footprint. The company’s mission is to empower one billion immigrants worldwide.

3. NeuRaL AI (Nigeria)

NeuRaL AI is bolstering artificial intelligence adoption in Nigeria. In 2024, the company launched REACTOR, an AI platform enabling businesses to integrate Generative AI into their operations. 

This solution, priced at ₦99,000 per month, offers end-to-end support, from setup to maintenance and training, for organisations aiming to deploy custom AI models.

NeuRaL AI’s mission aligns with Nigeria’s AI-focused initiatives. The government recently introduced a National AI Strategy, supported by $3.5 million in seed funding, to strengthen the country’s pace in AI innovation. By 2030, Nigeria’s AI market is projected to reach $8.75 billion, providing fertile ground for NeuRaL AI’s growth.

The company’s innovative services and collaborative approach make it a strategic partner for businesses looking to stay competitive in the AI industry. With the Nigerian government investing heavily in AI infrastructure, NeuRaL AI is well-placed to capitalise on this growing market.

4. PBR Life Sciences (Nigeria)

In 2024, the company raised $1 million in pre-seed funding to support its expansion across Africa. The round saw contributions from investors such as Launch Africa, Microtraction, Kaleo Ventures, Octerra Capital, and ARM Labs. 

This funding will enable PBR Life Sciences to broaden its reach, expanding into Ghana and Kenya, alongside its ongoing operations in Nigeria.

Founded in 2015 by Ayodeji Alaran, a pharmacist with experience at pharmaceutical giants like GSK, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca, PBR Life Sciences pivoted in 2021 to focus on leveraging big data for healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The company’s flagship solution, “Versus,” uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze healthcare data from retail pharmacies, offering pharmaceutical companies required insights into product performance, market share, and competitor activity. 

This platform is very important in enhancing the operational efficiencies of healthcare providers while promoting inclusivity in clinical trials, ensuring underrepresented patient populations are included in research.

PBR Life Sciences is already doing great in healthcare analytics across Nigeria and aims to replicate its success across Africa. The startup’s growth has been further enhanced by its participation in the Techstars Lagos accelerator program, where it received $120,000 in funding and access to a network of mentors and investors. 

With Africa facing increasing health challenges, PBR Life Sciences is working to impact healthcare delivery with its scalable, data-driven solutions.

5. NALA (Tanzania/Nigeria)

NALA, a Tanzanian-founded fintech startup, addressing the high cost and inefficiency of international money transfers into Africa, was named in CB Insights’ Fintech 100 list. 

In 2024, the company raised $40 million in a Series A funding round to extend its consumer business beyond Africa and to enhance its B2B payments platform, Rafiki, which facilitates payments into Africa for global businesses. 

The funding round was led by Acrew Capital, with participation from investors such as DST Global Partners, Norrsken22, and HOF Capital.

NALA aims to serve the 1.3 billion people across Africa and also the emerging markets in Asia and Latin America.

Since its inception in 2017, NALA has expanded its services from local money transfers in Tanzania to offering international remittance services in 11 African countries, enabling users in the UK, US, and the EU to send money to Africa with lower fees compared to traditional services. 

NALA has already seen commendable growth, with revenue increasing tenfold over the past year and achieving profitability for the first time.

The company’s focus on reducing the high costs associated with cross-border payments addresses a big challenge for Africans, who lose an estimated $8 billion annually in remittance fees.

In 2025, NALA plans to continue improving its platform and expand into new markets, with the goal of transforming the global remittance sector while making cross-border payments more accessible and cost-effective for businesses and individuals alike.

6. Appmint (Nigeria)

Appmint is an innovative platform designed to bridge the gap for startups and small businesses across Africa. The startup addresses several challenges faced by the African digital marketplace, including high costs, a lack of technical expertise, and infrastructure barriers. 

Appmint offers a no-code, AI-powered platform that integrates business functions, allowing entrepreneurs to build websites, automate processes, manage customer relationships, and access data-driven insights—all within one affordable solution.

The platform was developed by Durubata Limited to make sophisticated digital tools more accessible to African entrepreneurs. CEO Jacob Ajiboye explained during the launch that Appmint’s mission is to reduce costs of operations and provide an affordable, user-friendly platform that enables business growth for startups. 

