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Google Picks Awabah, LifeBank, Flex Finance, Others for $4m Funding Support

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Awabah

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A total of 60 startups established by entrepreneurs of African origin have been selected by a tech giant, Google, for the second cohort of Google for Startups Black Founders Fund (BFF) for Africa.

The beneficiaries will have the opportunity to have a share of the $4 million in funding support to assist their companies to expand their operations to other regions.

A digital pensions platform from Nigeria, Awabah, is among the startups chosen by Google for the programme and will join others to undergo a 6-month training programme that includes access to a network of mentors to assist in tackling challenges that are unique to them.

The 60 startups from Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda will also be part of tailored workshops, support networks and community-building sessions.

According to Google, the 60 grantees, made up of 50 per cent women-led businesses, will also receive non-dilutive awards of between $50,000 and $100,000 and up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credit.

The beneficiaries were taken from various sectors such as fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, logistics, agtech, education, hospitality and smart cities.

Business Post gathered 23 startups were picked from Nigeria, 12 from Kenya, six from Rwanda, five from South Africa, four from Uganda, three each from Cameroon and Ghana, two from Ethiopia and one each from Botswana and Senegal.

The Google for Startups scheme was launched in April 2012 and has created over 4,600 jobs and raised more than $290 million in funding.

The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund programme will introduce the grantees in Africa to Google’s products, connections, and best practices which will help the founders to level the playing field as they build better products and services that add value to the African economy.

The Head of Startup Ecosystem, SSA for Google, Folarin Aiyegbusi, while commenting on the initiative, stated that, “Africa is a diverse continent with massive opportunity but the continent is faced with the challenge of limited diversity in venture capital funding flow.

“We hope that the Black Founders Fund program will be able to bridge the gap of disproportionate funding between ex-pat startups over local and black-led companies.”

Funding for the Google for Startup Black Founders Fund will be distributed through Google’s implementation partner, CcHUB.

“The equity-free cash assistance to startups will enable them to take care of immediate needs such as paying staff, funding inventory, and maintaining software licences. This is to help the grantees buffer the cost of taking on debt in the early stages of their business as many of them do not have steady revenue streams yet,” Aiyegbusi disclosed.

“Programs like the Black Founders Fund enhance the African ecosystem – where we currently have gaps in funding and infrastructure. Google getting involved and throwing its might behind thriving entrepreneurs in Africa is a beautiful thing, and I am very happy that Google has continued the Black Founders Fund in Africa initiative in 2022,” the CEO of MyMedicines and alumni of the 2021 BFF program, Abimbola Adebakin said.

Below is the list of the 60 startups selected for the programme:

S/N

Name

Country

About

1.

Agrikool

South Africa

Agrikool is an agritech platform that connects farming producers and buyers to a fair and reliable market.

2.

Ajua

Kenya

Ajua is an end-to-end operating system for SMEs to build a credible online presence, get feedback on their businesses and manage the relationship with their customers

3.

Awabah

Nigeria

Awabah is a digital pensions platform for Africa’s workforce

4.

BAG Innovation 

Rwanda

BAG Innovation is a virtual and gamified platform that offers real-time access to experiential learning for university students and recent graduates

5.

Bailport

Rwanda

Baliport is a cross-border, multi-currency payment platform focused on enabling intra-Africa & Africa outbound money transfers through blockchain.

6.

Bee

Cameroon

Bee finances motorcycles to drivers while also providing training and access to jobs.

7.

Bookings Africa

Nigeria

Bookings Africa enables Africa’s gig workforce to digitise and monetize their skills by connecting clients efficiently and transparently to skilled talent across Africa.

8.

Brastorne

Botswana

Brastorne connects the unconnected in Africa, enabling rural villages to have access to the digital world without smartphones or data.

9.

Built

Ghana

Built enables access to business and financial tools for Sub-Saharan African small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

10.

