The development marks a dramatic end to a startup that once positioned itself as a bridge between Africa’s vast tech talent pool and global opportunities.

From Zwarttech to Zarttech: A Vision to Bridge Global Talent Gaps

Founded in 2020 by Nelson Ajulo as Zwarttech, the company emerged with a bold mission, to connect Africa’s top software engineers with businesses across Europe and North America through remote and hybrid work models.

The startup quickly gained traction, building a network of vetted developers across more than 15 African countries and partnering with global organisations, including tech ecosystems in Europe and North America.

In 2021, the company rebranded to Zarttech, a move aimed at strengthening its market positioning and expanding its global footprint while retaining its core mission of bridging inequality through technology.

At its peak, Zarttech operated as a talent marketplace and software outsourcing firm, helping companies source senior IT professionals while enabling African developers to access high-paying global jobs without relocating.

Expansion into Skills Development and Innovation Ecosystems

Beyond recruitment, Zarttech expanded into broader ecosystem development. Through initiatives like its talent academy, the company trained young Africans in digital skills, creating a pipeline of globally competitive tech professionals.

The company also launched innovation-driven projects such as the Z-Habitat hub in Lagos, designed to foster collaboration among startups, creatives, and entrepreneurs while addressing gaps in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Zarttech’s model combined social impact with commercial services, offering outsourcing and outstaffing solutions while investing in diversity, inclusion, and gender equity in tech.

Cracks Beneath the Surface

Despite its ambitious vision, signs of internal strain began to emerge. Reports in 2025 revealed operational and financial challenges, including delayed salaries, suspended contracts, and growing dissatisfaction among employees.

Multiple accounts from former staff suggested a breakdown in communication and trust, with some alleging prolonged unpaid wages and abrupt contract terminations, issues that raised concerns about governance and sustainability within the startup.

These challenges reflected a broader pattern seen across emerging market startups, where rapid expansion often outpaces operational resilience and financial discipline.

Zarttech Shuts down and Offers Public Apology

The company’s eventual decision to shut down operations signals the culmination of these unresolved issues.

While details of the shutdown remain limited, the public apology underscores the impact on employees, partners, and clients who were part of its ecosystem.

For industry observers, Zarttech’s trajectory offers a cautionary tale, highlighting both the promise and pitfalls of cross-border tech talent platforms.

What This Means for Africa’s Tech Ecosystem

Zarttech’s rise and fall come at a time when Africa’s digital economy is gaining global attention. Its initial success demonstrated the viability of exporting African tech talent to the world, a model now being adopted by several startups.

However, its collapse raises critical questions around startup governance and financial management; worker protection in remote-first global models; sustainability of talent outsourcing platforms, and trust and accountability in Africa’s tech ecosystem.

For policymakers and ecosystem builders, the lesson is clear: scaling innovation must be matched with strong institutional frameworks and ethical leadership.

According to recent data, African startups raised $2.2 billion in 2024. But here’s the kicker—Nigeria snagged just $410 million of those funds, and we could say the challenges included unreliable power supply and ballooning costs of operations, among others.

A report released in 2023 revealed that Lagos had the highest concentration of tech startups in Africa, supported by 90 of the continent’s 640 active tech hubs. These numbers have surely increased, and so have the contradictions. 

Billion-dollar valuations coexist with underfunded infrastructure, and innovation thrives even with policy uncertainties.

But the saying goes— The gem cannot be polished without friction, and a person cannot be perfected without trials. Again, there are no shortcuts to the top of the palm tree and innovators are not letting these challenges stop them. 

Tech Hubs are sprouting up to drive collaboration, partnerships and resilient solutions. Let’s explore the numbers, the initiatives, and the good works that place these selected hubs among the top 10 tech hubs to watch in 2025, joining the likes of CcHub, Wennovation, and nHub, among other known hubs already in the space.

1. KOMU Tech Hub

KOMU Tech Hub, launched in partnership with TD Africa and Huawei, aims to decentralise digital growth in Nigeria. Situated at Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) in Owerri, this hub was built to bolster tech education. 

In 2024, the ICT Academy launched within the hub received commendation for its focus on grooming tech-savvy graduates.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, celebrated the hub as a game-changer for the university, stressing its prospects to instil self-reliance among students. His positiveness was reiterated by the Imo State Government, which saw the hub as a big step in building a digital city and stimulating a smart economy.