This initiative is particularly important in a region where many businesses find it hard to access the technology necessary to scale their operations effectively. 

Appmint’s to bolster its scalable tech infrastructure that can drive growth across Africa’s diverse markets, placing it among the top startups to watch in 2025.

7. Juicyway (Nigeria)

Juicyway is a fintech startup enhancing cross-border payments by leveraging stablecoin technology. Founded in 2021 by Ife Johnson and Justin Ziegler, Juicyway facilitates global remittances, enabling individuals and businesses to send and receive money in fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies. 

The startup made headlines in 2024 when it raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by P1 Ventures, with participation from investors such as Ventures Platform, Future Africa, and Microtraction.

Juicyway is addressing a big issue in Africa’s remittance market, where transaction fees are often really high. With an average remittance fee of 13% on $200 transfers in Q4 2023, there is a pressing need for more cost-effective solutions. 

Juicyway’s platform leverages stablecoins to enable faster, cheaper, and more efficient global money transfers, with 24/7 execution and settlement. The company’s focus on creating a liquid ecosystem for currency exchanges allows users to trade at market-driven rates, reducing remittance costs and promoting greater financial inclusion.

Since its launch, Juicyway has processed over $1.3 billion in 25,000 transactions across 4,000 customers, including partnerships with companies like Bolt, IHS, and Piggyvest. With the new funding, Juicyway plans to expand its team, enhance its technology, and enter new markets.

In 2025, the company will continue to scale its operations, providing faster, cheaper, and more secure remittance solutions that enhance financial inclusion for Africans and people in other emerging markets.

8. Hermplify (Nigeria)

Hermplify, one of the top startups to watch in 2025, is an AI-powered platform with a mission to support women entrepreneurs and young girls in Africa, providing them with the tools to grow their businesses and gain tech skills. 

Officially launched in 2024, Hermplify targets the challenges that women in Africa face, particularly in accessing technology and funding. With over 100 million female entrepreneurs across the continent, many of whom are limited by these barriers, Hermplify aims to be the solution that allows women to thrive in Africa’s digital economy. 

The platform offers a range of tools such as automated invoicing, payment processing, and online storefronts, helping women manage their businesses with ease. 

Added to these, Hermplify provides educational resources, including courses in digital marketing, web design, and data analysis, giving women a competitive edge in the digital space. Again, the platform also provides access to financial services, including soft loans, to support business growth. In its first month alone, the platform attracted over 1,700 registered users. 

The African digital economy is expected to grow to $300 billion by 2025, CEO Anthony Olanrewaju describes Hermplify as a movement aimed at amplifying women’s voices and talents across Africa, with plans to expand the platform to other countries on the continent.

9. JADA (Nigeria)

JADA, a Lagos-based talent hub specializing in data and AI staff augmentation, has already done great in its mission to transform Africa’s AI talent industry. 

The company raised $1 million in 2024 to support its goal of training Africa’s next generation of AI professionals. Founded by Massimiliano Spalazzi and Olumide Soyombo, JADA addresses the global shortage of skilled data and AI professionals, especially in light of the increasing demand for such expertise. 

The company provides a proprietary four-month training program aimed at experienced professionals in data analytics, machine learning, and generative AI, combining both technical and soft skills. 

In addition, JADA uses an AI-powered algorithm to select candidates based on assessments of their technical skills, case studies, and cultural fit. The business model provides a solution for companies looking to integrate AI into their operations by giving them access to highly trained professionals from Africa, where they can benefit from a cost-effective yet high-quality workforce. 

The company has been focusing on clients in Europe and the Middle East, leveraging Africa’s favourable time zones and English proficiency. With plans for further geographical expansion, JADA is aiming to compete globally in the AI talent market. This places the company among the top startups to watch in 2025.

10. PaidHR (Nigeria)

In 2024, PaidHR, a Nigerian startup focused on HR functions, attracted attention for its innovative solutions in payroll management. Founded in 2020, PaidHR has processed billions of naira in salaries and is now looking to expand its services with the launch of a cross-border payroll solution. 

