Author: Insider Editor

Zenith Bank has announced the fourth edition of Zecathon, its flagship startup competition and incubation program aimed at nurturing Nigeria’s tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative targets early-stage startups developing innovative solutions in fintech, embedded finance, cybersecurity, healthtech, agritech, and e-commerce. ₦77.5 Million in Prizes and Comprehensive Support With total prize money of ₦77.5 million, the program offers significant financial backing for startups: Winners will also benefit from a six-week incubation program running from December 2024 to February 2025, providing: Application and Competition Timeline Eligible startups must be registered Nigerian businesses with viable products or MVPs demonstrating market traction in…

The essence of entrepreneurship is filled with unexpected turns and challenges. Founders launch their companies based on a vision, creating a business plan that reflects their hopes for the future. They hit the ground running, making rapid decisions with limited resources and unclear expectations about the outcomes. In many ways, they are constructing the foundation of a house without knowing what the roof will ultimately look like. The decisions made in these early stages are crucial, laying the groundwork for the company’s future as it grows. However, the pressure of arbitrary deadlines and self-imposed goals can lead founders to overlook…

This exclusive program is tailored for promising education technology startups that harness artificial intelligence, providing a fantastic opportunity for Utiva to amplify its impact on education across Africa. The Growth Academy is a three-month hybrid initiative that offers startups equity-free support, access to Google’s tools, and hands-on mentorship from AI experts. Participants also gain strategic advice to help scale their businesses, improve their leadership skills, and connect with a global network of venture capitalists and industry leaders. Utiva’s involvement highlights its emerging role as a leader in using AI to address challenges in education. This opportunity couldn’t be more timely…

The days when Africa was labelled the “Dark Continent,” plagued by challenges like illiteracy, a heavy disease burden, and information gaps, are long gone. In 2024, Africa is thriving with informed citizens, improved infrastructure, and growing economies, according to AvaTrade, a trusted broker with seven regulations across six continents. Unemployment rates are decreasing as the Internet continues to educate and empower individuals in financial matters. With greater access to technology, people are learning about forex trading, making significant investments, and enjoying a higher standard of living. The outlook for 2025 is even brighter, with technology poised to drive Africa into…

As an advisor to small businesses and aspiring founders, I often encounter the misconception that every new business must begin with a disruptive idea. I disagree. In my experience, the most successful entrepreneurs identify a significant opportunity first and then apply innovative ideas to address it. The best opportunities arise from pressing needs, coupled with a growing customer base that has purchasing power. For instance, technologists sometimes create a new device or app simply because they can, assuming it will appeal to everyone. Similarly, social entrepreneurs may pitch ambitious ideas to end world hunger, overlooking the fact that those most…

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is on a mission to establish Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for technological innovation, driven by the powerful 3Cs principle: creation, collaboration, and commercialization. In a captivating press briefing that celebrated the first anniversary of Khalil Halilu’s leadership as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NASENI unveiled a series of impressive milestones that set the stage for Nigeria’s industrial transformation. Halilu proudly announced that the agency now boasts over 35 market-ready products ready for commercialization, each designed to fuel economic growth, propel technological advancement, and create sustainable jobs, perfectly aligned with President…

During a keynote speech at Nigeria Fintech Week, Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director General, represented by Emmanuel Edet, Director of Standards, Guidelines, and Framework, emphasized the transformative power of AI. He noted that this technology has the potential to revolutionize critical sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance. “Innovation is not just a tool; it’s a paradigm shift that can redefine every aspect of our lives,” Inuwa declared, underscoring the urgency for Africa to engage in these discussions. The International Monetary Fund has hailed AI as a “technological revolution,” capable of jumpstarting productivity, boosting global growth, and elevating incomes worldwide.…

In an exciting development for the African tech landscape, XA Network—an investment collective founded by a group of former Google executives in Southeast Asia—has officially launched XA Africa. This strategic expansion aims to ignite innovation and bolster promising startups across the continent. Leading the charge at XA Africa are three distinguished tech professionals: Nitin Gajria, the former Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa; Jason Scott, a venture capitalist renowned for his role in establishing the Black Founders Fund at Google; and Marek Dawidowicz, the Marketing Director at YouTube and a proud South African. Their wealth of experience and industry knowledge…

Mr. Jonathan Ortmans, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), has declared that Nigeria possesses extraordinary potential to outpace many developed countries in its growth as a startup nation. During a recent visit to Nigeria in preparation for the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Week celebration in November, Mr. Jonathan Ortmans, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), shared his insights during the “Conversation with the GEN President” event hosted by GEN Nigeria. He emphasized that “Nigeria has a wealth of assets,” highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities of building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in a large economy. “It’s often more challenging…