BuuPass

Kenya

BuuPass is a travel startup – building digital rails for Africa’s intercity transport industry and supporting bus, train & flight transportation

11.

Cauri Money

Senegal

Cauri Money is a cashless remittance platform helping African migrants move money from around the world into mobile wallets in Africa.

12.

Clafiya

Nigeria

Clafiya connects individuals, families, and businesses to health practitioners – enabling access to convenient, quality, and affordable, on-demand primary care from their mobile phones

13.

ClinicPesa

Uganda

ClinicPesa provides an easy-to-use platform where low-income users can set aside funds as low as $0.30 daily dedicated towards healthcare and get access to healthcare loans

14.

COVA

Cameroon

COVA is a digital insurance platform that enables partner businesses to easily and seamlessly deliver insurance products to their users

15.

CreditAIs

South Africa

CreditAIs provides credit scoring tools for micro-businesses and individuals that do not fit the existing traditional credit scoring models

16.

DohYangu

Kenya

DohYangu enables end consumers in Africa to shop FMCG products & get cashback rewards at various retail stores, saving up to 25%

17.

Easy Matatu

Uganda

Easy Matatu provides a mobile platform that allows commuters to book and pay for scheduled rides on vetted and inspected minibuses

18.

Eden Life

Nigeria

Eden Life provides an operating system for receiving and rendering essential services in Africa – focused on offering food, cleaning, laundry, and beauty services to their customers.

19.

Estate Intel 

Nigeria

Estate Intel  provides reliable data to businesses that are investing or operating in the African real estate space.

20.

Eversend

Uganda

Eversend is a neobank, providing critical financial products in Sub-Saharan Africa – including cross-border financial services.

21.

Exuus

Rwanda

Exuus empowers informal saving groups with a digital ledger, digital wallet, decentralised social credit score, and instant micro-loans to both groups and individuals.

22.

Flex Finance

Nigeria

Flex Finance helps businesses in Africa to manage approval workflow, access credit, issue corporate cards to employees and make disbursements all from one platform.

23.

FlexPay

Kenya

FlexPay is a merchant-embedded digital savings platform that rewards customers for saving up for purchases – a save now buy later (SNBL) solution at checkout.

24.

Gamr

Nigeria

Gamr is an eSports tournament aggregation platform, helping African gamers discover tournaments they can play in and get rewarded for.

25.

Garri Logistics 

Ethiopia

Garri Logistics matches shippers looking to move cargo with vehicle owners and drivers, while finding optimal route pairings to reduce empty miles.

26.

Haul 247

Nigeria

Haul247 is a logistics platform that connects manufacturing companies and farmers with trucks and warehouses.

27.

Healthlane

Cameroon

Healthlane provides advanced comprehensive health screening and personalised plans, biometric monitoring, genetic analysis as well as in-person and virtual visits with top-rated doctors .

28.

Healthtracka

Nigeria

Healthtracka is a platform that allows users access on-demand healthcare services in the comfort of their homes.

29..

HerVest

Nigeria

HerVest offers a highly secured, women-focused financial platform that enables women to participate in key financial services, with a focus on female farmers.

30.

Kapsule

Rwanda

Kapsule is a data as a service company that helps healthcare providers, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies to make better decisions

31.

Keep IT Cool 

Kenya

Keep IT Cool is an early-stage, fast-growing social enterprise that leverages technology to strengthen the African aquaculture and poultry value chain through cold chain and storage

32.

KUDIGO

Ghana

KUDIGO offers an omni-channel digital commerce platform to empower micro and small businesses in Africa

33.

Kyshi

Nigeria

Kyshi provides multi-currency accounts and remittance services to and from Africa

34.

Leja

Kenya

Leja is an Android/USSD application enabling African micro-entrepreneurs to digitise all their business transactions and manage all their finance in one place

35.

LifeBank

Nigeria

LifeBank leverages technology to provide value in multiple segments (production, marketplace and distribution) of the healthcare supply chain such as blood, oxygen and medical supplies

36.

