GigaLayer spearheads ecosystem expansion in Northern Nigeria, fostering innovation and growth

Nigeria’s ecosystem has experienced remarkable momentum in recent years, creating over 10,000 jobs in the tech industry alone and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. This journey began in Lagos a few decades ago, when the internet was still developing, and has led to the city growing into a commercial hub with a thriving tech ecosystem. Dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Africa,” Lagos is home to numerous startups, incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces, making it an ideal location for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. With a projected population of 25 million by 2025, Lagos provides a vast market for tech solutions, and its entrepreneurial spirit has led to innovative solutions in fintech, e-commerce, health tech, and other sectors. Fintech companies like Paystack and Flutterwave process over $10 billion in transactions annually, while e-commerce platforms like Jumia and Konga account for over 50% of online transactions in Nigeria. The city’s tech ecosystem has also given birth to successful startups like Andela, which has raised millions of dollars in funding and has become a model for tech talent development in Africa.

Gigalayer, a leading startup accelerator, initiated the Lagos ecosystem examination to produce a report for decision-makers. The event brought together policymakers from the north and south, who came together and examined over 30 tech companies in Lagos, covering different sectors. A multidisciplinary team comprising the Sokoto Digital and Innovation Economy Ministry, led by Hon. Bashar Kwabo, Commissioner, and Dr. Nasir Daniya, Permanent Secretary, joined forces with industry experts — Ahmad Mukoshy, Founder of Gigalayer, Olanrewaju O. Ogunkunle, Co-founder of Revocube, Gbamgbala Rahman Alade, Founder of Dosh Services, and Muazu Saidu, Project Manager at Gigalayer — for a two-day comprehensive examination of the ecosystem.
These companies examined have propelled and contributed to a robust digital ecosystem in Lagos over the last five to 15 years, with over 50% of them being founded by young people between the ages of 20 to 35 years old.

Ahmad Mukoshy, the founder of Gigalayer, shared a story of humble beginnings in Lagos, where a sense of community was built among young people who shared ideas and knowledge, leading to one of the best ecosystems in Africa today. Honorable Commissioner of Innovation and Digital Economy, Bashar Kwabo, expressed his amazement at the level of infrastructure and expertise he witnessed among young people, which could compete with European countries.
The Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy of Sokoto State will partner with Gigalayer to expand the ecosystem in the state, recognizing Ahmad Mukoshy’s efforts in the north. With a projection to expand and support thousands of small businesses, Ahmad has invested in powering SMEs with online solutions that accelerate their businesses, earning him multiple connections, honors, and awards across every region of Nigeria. This partnership will aim to replicate the success of Lagos in Northern Nigeria, fostering innovation and growth in the region. With a target of creating additional jobs in the tech industry in the next two years and a goal of increasing infrastructure development by 20% in the next three years, this expansion is poised to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s GDP, with the tech industry accounting for 15% of the country’s GDP by 2027.

The partnership will also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech enthusiasts in the north to access funding, mentorship, and resources, bridging the gap between the north and south and promoting a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem in Nigeria.