This feature allows businesses to pay employees in multiple currencies, offering flexibility for companies with international teams. In addition to this, the startup has introduced a wallet feature that allows employees to convert their salaries into any preferred currency, helping them hedge against the devaluation of the naira. 

The cross-border payroll feature supports 49 currencies and is designed to ensure regulatory compliance while simplifying financial transactions for businesses. PaidHR also provides a range of HR services, including employee onboarding, performance management, and compliance. 

The company’s success in processing salaries across Africa has already seen it serve over 200 businesses, with plans for further growth in the coming years. 

PaidHR’s innovative HR solutions, one that places it among the top startups to watch in 2025, provide a much-needed service for companies looking to optimize their payroll systems and offer employees greater control over their earnings, tackling business challenges related to currency instability.

11. Aya Data (Ghana/Nigeria)

Aya Data, a Ghana-based AI consultancy, is growing fast in the data annotation and AI solutions space. In 2024, the company raised $900,000 in a seed round to scale its operations and expand its AI product offerings. 

Aya Data’s services focus on collecting and labelling data necessary for the development of large language models like ChatGPT, serving as an essential partner for global tech companies like Meta and OpenAI. 

Beyond data annotation, Aya Data offers two key products: AyaGrow, an AI-powered solution for precision agriculture, and AyaSpeech, a tool that allows businesses and governments to interact in local African languages via speech-to-speech technology. 

These solutions have already attracted global clients like MIT, Seedtag, and Unilever. The company’s focus on building local expertise and training individuals for technical roles such as data engineering and data science reiterates its focus on strengthening Africa’s place in the global AI space. 

Justifying its being among the top startups to watch in 2025, Aya Data plans to scale its team and expand its offerings to support African businesses in leveraging AI for increased competitiveness. With a revenue of $500,000 in 2023, Aya Data seeks to continue its growth and contribute further to the AI sector.

12. Octavia Carbon (Kenya)

Climate change continues to threaten life on Earth, but Octavia Carbon, a Kenyan-based company, is determined to tackle this issue leveraging climate tech with its innovative direct air capture (DAC) technology. 

The startup focuses on filtering CO2 from the atmosphere and turning it into rock, a process that helps mitigate the growing levels of carbon emissions. Octavia Carbon’s solution is part of a global movement to combat climate change, with increasing urgency as the UN reports a significant rise in atmospheric CO2 levels. 

This innovative technology offers a promising avenue for reducing the carbon footprint and addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Octavia Carbon’s work reveals the role of technology in developing sustainable solutions for environmental issues, and its growth is closely tied to the global push for climate action. 

With the climate tech sector growing fast, Octavia Carbon’s success in advancing DAC technology places it among the top startups to watch in 2025.

13. Waste2Light (Nigeria)

Another company among the top startups to watch in 2025 is Waste2Light which has made great achievements in the renewable energy sector by developing a technology that converts plastic waste into components for 3D-printed turbines. 

These turbines leverage both wind and hydro energy, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. In recognition of its innovation, Waste2Light was awarded N8 million in the TotalEnergies Startupper Challenge 2024, providing the company with the resources to scale its operations.

Led by Emmanuel Abah, Waste2Light has been recognised for its dual focus on addressing energy shortages and environmental issues. Abah’s leadership helped in securing the top prize in the Power Up category of the TotalEnergies Startupper Challenge 2024. 

One of Waste2Light’s key initiatives is the proposed hydro-turbine project for the Gurara community in Niger State. This project, which aims to provide 500 kW of electricity to five communities, will impact approximately 25,000 residents. The project is in its proposal stage, pending approval, but it reflects the company’s focus on solving electricity shortages in rural Nigeria.

Looking towards 2025, Waste2Light aims to electrify 100 communities, providing 1 million people with access to clean energy, creating 500 jobs in the clean energy sector, and securing funding for the Gurara hydro-turbine project. The company is also focused on forming partnerships with local governments and stakeholders to drive sustainable energy development.

Waste2Light is working to close the electricity gap, especially in underserved rural areas.

14. CDIAL.AI (Nigeria)

In 2024, CDIAL.AI received recognition when it was selected as one of the top beneficiaries of the N100 million AI Fund, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and Google. 

