For small businesses looking out for affordable legal services, SMELP is providing just that. SMELP, an acronym for Small to Medium Enterprises Legal Partnerships is a firm that provides legals services for SMEs. Founded in November 2016, the law startup is dedicated to partnering with startups from their eureka moment to their imminent growth. According to the founder, “SMELP is not your traditional law firm, we are your legal partners. The aim is to grow, as you grow.” “We do not offer just legal services, we offer a partnership, a collaboration between SMEs and our network of high profile investors, business analysts, consultants…
Author: Christie Uzebu
If you live in Lagos without a car, you must have gone through that stress of not being able to find your way to your destination. Sometimes, you ask questions from people around, but it ends up worsening the situation. Bustops.ng wants to help you find your way around Lagos! Founded in 2017 by Zenith Wogwugwu, the startup maps out routes in Lagos to enable everyday Lagosians without cars or the money to pay for ride hailing services understand the route to their next destination and connect with the right commercial vehicles heading that way. This it hopes to achieve using directions,…
For many prospective undergraduates looking to sit for the compulsory JAMB exams, they lack enough facts and sometimes do not get guidance when it comes to making an informed decision on university and career choice. University Compass was launched on April 27, 2017, by Seunla Osinowo to fill in as guide that would help Nigerian university prospects make intelligent university choices bases on their criteria. According to the founder the web based platform uses a citeria based University search, which is an improvement on all existing applications in Nigeria. “We have created a university selection system that tells students and parents…
You’ve probably gone through that embarrassing moment when your car develops a fault and leaves your stranded, especially in an area where getting a public vehicle is difficult. With TrackAMechanic, you can now easily access and order the services of mechanics within minutes. Co-founded by Peter Chibuzor, Tope Kolade and Martinz Bright, the auto-startup was launched on June 1, 2017. Users are able to monitor service progress via TrackAMechanic’s integrated satellite geolocation map, which also enables them to locate services in real time. Mechanics enlisted on the platform are said to have professional experiences in their field, and are scrutinised for background, criminal and reference checks. For…
Cityrun is a Lagos based provider of cost-effective parcel delivery and courier services. The on-demand pick-up service allows customers request for parcels to be picked up and delivered to and from most locations in Lagos According to the team, “we apply the industries best practices, technology, and the right people to satisfy our customer’s distribution needs”. Cityrun provides this service to both business and non-business customers. For non-business customer, the Cityrun tram claims to provide a straight forward delivery service that is hassle-free, reliable and cost effective. For business customers, like e-commerce startups who constantly have deliveries to do, the…
For students looking for the most effective ways to prepare for external exams, and to the reduce the rate of failure recorded yearly in WAEC and JAMB, Prepa was launched to give students that much needed preparation. The platform is a mobile/web socio-learning and e-testing platform that creates a common platform for knowledge and idea sharing between students and high quality teachers. As a supplement to classroom coaching, the platform aims to boost students’ confidence/preparation level for their University examination. It looks to reducing the failure rate at secondary school level by providing students with access to over 30,000 Past Questions…
Foreign exchange has become big business. Banks are cashing in, currency retailers are on the increase on roadsides across Nigeria, as they call out to every passer by, whether they have money to convert or not. Nairaswaps wants to change the traditional way we convert foreign currencies. Foreign exchange with these banks and middle men attract fees, but with Nairaswaps, you simply connect directly with people who are also looking to convert foreign currencies. Founded by Adebisi Sanusi, the platform is a peer-to-peer marketplace that democratises the art of exchanging foreign currencies by allowing users swap currencies with each other.…
Telecommunications giant, MTN, has partnered TD Mobile, a mobile device distributor, to unveil an ICE 2 smartphone designed for the Nigerian market. According to the companies, the ICE 2 smartphone was one of many devices produced by Freetel, Japan’s biggest smartphone brand, and powered by Google’s latest Android operating system, Android 7.0. According to a statement by MTN, the revolutionary ICE 2 comes fully equipped with the latest software and security updates including Google Play Protect, newly-developed software, which continuously works to keep one’s device, data and apps safe. It added that the smartphone was pre-loaded with MTN’s latest apps…
You probably have tons of Facebook friends that are on your block list. You got tired of ignoring them, or you just were not up for any chat, so, you used the block button. Sometime, the unfriend button also comes in handy. Well now, during those moments, you can simply mute them for a period of time. Facebook is set to roll out a ‘Snooze’ button that allows you to temporarily unfollow friends, Pages or Groups for 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days. The ‘Snooze’ feature will discourage people from permanently unfollowing, unliking or unfriending people/groups on Facebook while…
Following a recent feud and a request from the Saudi Arabia authority, social media platform Snapchat has blocked access to Al Jazeera content in Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi government, Al Jazeera’s Snapchat channel was breaking local laws related to published material and cyber crime. Although, the TV network, Al Jazeera, still has its content on other channels available in Saudi Arabia, including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. They however denounced the move by Snapchat, and in the words of the acting Director-General Mostefa Souag, “we find Snapchat’s action to be alarming and worrying. This sends a message that regimes and…