TD Africa and Huawei’s collaboration has ensured the hub offers hands-on training and exposure to cutting-edge ICT technologies. Students now have access to resources that prepare them for global tech roles, while Huawei’s support has placed KOMU as a strategic hub to watch in Africa’s tech space.

2. S Mobile Tech Hub

S Mobile Tech Hub, established by entrepreneur Kingsley Adonu, aims to boost the tech space in southeastern Nigeria. As a CSR initiative of S Mobile Group, the hub prioritizes youth entrepreneurship, skills development, and job creation. In 2024, the hub was recognized for its forward-thinking approach to addressing regional challenges.

Adonu’s mission to build a solid startup sector in Enugu State aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of a resilient and innovative economy. S Mobile Tech Hub supports this goal by building digital skills in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data. The hub also extends free data and airtime to students, civil servants, and entrepreneurs, enhancing socio-economic standards.

One of the hub’s achievements in 2024 was the rollout of its Cohort 1 program, which provided starter tools to 500 successful technology entrepreneurs. With state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed internet and robotics labs, the hub is enabling youth to overcome limitations and participate in the digital economy.

The hub also introduced training programs in web development, mobile app creation, and cybersecurity. Partnerships with global tech companies have further strengthened its place among top tech hubs to watch in Africa in 2025.

3. RAD5 Tech Hub 

Located in the city of Aba, Abia State, RAD5 Tech Hub is making waves in empowering entrepreneurs and innovators to build tech startups in Nigeria. While the country’s tech space is known for its software and digital technology achievements, RAD5 Tech Hub is bridging gaps by promoting innovation and collaboration in the tech industry.

Co-founded by Nnanna John, RAD5 Tech Hub provides a collaborative workspace that supports entrepreneurs and innovators in building scalable tech startups.

In 2024, RAD5 Tech Hub contributed greatly to entrepreneurship and technological growth in the region. It successfully launched the Abia Startups Investment Readiness Programme (ASIR-P), funded by AfriLabs and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through the Digital Africa Seed Fund.

This three-month initiative supported 300 startups, training them with skills in areas such as product development, customer validation, and business model innovation. The programme also provided direct mentorship from industry experts, preparing Abia-based businesses to secure funding and scale operations.

Beyond training and mentorship, RAD5 Tech Hub has actively enabled knowledge-sharing through workshops and events, cultivating a thriving community of entrepreneurs ready to tackle challenges in Nigeria’s tech sector. Through partnerships with government agencies, academia, and industry players, RAD5 Tech Hub has solidified its position as one of the top tech hubs to watch in 2025.

In addition to its achievements in programming and capacity-building, RAD5 Tech Hub has emphasised advocacy and research, addressing gaps within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. In empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and network needed to succeed, RAD5 Tech Hub is helping to drive innovation in Nigeria and beyond.

4. 1879 Tech Hub

Named after the founding year of UAC Nigeria, 1879 Tech Hub is doing a great thing in digital innovation on the continent. Launched with the vision of embedding technology into the core of African businesses, the hub has become a driver of growth and sustainability for UAC and its diverse operations.

Under the leadership of Fola Aiyesimoju, Group Managing Director of UAC Nigeria, and David Dogeni, chief technology officer, the hub has embraced a dual focus on creativity and technology to transform business operations. In 2024, 1879 Tech Hub led initiatives that helped UAC’s business units evolve into digital natives. 

With the integration of cutting-edge solutions across industries such as food production, manufacturing, and retail, the hub fantastically enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience.

One of the hub’s most applaudable achievements in 2024 was the establishment of specialised verticals, including Business Technology, Digital Innovation, Tech Academy, and Creative Communications. These verticals have provided a structured framework for driving innovation and developing talent, ensuring that UAC’s transformation efforts are sustainable. 

Collaborating with key UAC subsidiaries such as CAP, Grand Cereals, and UAC Foods, 1879 Tech Hub has delivered a huge impact. These partnerships have optimised supply chains and production processes and have also shown how technology can be a good enabler for growth in traditional industries.

1879 Tech Hub’s success in integrating innovation across UAC’s operations, coupled with its focus on tech talent, has placed it among the top tech hubs to watch in 2025.

5. NASENI Innovation Hub

In 2024, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) joined forces with AfriLabs to launch the NASENI Innovation Hub. This collaboration and more has placed the hub among top tech hubs driving innovation to watch in 2025.

With a mission to support young innovators and startups, the hub has provided critical infrastructure, mentorship, and resources to help entrepreneurs commercialize groundbreaking technologies.