The company’s mission is to make technology accessible to everyone, regardless of their language, technological expertise, or economic status. In focusing on breaking down technological limitations, CDIAL.AI is creating innovative solutions for underserved regions, with a special emphasis on local languages.

Its flagship offering, Indigenius, a cutting-edge language diversity tool, helped in securing CDIAL.AI a top spot at the “Innovation to Transform Education” event in Lagos, hosted by Future Perspectives, an initiative led by former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. 

The event saw the company’s solution take the top prize for its impactful potential in education. CDIAL.AI’s services include hardware, mobile applications, chatbots, and enterprise software, making it one of the startups to watch in 2025. 

Supporting over 180 languages for typing and 13 languages for generative AI, the company is tackling the challenge of digital inclusion for over a billion Africans. As CDIAL.AI moves into 2025, its solutions promise to bridge the digital divide, creating a more inclusive technological future for people across Africa and beyond.

15. Flowmono (Nigeria)

Another Nigerian startup that is doing great is Flowmono, a platform focused on workflow automation and e-signature solutions. In 2024, Flowmono gained significant recognition, winning multiple “Best Of” badges from Gartner Digital Markets brands, including Capterra and GetApp. 

These awards validate Flowmono’s focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and delivering cutting-edge solutions that simplify business operations. With a platform that combines secure e-signature technology, real-time data integration, and workflow automation, Flowmono has become a preferred choice for businesses looking to improve productivity.

Under the leadership of CEO Babatola Awe and CFO Akintayo Okekunle, Flowmono has experienced great market growth in 2024. Customers have commended its seamless integration into existing workflows, its user-friendly interface, and its ability to simplify document signing processes. 

Flowmono has received glowing reviews for its ability to save businesses time and enhance efficiency, all while ensuring the security and confidentiality of their data.

Flowmono is aiming for an even bigger 2025. The company plans to introduce advanced AI-powered automation tools, enhanced analytics for deeper insights, and expanded integrations with popular business platforms to create a more seamless user experience. 

Flowmono is ready to meet the demand for smarter, more efficient tools for businesses to gain higher efficiency. The company’s focus on data security, adherence to industry standards such as GDPR, NDPR SOC 2, ISO 27001, and ICO, and customer satisfaction make it a startup to watch as it grows in the coming year.

The event marked a significant milestone for Vesti, showcasing the company’s commitment to growth and excellence in the Nigerian market.

The grand opening ceremony commenced with a press conference moderated by Salma Ibra, Founder of Business Week Afrika.

The panel included Vesti’s co-founder and CEO, Olusola Amusan, co-founder and COO, Abimbola Amusan, and early investor Major (Rtd.) Adebayo Adeleke.

During the interactive press conference, Olusola Amusan, co-founder and CEO emphasized Vesti’s role as a “Software Engineering Location of Choice” and its dedication to nurturing and developing top talent.

He highlighted the company’s internal training programs, employee satisfaction surveys, and success stories as evidence of its commitment to employee development.

He also announced Vesti’s ambitious plans to create over 600 engineering jobs in Lagos over the next two years and 1,500 new engineering jobs in the state by 2027.

“At Vesti, these audacious and bold statements have been instrumental in driving the exponential achievement towards our mission to simplify immigration processes,” he added.

In the same vein, Abimbola Amusan, co-founder and COO, focused on Vesti’s global impact, emphasizing how the company’s products and services empower Africans to connect with the global market.

With a dedicated team of attorneys in three different countries, he shared success stories of clients who have benefited from Vesti’s offerings.

These included a Nigerian entrepreneur who expanded their business to the United States with the help of Vesti’s immigration services, and a student who secured funding for their studies abroad through Vesti’s financial services.

He also outlined the company’s plans for further expansion, including launching new products and services and expanding its operations to additional countries in Africa, Asia, and North America.

Also speaking during the press conference, Major (Rtd.) Adebayo Adeleke, one of Vesti’s early investors, expressed his confidence in Vesti’s growth potential.

He cited the company’s recent cash-positive status in H1 2024, partnerships, and expansion plans across Africa as indicators of its strong trajectory.