Mapha

South Africa

Mapha provides delivery as a service to businesses in peri-urban & township areas

37.

Norebase

Nigeria

Norebase provides a single digital platform and technology tools for entrepreneurs and businesses to start, scale, and operate in any African country and the United States.

38.

OneHealth

Nigeria

OneHealth is an online pharmacy & healthcare platform that provides access to medicines, healthcare information, and solutions (Laboratory services & Doctors)  to the last mile patient.

39.

PesaChoice

Rwanda

PesaChoice bridges the gap in liquidity for low-middle income earners across the continent and drives access to financial services.

40.

Pindo

Rwanda

Pindo is a cloud communication platform for businesses, optimised for developers.

41.

Pivo

Nigeria

Pivo is a credit focused digital bank for trade, supporting businesses across Africa

42.

QShop

Nigeria

QShop is an easy to use DIY e-commerce platform designed to help small and medium-sized businesses scale and sell better online.

43.

Rekisa

South Africa

Rekisa helps businesses create their e-commerce websites and assists them with various digital marketing activities

44.

Scrapays Inc

Nigeria

Scrapays is creating operating system infrastructure for the recycling value chain in developing nations.

45.

Shiip

Nigeria

Shiip leverages web, mobile and API technology to connect individuals & businesses to delivery services in and out of Africa

46.

Solutech (Kenya):

Kenya

Solutech helps field-sales teams to sell more  efficiently by leveraging powerful insights while providing FMCG companies with real-time data for day-to-day and strategic decision-making.

47.

Spleet

Nigeria

Spleet leverages a ‘Rent Now, Pay Later’ model to drive its mission to ensure that every African can afford a space to live in.

48.

Stears

Nigeria

Stears is a financial intelligence company providing subscription-based content & data to global professionals. Its mission is to build the world’s most trusted provider of African data.

49.

Synnefa

Kenya

Synnefa is building Africa’s first mini-farm ERP connected to IoT sensors that provide soil data which is combined with farmer activity data to create a farmer experience score that is passed on to financial partners to use on their credit score.

50.

Technovera

South Africa

Technovera is an innovative tech startup focused on technology inclusion through the development of simple technologies aimed at improving last mile access in Africa.

51.

TERAWORK

Nigeria

TERAWORK is an online freelance marketplace focused on matching freelancers to service buyers.

52.

TIBU Health

Kenya

TIBU Health is an omnichannel healthtech company connecting patients to healthcare services and professionals at a time and location of their choosing.

53.

Topset Education

Nigeria

Topset Education is an edtech platform that makes quality education accessible to Africans everywhere.

54.

TopUp Mama

Kenya

TopUp Mama enables restaurants in Africa to purchase food supplies, access financial services and manage their business.

55.

Wellahealth

Nigeria

Wellahealth provides technology and financial tools to healthcare providers and patients to enable affordability and accessibility of healthcare in emerging markets.

56.

Xente

Uganda

Xente is a digital financial platform with in-built spend management to support businesses across Africa

57.

Zanifu

Kenya

Zanifu enable SMEs to purchase inventory and pay later

58.

ZayRide

Ethiopia

ZayRide is a customer centric on-demand taxi service offering fast, convenient service throughout local areas in Ethiopia

59.

Zuberi

Ghana

Zuberi is a fintech platform based out of Accra, built to provide financial products and services to salaried workers in a way they have never experienced before

60.

Zuri Health

Kenya

Zuri Health provides affordable and accessible healthcare services to patients across Sub-Saharan Africa via mobile app, website, Whatsapp chatbot and SMS service.

Economy

5 Secrets to Unlocking Business Success in Nigeria

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business success UFA Bet

Nigeria’s business environment continues to evolve rapidly, presenting both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs. In recent years, digital transformation has become a cornerstone for growth, with businesses across various sectors embracing new technologies to remain competitive. For those looking to thrive in this dynamic landscape, understanding market trends and leveraging innovative strategies is crucial.