BongoHive has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide startups that have been through a BongoHive program with free hosting services on their Amazon Web Service platform. The offer from Amazon Web Services to BongoHive startups includes free access to AWS and tools via AWS promotional credits (approx. 2 years), free and discounted access to various online training modules and labs, access to an AWS technical engineer for follow-up advising as needed via skype and an option to be featured in AWS marketing channels (podcast, blog, social media, etc.), subject to AWS marketing approval. To gain access to the credits, interested…
Ryteprint is an online printing platform that provides customised business printing, marketing materials, clothing, signage, photo and digital art products. Through its on-demand customised printing service, Ryteprint aims to give individuals, small offices home offices (SOHOs) Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and corporate organisations the power to simplify their print ordering process using an innovative, transparent and technology driven platform. Launched on July 18 2017 by Olawale Awani, Ryteprint claims to offer the largest range of printed products across the Nigerian and West African, market. The startup also provides customers with access to thousands of design templates for easy customisation, access to advice from design professionals without…
ASUSU is a technology platform digitalizing the old village savings and loans systems also known as a cooperative. The asusu platform helps provide cooperators with online easy access to their savings and loans, helps transfers loan request from the cooperative to the cooperators, provide access to merchants for installment payments of goods purchased and also helping them build credit score so as to achieve financial inclusion for low income earners and informal business people who us the village savings and loan scheme. It also helps cooperative administrators manage data, process and disburse loans faster and provide them with more detailed…
The 2017 Women FinTech Power List is now open for submissions. Nominate a colleague working in FinTech anywhere in the world. Innovate Finance, the UK membership organisation that represents global FinTech, has announced the opening for nominations to its 2017 Women FinTech Powerlist. The annual list celebrates the contribution of female talent in the development of the FinTech sector and is open to candidates from around the world. The widely popular initiative, first launched in 2015, is an attempt to include all women who are driving FinTech global success across the sector and within Innovate Finance’s membership association. Innovate Finance’s…
For aspiring Software Developers in Nigeria looking to acquire skills, Basecode Academy is here to provide just that. Founded on July 15, 2017, by Jide Williams, Basecode Academy was launched with a mission to groom the next wave of software developers in Nigeria. The startup applies a unique strategy to achieve their objective. After students apply for intended programs, they undergo Basecode’s bootcamp and are guided through the path to finally obtaining a job. According to Jide Williams, their approach is made possible by their partnership with third parties like Findworka ( the startup in charge of the mentorship programme) and also employers (who…
FoodFacts is an online food products database which collates nutrition and health information about food products in Nigeria. Founded by Ebenezer Anifowose, and a proprietary product of Healthcare Nigeria, a social enterprise that promotes health and well-being using audiovisuals, games, and technology, the main aim of the platform is to enable Nigerians avoid fake products and make better food choices. Information collated on the platform include product name, ingredient list, nutrition facts, NAFDAC number, additives, allergens and typically any other information you will find on food labels. To build a robust database of food products in Nigeria, FoodFacts is designed…
Established in 2001, the Ashden Awards are a globally recognised as a mark of excellence in the field of green energy. Call for Entries for the 2018 Ashden Awards is now open. Are you part of a scheme – or know of one – that’s breaking new ground in renewable energy generation, reducing energy demand, increasing access to energy, or encouraging more sustainable forms of transport? Then you should apply for the Ashden Awards. Why Apply? Award of up to £20,000 National and international media exposure Tailored support to develop your work even further Media materials to help you tell your…
Each time a new movie is released, we all get excited, and head to the nearest cinema showing it. But, before great movies come to life, filmmakers face tons and tons of challenges. One of the most notable is hunting for filming location. This is one task that’s both stressful and time-consuming, but filmlocations.com.ng wants to make it easy. The platform is online marketplace that connects filmmakers to suitable locations for TV, commercial, movies, music video and photography projects. Film Locations is similar to a property listing platform, only difference is these properties are available for film-makers who want to…
The Swiss Re Foundation Entrepreneurs for Resilience Award recognises entrepreneurial initiatives that take innovative approaches to building resilient societies and realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Whilst resilience is the core theme of the annual award programme, its specific focus changes from year to year with current trends and developments. The 2018 award will focus on innovative solutions that offer affordable access to renewable energy for households in low-income communities. The following technology areas are in scope: improved cookstoves, solar lanterns, solar home systems, decentralised grids, productive uses, mini wind turbines and biogas generators. The award programme involves a…
Do you have an innovative idea that supports responses to natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies? The GSMA Disaster Response Innovation Fund can provide funding to help you to test or scale it. GSMA is looking for ideas that use mobile technology to assist and empower individuals or communities affected by humanitarian emergencies, or to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response in disaster contexts. Funding of up to £300,000 per project is available, as well as promotion and networking opportunities. GSMA funds either: Seed Projects to test new products or services; or Market Validation Projects to replicate proven products or services. The Fund is open to applicants delivering…