He emphasized the positive impact Vesti is having on the Nigerian economy, including attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), fostering innovation, and creating jobs.

He also mentioned the company’s preparations for future funding rounds and a possible IPO, which excites investors.

Following the press conference, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially unveil the new office facility. Dr. Olakunle Soriyan, a futurist and social impact investor, commissioned the facility, dubbing it the Center of Excellence in Software Engineering and Financial Technology.

Adeleke commended Vesti for its contribution to the relentless pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and the boundless potential of the human spirit.

He highlighted the company’s role in fostering a thriving tech ecosystem and attracting talented individuals to Lagos, Nigeria.

Guests were taken on a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, designed to provide a collaborative and inspiring work environment for Vesti’s employees.

The office features meeting rooms named after renowned global cities, collaborative workspaces, a lounge area, cafeteria, swimming pool, and gym.

The day’s activities concluded with an exclusive investor parley. This intimate gathering provided investors with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into Vesti’s future plans, engage in focused discussions with the leadership team, and network with other key stakeholders.

Other dignitaries at the event included Pst. Ayo Daniels, Mr. Sinari Daranijo, Olawale Ayilara, Dr. Fola David, Seyi Awolowo, Joel Ogunsola, Venita Akpofure, and strategic investors like Midlothian Angel Network, Microtraction, ODBA, Resilience17, amongst others.

More about Vesti

Founded by two brothers who immigrated to the United States, the company is backed by both Africa and US-based investors and boasts of a thriving community of dreamers who represent the next generation of builders.

Vesti’s AI-powered copilot, Miai, is a key component of its ‘Future of Innovation Program’, providing personalized support and guidance to immigrants throughout their migration journey. Through a set of tailored payment products, Vesti delivers hassle-free migration pathways and financial services to immigrants moving to the United States and other top destinations in North America and Europe.

Vesti’s vision is to be the go-to legal and financial services platform for the next 1 billion immigrants.

The company is on a mission to be the preferred platform for immigrants before they emigrate, providing information, community and ultimately a smooth transition to immigrants.

This three-month programme launched in Q2 2024 showcased Vesti’s commitment to nurturing and developing top talent, solidifying its position as a Software Engineering Location of Choice by 2030.

The programme attracted a remarkable 2714 applications, underscoring Vesti’s reputation as a desirable employer.

Less than 1%, only (10) Ten exceptional candidates (making it more competitive than Havard, were selected to participate in the intensive training programme, which included mentorship, team-building activities, and hands-on experience.

Candidates got training at the Lagos Business School and gained valuable insights into cutting-edge technology and industry trends.

On Tuesday September 10, 2024, the programme culminated in a celebratory graduation ceremony at Lagos’s Four Points by Sheraton.

The graduates, who will now be on the founders’ track for mentoring are now being retained as full-time staff members, while demonstrating exceptional dedication and hard work throughout the program.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our first Graduate Trainee Programme,” said Abimbola Amusan, Vesti’s Co-founder and COO who internally sponsors the program through the Human Resources and People division.

“These talented individuals have proven themselves to be invaluable assets to our team. Their growth and development are a testament to Vesti’s commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for our employees”, he continued.

Olusola Amusan, co-founder and CEO of Vesti, echoed Abimbola’s sentiments, adding,

“Investing in our people is a cornerstone of Vesti’s success today and in the future. The Graduate Trainee Programme is just one example of our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. We are proud of our graduates and look forward to seeing them thrive in their new roles.”

The programme focused on developing essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Several of the graduates have already made significant contributions to Vesti.

For example, on one hand Akande Malik, Bayero Olaide, Okonta Princess Onyeka and Ovie Victor were instrumental in supporting the development of new AI-enabled visa forms on our web app that has improved efficiency and productivity.

On the other hand, Farida Sarumi and Stellamarris Achebe have both taken on key responsibility in a key project, demonstrating their exceptional problem-solving and teamwork skills.

The Graduate Trainee Programme is just one example of Vesti’s commitment to nurturing and developing top talent.

The company offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including internal training programmes, mentorship programs, and access to global industry events and conferences.