Whether it’s a startup or an established enterprise, success often hinges on adaptability, strategic planning, and the ability to seize emerging opportunities. Even in sectors like entertainment and sports, where trends shift quickly, businesses must stay agile to maintain relevance. For instance, some entrepreneurs are exploring new revenue streams such as online platforms, including activities like แทงบอล ufabet, which have gained popularity due to their accessibility and appeal to a broad audience.​

The Nigerian Business Landscape in 2025

The Nigerian business landscape in 2025 is marked by rapid technological adoption, increased competition, and a growing demand for digital solutions. Sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and digital marketing have seen significant growth, driven by a young, tech-savvy population. Entrepreneurs are now leveraging digital tools to streamline operations, reach wider audiences, and improve customer engagement. The government’s push for economic diversification has also created new opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. However, businesses must navigate challenges such as regulatory hurdles, infrastructure gaps, and fluctuating market conditions. Despite these obstacles, the resilience and creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs continue to drive innovation and growth.​

Why Strategic Planning is Essential

Strategic planning is the foundation of any successful business. It involves setting clear goals, identifying resources, and developing actionable steps to achieve objectives. In Nigeria’s competitive market, businesses that invest time in strategic planning are better equipped to anticipate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and adapt to changing circumstances. Effective planning also helps businesses allocate resources efficiently, minimize risks, and maximize returns. Entrepreneurs should regularly review and update their strategies to stay aligned with market trends and customer needs. By doing so, they can maintain a competitive edge and position their businesses for long-term success.​

Leveraging Digital Tools for Growth

Digital tools have revolutionized the way businesses operate in Nigeria. From cloud-based software to social media platforms, these tools enable businesses to automate processes, enhance communication, and reach a global audience. For example, e-commerce platforms allow businesses to sell products online, while digital marketing tools help them target specific customer segments and measure campaign effectiveness. Additionally, mobile payment solutions have made transactions faster and more secure, improving customer satisfaction. By embracing digital transformation, businesses can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and expand their market reach.​

Building a Strong Team Culture

A strong team culture is vital for business success. It fosters collaboration, boosts morale, and drives innovation. Nigerian entrepreneurs should prioritize creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. This can be achieved by promoting open communication, recognizing achievements, and providing opportunities for professional development. A cohesive team is more likely to overcome challenges, generate creative solutions, and contribute to the overall growth of the business. Investing in team-building activities and leadership training can further strengthen the organizational culture.​

Overcoming Common Challenges

Nigerian businesses face a range of challenges, including access to finance, regulatory compliance, and competition. Access to capital remains a major hurdle for many entrepreneurs, particularly startups and small businesses. Regulatory compliance can also be complex and time-consuming, requiring businesses to stay informed about changing laws and policies. Additionally, intense competition in key sectors can make it difficult for businesses to differentiate themselves. To overcome these challenges, entrepreneurs should seek support from government agencies, industry associations, and financial institutions. Building strong networks and partnerships can also provide valuable resources and guidance.​

Adapting to Market Trends

Adapting to market trends is essential for staying relevant in Nigeria’s fast-paced business environment. Entrepreneurs must stay informed about emerging trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. This can be achieved by conducting market research, attending industry events, and monitoring competitor activities. By anticipating changes and responding proactively, businesses can seize new opportunities and mitigate potential risks. For example, the growing demand for sustainable products and services presents opportunities for businesses to innovate and differentiate themselves.​

Importance of Financial Management

Effective financial management is critical for business sustainability and growth. It involves budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. Nigerian entrepreneurs should prioritize financial literacy and seek professional advice when needed. Proper financial management enables businesses to track performance, make informed decisions, and secure funding. It also helps businesses comply with regulatory requirements and build trust with stakeholders. By maintaining sound financial practices, entrepreneurs can ensure the long-term viability of their businesses.​

Future Outlook for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

The future outlook for Nigerian entrepreneurs is promising, with continued growth expected in key sectors such as technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. The government’s focus on economic diversification and infrastructure development is likely to create new opportunities for businesses. Additionally, the rise of digital platforms and e-commerce is expected to drive innovation and expand market reach. Entrepreneurs who embrace change, invest in digital transformation, and prioritize strategic planning are well-positioned to succeed in Nigeria’s evolving business landscape.