The hub has already helped in accelerating industrialization and enabling sustainable economic growth. Through programs such as the NASENI Reverse Japa Programme, researchers from global universities were offered funding to commercialize their innovations locally, reversing brain drain and boosting Nigeria’s industrial sector. Meanwhile, the DeltHer Expansion Programme empowered women engineers with mentorship and funding, driving female-led technological breakthroughs.

For younger innovators, the FutureMakers by NASENI initiative groomed talent at secondary school and university levels through grants, competitions, and mentorship. The Placeholder Programme, targeting solutions for public sector challenges, and NASENI Xceler8, designed to accelerate startups in science, engineering, and manufacturing, showed the hub’s comprehensive system to support diverse demographics.

This innovation has set the foundation for Nigeria’s industrial transformation, placing the hub among the top tech hubs to watch in 2025. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the executive vice chairman of NASENI, noted that the hub goes beyond a facility—it is a platform driving homegrown solutions and promoting economic diversification. 

6. Timbuktoo Fintech Hub

Lagos became the home of Africa’s first Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in 2024, thanks to a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation. As part of the world’s largest initiative supporting Africa’s innovation, this hub is designed to enhance financial technology and economic development across the continent.

Located at the UNDP Innovation Center, the hub provides a state-of-the-art collaborative workspace for fintech startups, offering mentorship, advanced technology, and expert guidance. It also hosts virtual spaces, ensuring access for innovators across Africa. Grooming talent and cross-border collaborations, the hub is driving financial inclusion and innovation at scale.

The launch of the hub was marked by the onboarding of its first Pan-African cohort of fintech startups and the Fintech for Development Marketplace, which revealed commendable technologies with the potential to transform Africa’s financial sector. 

Networking sessions, policy dialogues, and fireside chats enabled key stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions.

H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, praised the initiative as a motivation for economic development, emphasizing the role of collaboration in driving innovation. Yemi Osinbajo, former vice president of Nigeria and a guardian of the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, noted the great prospects of Africa’s youth. Mentioning examples like Flutterwave and Andela, Osinbajo backed the belief that young innovators are indispensable to the continent’s prosperity.

This fintech hub represents a fierce partnership between the private sector, African governments, and international organizations, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. UN Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa described the initiative as one which asserts Africa’s capacity to generate solutions for global challenges, inviting stakeholders to see the continent as a land of opportunity. 

So, the hub is among the top tech hubs to watch in 2025, with close monitoring.

7. The Growth Hub

The Growth Hub Africa had a good impact in 2024 with its Growth Accelerator & Grant Competition. This initiative provided financial support and capacity-building opportunities to over 3,100 businesses, primarily in Ondo State, Nigeria. 

The programme awarded grants ranging from ₦125,000 to ₦2 million to ten winners while also providing 2,000 participants with training and resources valued at ₦2 million. The top 200 participants gained access to investor pitch opportunities, further positioning their businesses for success.

In collaboration with organisations like Sterling Bank, TradeFlow, and UAC Foods, The Growth Hub addressed challenges such as financial access, entrepreneurship education, and digital illiteracy. Its flagship events included the Ondo Entrepreneurs Virtual Summit, which attracted industry leaders, and a five-day virtual accelerator programme covering essential business skills such as financial management and marketing strategies.

Founder of SalesPlat, Olatunde Victor, noted the impact of this programme, stating that over 60% of participants experienced investment readiness and growth frameworks for the first time. The competitive aspect of the programme concluded in a grand finale on August 10, where ten exceptional businesses received funding. 

The tech hub is one to watch in 2025 as it doesn’t just provide financial support, participants benefit from tools like pitch deck templates and one-on-one guidance from business development associates. The Growth Hub is driving entrepreneurial growth, providing co-working spaces, premium training, and a place for innovation.

8. Z-Habitat Hub

Launched by 15Wins Ventures in Lagos, Z-Habitat Hub is not letting anyone give up on innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Officially opened in 2024, the hub attracted dignitaries such as The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bengt van Loosdrecht, who commended it as a “powerful connection point” for transformative ideas.

Z-Habitat Hub hosted workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events targeting Lagos’s thriving startup sector. It serves as a bridge between local talent and global resources, aligning with 15Wins Ventures’ broader mission of sustainable African tech development. 