Vesti’s investment in its people has not only led to a more engaged and productive workforce but has also helped the company attract and retain top talent.

Lagos Startup Week returns in July. Prepare for a week-long celebration of founders, investors, and tech ecosystem stakeholders!

The gathering of founders, investors, government officials, and technology enthusiasts, is one of Nigeria’s most influential events for the Nigerian Startup ecosystem.

Stakeholders converge annually at Lagos Startup to exchange ideas and forge collaborations to illuminate the potential of a better Africa and shape the continent’s future.

The event also fuels the entrepreneurship drive and fosters connections that transcend borders.

Lagos Startup Week has been the heartbeat of the African tech ecosystem for close to a decade now.

Its goal is to provide significant opportunities for startups looking to make a difference in Africa and beyond.

With the theme Limitless: Breaking Boundaries in Business,  this year’s event invites attendees to challenge conventional limitations and embrace a mindset where innovation knows no bounds.

Scheduled for July 8th to 13th, 2024

Describing the spirit of the event, Olumide Olayinka, Co-organizer of Lagos Startup Week, said;

“Lagos Startup Week is a rallying cry for Africa’s entrepreneurs, the trailblazers who dare to dream beyond the “impossible.” We’ve tasted the bitter tang of limitations – infrastructure gaps, funding deserts, and the echo of doubt whispering “not good enough.” But here, at Limitless, we gather to shatter those shackles”, he affirmed.

According to the statement announcing the event, this year’s agenda will cover the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the nuances of sustainable business practices.

The event will feature thought-provoking keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, and theme-focused masterclasses.

Attendees will explore how these elements can redefine the boundaries of the business world and propel ventures to new heights.

Lagos Startup Week has witnessed many seasoned speakers, each bringing their unique insights and expertise to the table.

They include;

• Ben Llewellyn-Jones (British High Commission),
• Olu Akanmu (Ex OPay),
• Dayo Ademola (Branch),
• Thomas van Halen (VC4Africa),
• Tosin Faniro-Dada (Breega),
• Shola Akinlade (Paystack),
• Kola Aina (Ventures Platform),
• Odun Eweniyi (PiggyVest),
• Oyin Solebo (ARM Labs Lagos Techstars),
• Attilio Di Battista (World Economic Forum),
• Petra Wolkenstein (Startup Wise Guys) and “
• Michael Seibel (Y Combinator) 

Startups & Investors have also been featured in past editions. They include; IFC-World Bank, Paystack, Telesoftas, Omnibiz, Vesti, Moniepoint, Indrive, Gigmile, Kora, Gridcrux, and Branch, to mention a few.

Lagos Startup Week Partners include global tech giants like; AWS, Meta, Spotify, Microsoft, Google, Zoho, Algorand, and Logitech, to mention a few.

The grand launch event held at The Wheatbaker, Lagos, witnessed the unveiling of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti – innovative features designed to transform the migration experience for millions.

In Q4 2023, the company announced its evolution to become an AI-first company, targeting the $36 billion global financial services market.

This was followed with a bold statement on Techcabal, the company announced that Miai will serve as an invaluable resource for immigrants, providing immigrants with personalized and comprehensive assistance throughout their migration journey, from planning their move to settling into their new home. These groundbreaking features represent a paradigm shift, simplifying and securing the migration experience for millions around the globe.

“Today marks a pivotal moment,” declared Olusola Amusan, Co-founder and CEO of Vesti. “We’re thrilled to unveil Miai and Safelock, features meticulously crafted to empower immigrants and make their journeys smoother, smarter, and more secure. This launch signifies a monumental step towards fulfilling our mission – becoming the go-to financial services platform for the next half a billion immigrants worldwide.”

Miai, the AI migration assistant developed by Vesti, operates as a chatbot on the company’s website, within the app, and serves as a copilot on the web app, supported by founders who have raised $1.2m to date.

Imagine having an expert by your side, readily available to answer your questions and guide you with personalized insights. Miai utilizes Machine Learning to understand your unique needs, delivering tailored answers to your specific queries.