Telecoms firm, Econet Wireless has launched a hypertension and sugar level testing device in Bulawayo under its connected health initiative that seeks to enhance access to medical assistance using modern technologies. The revolutionary innovation is expected to help reduce the doctor-to-patient ratio by improving health care for communities as doctors can remotely monitor patients across a wider radius through data alerts using the electronic platform. This is also set to improve access and ease the challenge of distance and costs incurred especially by rural communities when travelling to major health centres for health checks and consultation. According to E-health super-channel…
Switzerland’s premier startup accelerator, F10, has announced the launch of its current round of applications for its P2 Prototype to Product programme. Twice a year, F10 offers a 6-month “Prototype to Product” program in which Startups will be supported in transitioning their prototype to a sellable product. Each team will be supported by a coach from the F10 team as well as an external mentor. All teams will have access to working space at F10 in Zurich. The latest round of applications commenced on September 11th, and is open to all startups in FinTech, RegTech, and InsurTech. Potential candidates for 2018’s first round…
You know that moment when you send a couple of messages to a contact, and that voice in you head says, ‘you couldn’t have sent that’. You realise you really couldn’t have sent that, but then the message is delivered and the recipient has probably even read it. We also mistakenly send messages to the wrong person. By wrong person, I mean, totally wrong person. Like a message meant for you girlfriend goes to your mum, dad or a random friend. Sometimes, it gets more embarrassing than that. But, here’s good news! Whatsapp would soon be rolling out a new…
The annual Global Change Award, initiated by the non-profit H&M Foundation, aims to protect our planet and living conditions by accelerating the shift from a linear to a circular fashion industry. The five winners share a €1 million grant, along with a one-year innovation accelerator program providing tailor-made support and invaluable access to the fashion industry. Last year, more than 2,800 applications from 130 countries were submitted. The third round is now opens for applications at globalchangeaward.com. The Global Change Award is one of the world’s biggest challenges for early stage innovation and the first such initiative in the fashion…
Marriott Hotels has launched its TestBED programme for the first time in the Middle East and Africa. First launched by Marriott Hotels across Europe in 2016, TestBED is a 10-week accelerator programme that gives startups the opportunity to test their products within an operating Marriott Hotel in a major city. The programme is open to seed and early stage startups with products or services that are ready to pilot in a live hotel environment. It offers startups the opportunity to gain worthwhile feedback from guests and associates to help further develop and perfect their product. Participating startups are hand-picked in an effort…
The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) has announces its second Fellows Class, 16 scientists, all under 42 years of age, who are solving Africa’s and the world’s challenges. An initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, the NEF will hold its second global forum for science in Kigali, Rwanda, under the patronage of H.E. President Paul Kagame. Central to the NEF’s vision of propelling Africa onto the global scientific stage, the NEF Fellows will present their groundbreaking research at the NEF Global Gathering 2018, to be held on 26-28 March 2018, and…
MultiChoice Nigeria has introduced Pay-Per-View (PPV), where viewers pay an additional fee to watch a particular programme either on a cable or a satellite TV. According to the Head of Public Relations Caroline Oghuma, the concept is different from pay-as-you-go, which has been misconstrued to mean pay-per-view. “Pay TV operation is not like the telecom version where you pay for the amount of airtime you want to use. Pay-as-you-go, as believed by some customers, is not obtainable in the pay TV business,” said Oghuma. Noting that the PPV model is a global practice which allows interested parties pay and view special…
With technology growing rapidly in Nigeria, the number of entrepreneurs also keep shooting up. While taking advantage of the opportunities provided by technology, young entrepreneurs are coming up with disruptive ideas that solve real problems faced by the average Nigerian. As these ideas transform into thriving businesses, every year, we get to see dozen of startups offering solutions that are nothing short of creative. Here are 5 of such startups that are using technology to solve common problems faced by small businesses. 1. Accountinghub In a bid to eliminate the need for small businesses to recruit or train in-house accountants, Accountinghub has…
Applications are open for the 2017 Zambezi Prize, which is aimed at raising awareness of entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, encouraging the flow of capital to financial inclusion ventures, and advancing entrepreneurship and financial inclusion to fuel broad-based prosperity. The Zambezi Prize is presented by the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT and The MasterCard Foundation. Collectively, these organizations focus on entrepreneurship and financial inclusion as catalysts for broad-based prosperity in low-income countries—unlocking the potential of ordinary citizens to improve their livelihoods. The Zambezi Prize awards $200K USD annually to support ventures that contribute to financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The first place…
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Forum of Young Global Leaders has established a comprehensive selection process for identifying and selecting the most exceptional leaders. Every year, thousands of candidates from around the world are proposed and assessed according to rigorous selection criteria. Only the very best candidates are selected and all efforts are extended to create a truly representative body. Reflecting the diversity of stakeholders, the Young Global Leaders include leaders from politics, business, civil society, academia, and arts and culture across seven geographic regions. The deadline to submit nominations for the Young Global Leaders Class of 2019 is 31 May 2018.…