CEO Nelson T. Ajulo described Z-Habitat as a convergence of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, pointing to the hub’s works to train nearly 500 students and provide scholarships to underserved women through the Zarttalent initiative.

The launch event included guided tours of state-of-the-art facilities, cultural performances, and showcases by local artists. Driving impactful solutions, the hub is facilitating collaboration between investors and entrepreneurs to build an inclusive, technology-driven continent, placing it among the top tech hubs to watch in 2025.

9. CoLab

CoLab, located in Kaduna, Nigeria, is a driver of innovation in Northern Nigeria, aiming to create a thriving tech space beyond Lagos. Founded by Sanusi Ismaila, CoLab has grown from an idea to a hub that inspires creativity, facilitates learning, and empowers young Nigerians to compete globally.

In 2024, CoLab had commendable achievements including a women-only technical cohort in partnership with the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub. This programme upskilled 120 women in areas like digital marketing, web design, and data science. 

Another achievement was its partnership with Facebook to train 1,000 entrepreneurs in Northwest Nigeria on leveraging the Facebook app for business growth. CoLab also implemented Project Sparrow, a $1.4 million agritech initiative in collaboration with LoftyInc and USAID, aimed at preparing startups for investment readiness.

Again, CoLab supported the National Social Investments Program’s (NSIP) Startup Nigeria initiative, incubating innovative ideas across the country. With over 3,000 entrepreneurs supported and more than 72 projects completed to date, CoLab’s 2024 performance makes it one of the tech hubs to watch in 2025.

10. Genesys Tech Hub

Enugu-based Genesys Tech Hub is bolstering tech in southeastern Nigeria by grooming a generation of world-class developers and entrepreneurs. With a mission to build Africa’s largest pool of technical talent, Genesys has invariably built young Nigerians through its initiatives.

In 2024, Genesys’ impact was seen through its Learnable internship programme, which trained over 720 professionals in software development and design. Commendably, 85% of these graduates were employed within the tech industry, while others launched their startups or became mentors themselves. 

Genesys also partnered with the Federal Government and Ventures Platform Hub to support startups under the NSIP programme. Ten startups received funding and mentorship, with great innovations in governance, agriculture, commerce, and finance.

Genesys’ collaborative and growth-focused culture, coupled with its emphasis on real-world experience, places it among the top tech hubs to watch in 2025, with its ability to bridge the gap between tech talent and industry needs.

The launch was attended by key dignitaries, including The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bengt van Loosdrecht; The Netherlands Consul General in Lagos, His Excellency Michel Deelen; Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth Employment & Health Care, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos; Valkamiya Ahmadu, Senior Policy Advisor on Economic & Political Affairs (Abuja); and Adebola Adebowale, Chief Program Analyst for Lagos State.

Commenting on the significance of Z-Habitat in driving innovation and creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities, Bengt van Loosdrecht said,

“We see Z-Habitat Hub as a powerful connection point – a place where ideas can take root and thrive through collaboration. Many people in the west do not realize that Nigeria is a country on the brink of transformation.

The domestic private sector, driven by young, well-educated individuals, is flourishing. This is a dynamic I have seen in other rapidly developing regions, and I believe Nigeria’s youth are on the cusp of an exciting future.’’

His remarks preceded the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which officially opened the hub’s doors to the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.

The Z-Habitat Hub will host various programs, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events, all aimed at empowering Lagos’s startup ecosystem.

The hub’s mission aligns with 15Wins Ventures’ goal to build a sustainable foundation for African tech development, bridging resources from its base in the Netherlands to local talent in West Africa.

Reflecting on the vision behind Z-Habitat, Nelson T. Ajulo, the chief executive officer of 15Wins Ventures, highlighted the hub’s role as a transformative force within Lagos  startup ecosystem.

“Z-Habitat is a place where technology, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit come together. Our mission is to provide local entrepreneurs and creatives with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions,” he said.  “Through Zarttalent, we have trained nearly 500 students and provided scholarships to underserved women. Now, with Z-Habitat, we are expanding our commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and broader community.’’

Guests were welcomed with a guided tour of the facility, led by Nelson, offering a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art workspaces. The event also featured an energetic performance by local drummers and a showcase of creative expressions by local artists.

The launch of Z-Habitat underscores 15Wins Ventures’ commitment to fostering homegrown innovation and providing a structured, supportive environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs.

As Lagos startup landscape continues to thrive, Z-Habitat is poised to play a critical role in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into impactful solutions that drive long-term growth.

Photos from the launch