Furthermore, Natural Language Processing empowers Miai to engage in natural, conversational interactions. Ask follow-up questions, delve deeper into topics, and feel like you’re talking to a human expert, not a rigid script.

In a powerful collaboration with Providus Bank, a leading provider of innovative financial solutions, Safelock offers a secure and empowering platform specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by immigrants.

Real-time progress tracking ensures you stay motivated, witnessing your savings goals materialize. Effortless goal setting empowers you to define and adjust your savings plans as needed, offering control and flexibility.

Advanced security features, backed by Providus Bank’s expertise, guarantee the safety and security of your financial information and transactions.

With Safelock, achieving your financial goals and securing your future in your new home country becomes a reality.

“Providus Bank is honored to partner with Vesti on Safelock by Vesti,” said Olalekan Aderonmu, representing Lanre Ogundare, head, Card Business at Providus Bank. “This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to provide innovative financial solutions that empower individuals. We are confident that Safelock will be an invaluable tool for immigrants managing their finances during their migration journey.”

The launch event wasn’t just about unveiling features; it was a celebration of innovation and collaboration that will reshape the future of migration. A captivating Industry Stakeholder Panel discussion moderated by Mr. Oluwamuyemi Orimolade, marketing and communications lead – Microsoft ADC – West Africa, on “Simplifying Cross-Border Payments through Innovative Solutions” ignited the room. Leading industry figures like Ayobami Oyaleke (Co-founder and CEO, Mainstack), Moyosore Bolarinwa (Relationship Manager, Providus Bank), Paul Adegbokan, Engineering Lead, Vesti and Adebiyi Grillo (Growth Lead, Cowrywise) shared valuable insights and explored the boundless possibilities of innovative solutions for seamless cross-border payments within the migration landscape.

Guests were treated to a live demonstration, showcasing the unique capabilities of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti.

The audience witnessed firsthand how Miai’s intelligent support system empowers immigrants, while Safelock’s secure environment safeguards their financial future.

With the launch of Miai by Vesti and Safelock by Vesti, a new era unfolds for immigrants.

Vesti is no longer just a platform; it’s a torchbearer, illuminating the path towards a smoother, smarter, and more secure migration journey.

Individuals across the globe can now navigate the complexities of migration with greater confidence, armed with the knowledge and financial security to make their dreams a reality in their new homes.

Vesti‘s Background

• Founded by two brothers who immigrated to the United States, the company is backed by both Africa and US-based investors and boasts of a thriving community of dreamers who represent the next generation of builders.
• Vesti’s AI-powered copilot, Miai, is a key component of its comprehensive offering, providing personalized support and guidance to immigrants throughout their migration journey.
• Through a set of tailored payment products, Vesti delivers hassle-free migration pathways and financial services to immigrants moving to the United States and other top destinations in North America and Europe.
• Vesti’s vision is to be the go-to legal and financial services platform for the next 1 billion immigrants.
• The company is on a mission to be the preferred platform for immigrants before they emigrate, providing information, community and ultimately a smooth transition to immigrants.

Declaring the conference and exhibition open, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general, called on stakeholders in the technology ecosystem to rally round the government as such handshake is needed to nurture the younger ones.

This he said will help them to transform their ideas from conceptualisation to impact.

According to Inuwa, “We need to help our start-ups to have access to capital for that will enhance their ideas and provide platform for them to network and learn from the ecosystem.

The all-important innovation and technological feast, which have in attendance over 1000 attendees and 150 exhibitors, showcases innovative businesses locally, across the globe, and presupposes a brighter outlook for Nigeria Economy.

Here is Techeconomy rhapsody mirroring of the event.

According to Disrupt Africa’s research there are at least 481 startups active across the country as of August 2022, with Nigeria as one of Africa’s “big four” startup ecosystems alongside Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria.

However, Statista’s records indicate the number of startups in Nigeria exceeded 3,360 in 2022, the highest number in Africa, followed by Kenya and South Africa counted approximately 1,000 and over 660 startups in the same year, respectively.

Other key African markets for startups were Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Rwanda.

The NITDA Co-Create conference and exhibition provided insights into what the future of innovation and startups would be in Nigeria.