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Economy

FG, States, LGs Share N1.928trn From November 2025 Revenue

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FAAC disburses

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government, states and the Local Government Councils have received a sum of N1.928 trillion from the revenue generated in November 2025 by the federation.

According to a statement by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the earnings were shared at the December 2025 FAAC meeting held in Abuja, where the total distributable revenue comprised statutory revenue of N1.403 trillion, Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N485.838 billion, and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N39.646 billion.

It was disclosed that total gross revenue of N2.343 trillion was available in the month of November 2025, with N84.251 billion deducted for cost of collection and N330.625 billion for total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings.

FAAC stated that gross statutory revenue of N1.736 trillion was received for the month of November 2025, lower than the N2.164 trillion received in the month of October 2025 by N427.969 billion.

Gross revenue of N563. 042 billion was available from VAT in November 2025, lower than the N719.827 billion available in the month of October 2025 by N156.785 billion.

In November 2025, Excise Duty increased moderately while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Hydrocarbon Tax (HT), CIT on Upstream Activities, Companies Income Tax (CIT), CGT and SDT, Oil & Gas Royalties, Import Duty, CET Levies, Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and Fees recorded substantial decreases.

From the N1.928 trillion total distributable revenue, the federal government got N747.159 billion, the state governments received N601.731 billion, and the local councils shared N445.266 billion, while N134.355 billion was given to benefiting states as 13 per cent of mineral derivation.

On the N1.403 trillion distributable statutory revenue, the national government received N668.336 billion, the 36 states got N338.989 billion, and the LGAs received N261.346 billion, and N134.355 billion shared as 13 per cent of mineral revenue.

In addition, from the N485.838 billion distributable VAT revenue, the central government got N72.876 billion, the state governments shared N242.919 billion, and the local councils shared N170.043 billion.

Further, N5.947 billion was taken by the federal government from the N39.646 billion EMTL, the states shared N19.823 billion, and the councils received N13.876 billion.

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Economy

Golden Capital, FrieslandCampina Trigger 0.04% Loss at NASD OTC Exchange

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Golden Capital

By Adedapo Adesanya

The duo of Golden Capital Plc and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc weakened the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange by 0.04 per cent on Monday, December 15.

This pulled down the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) by 1.37 points to 3,599.06 points from last Friday’s 3,600.43 points and the market capitalisation lost N820 million to close at N2.153 billion compared with the preceding session’s N2.154 trillion.

Golden Capital Plc depleted by 94 Kobo to end at N8.51 per share compared with N9.45 per share and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc depreciated by 63 Kobo to sell at N59.60 per unit versus N60.23 per unit.

During the session, the volume of securities traded at the session slumped by 98.4 per cent to 600,402 units from 37.4 million units, the value of securities fell by 99.8 per cent to N7.8 million from N4.9 billion, and the number of deals shed 36.4 per cent to 21 deals from 33 deals.

At the close of trades, Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company (InfraCredit) Plc remained the most traded stock by value with a year-to-date sale of 5.8 billion units valued at N16.4 billion, followed by Okitipupa Plc with 178.9 million units transacted for N9.5 billion, and MRS Oil Plc with 36.1 million units worth N4.9 billion.

InfraCredit Plc was also the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis with 5.8 billion units worth N16.4 billion, trailed by Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc with the sale of 1.2 billion units for N420.3 million, and Impresit Bakolori Plc with 537.0 million units traded for N524.9 million.

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