Ifeoluwa Agbaje, the communication lead of Vesti, told Techeconomy that “Vesti is a migration Fintech company, providing Legal and Financial assistance services for immigrants, from the moment they decide they want to migrate to other country and moving forward.

Ife said that Vesti “has been able to develop a proprietary tool that brings together financial pathways, and solving twin problems of immigration and financial challenge.

The Vesti Communication led personnel expressed, optimism that its audacious vision targeted at over 1 billion migrants will be achievable with initiatives such as; Saving Migration Account, partnership with over 400 universities resident in the United States of America and Canada United and special attention in MBA and STEM, Migration investment loan among others.

“Payaza”, led by Adeola Business Manager and Margret Product marketing was another exhibitor of significance at the conference who spoke to Techeconomy. The startup is focused on empowering businesses across Africa, by offering seamless transactions, collection of payments and signing it off globally.

The all Queen but star-studded team, which is just two years old, boast of very close to a million user and presence in places such as; Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and of course Nigeria which serves as its base.  It also has an array of products and solutions which include but not limited to “Payazaboost”, and provisions tailored towards varieties of business model.

Payaza seems to be all out redefining the payment platform in Nigeria and across the globe.

Also present at the exhibition was “All in Africa” an offshoot of GitHub; an organization which has set for itself the vision for making education available and accessible across Africa through open sourcing initiative. Kingsley a member of the team, who also doubles as a product engineer delved into to details of “All in Africa” an education initiative, which though commenced operation last year (2003) and currently at the pilot stage, has graduated over 100 students in different field.

According to Kingsley, “All in Africa ” is actually built to open-source education in Africa, and teach Africa about how to open source. It does not just focus on the technical education alone; anybody can benefit from it; for example, a product designer, developers, and technical writer.

Our correspondent also spoke with the duo of Utopia P2P innovation and Secure Management record in the course of the exhibition.  While Utopia2P2 focuses on packages such; web browsing, secure instant messaging, and secure storage transfer.

Secure Management Record specializes in APl facial verification and biometric solution, which was further demystify into: Face detect, Face activeness, Face attribute among others.

Expounding the features of Utopia P2P, Oludare Fagbile, noted that it is an ecosystem, an “Application” that has all its features (web browser, secure messenger) secured web.

According to him, Utopia2P2 users can have encrypted conversation on the platform, while also benefiting from its native cryptocurrency.

If you have Utopia2P2 and I have UtopiaP2P; we can chat and our conversation will be encrypted and secured. It’s all in one package.

Whilst, Valentina, a Front-End Engineer, who spoke on behalf of Secure Record Management, also noted that her organization renders services along human resources and with her “Workpadi” initiatives, it will help organization manage documents, organize pay role, calendar, reminders, and physical archives which help preserve paper documents and also convert into the electronic format, among other services.

In conclusion, the NITDA Co-Create West Africa again reminded us about the innovations among the young people, who with some support from the government is capable of addressing our multifaceted challenges.

Taking place on January 26, 2024, at Y Arena, Ikoyi-Lagos, this event will not only recognize the achievements of these graduates but also serve as a dynamic platform for them to connect with potential employers.

The festivities will kick off with a graduation ceremony, marking the milestone for its first cohort. Following this, the event will transition into an engaging job fair, showcasing leading tech companies eager to tap into Africa’s abundant tech talent.

Khadijat Abdulkadir, CEO of Ingryd Academy, emphasized,

“This event provides an invaluable opportunity for our graduates to showcase their skills and for companies to access the wealth of tech talent available in Africa.”

The job fair will host esteemed organizations, including Jobberman, Association of Elite Human Resource Professions (AEHRP).

Torch and Pay, Talenture, TerraWorks, Vesti, and more, all actively seeking to recruit talented individuals for various tech roles.

Experienced professionals from VFD Group, Microsoft, Google, LEAP Africa and Access Bank will also take part in a panel discussion on the Future Frontiers: Navigating Tech Trends and Career Opportunities.

We warmly extend an invitation to all interested parties to join us in applauding the accomplishments of our graduates and exploring avenues for potential partnerships.

For more information about participating in the job fair, reach out to the organisers via email at partnerships@ingrydacademy.com.