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7 Powerful Tips to Speed Up Software Development for Startups

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By: Prince Osinachi Nchiba

When we think of speeding up software development for a startup, what do we think about?

-Do we think about the ability to ship features faster?

-Do we think about the growth of the team members?

-Or do we think about the speed of the software itself?

There are so many answers to these questions. However, as an expert in this field, I would state my position. Here is what I think:

Software development is quite important to a startup. Speeding up software development entails building the entire framework that will guarantee the prompt delivery of features that will ensure product success. This is inclusive of team development and resource management.

Before we continue to dig deeper, it is important we access the software development life cycle of a product.

To speed up software development, it is important to access the components of the software development lifecycle and improve it from there.

Analysis:

This is the point where the research is carried out on product feasibility. At this point, all the critical stakeholders are consulted. The requirements are gathered and prioritized by the team, and features in the backlog are also re-ordered. The critical stakeholder on this stage are the users.

How can this process be developed:

Since analysis is part of the development cycle, to speed it up, we need to look at the following:

●        Allow the requirement gathering process to happen in parallel with other sprints so that the engineering process need not be stopped when the analysis is being carried.

●        Use the voting or card system to manage the preferences of stakeholders. Without this being done, there could be chaos as a result of the clash of preferences among stakeholders.

●        Prioritise the requirements that will be fed into the engineering process. This speeds up the time required for software development by 50%.

Design

This design stage involves the process of building the flows, high-fidelity wireframes and the architecture design that are required for the engineering sprint. The critical stakeholder at this stage is the solutions architect. The design stage is an input to the core of software engineering process and it help prevent a lot of errors.

How can this process be developed:

To drive software development speed, the following needs to be considered at the design stage:

  1. The precise architectural design tools should be used. This saves the software development time by a large margin.
  2. There should be proper documentation of this process, so that it can be re-used as a template in the future
  3. The input required for the design process should be readily available (e.g Product Requirement Document).

Development

This is the most crucial of all the stages as it involves the active coding process. At this point, the frontend engineers collaborate in converting the user interface into actual screens. The backend engineers also work on the server side of the project, they build the endpoints and APIs required for the product to function well.

How can this process be developed:

For effective time management, the following needs to be done at this stage:

-There should be a project management tool for effort estimation, task execution and roadmapping. This will help keep the team organized.

-There needs to be a DevOps engineer that helps to manage the infrastructural needs of the developers. This will help save the engineering development time by 35%.

Testing

At this stage, the testing of what has been developed commences. The most important stakeholder here are the QA testers. The software is tested for bugs, latency, among many other things.

The product manager also tests the platform to be sure that what was intended is what is built based on the requirements document. The product manager also tests the flow end-to-end.

How can this process be developed:

  1. The use of testing tools can help speed up this phase (as the testing tool serves as a documenter and analysis tool).
  2. When testing, the core MVP capabilities need to be prioritised.
  3. There should be a standby set of user testers.

 Deployment & Maintenance

These stages involve the release of the software to a live or test environment. It also involves the refining and maintenance of the product after it has been released. All the stakeholders play a role at this stage. This is also the stage of final approval where what has been developed is reviewed and shipped.

How can this process be developed:

For speed, the following options can be leveraged:

The stakeholders should be consulted before the deployment stage, the stakeholder buy-in is very crucial to the eventual release of the product. If they are consulted, the engineering time would be reduced by a large margin.

What other tips are there?

Beyond the software development cycle, there are some other external-related factors that can be crucial to the speed of software development and delivery. They are highlighted below:

The diagram above shows some other activities that are central to achieving the milestones of speeding up the software development processes.

1)      Technical agility: It is important for the software development cycle to be agile and iterative.

2)      Project management: Development speed is also attained when there is effective task management. I have seen this work over the years of experience of my work.

3)      MVP definition: Another critical aspect is defining the Minimum Valuable Product features from the get-go. Having a focus improves speed.

4)      Solutions architecture: When architecture is properly built, it is easy to build on it.

5)      Analytics: Keeping track and measuring all the segments within the engineering process is quite important. It helps in knowing what to optimise.

6)      Code review: It is important to review the codes often, to prevent latency. Also, using platforms like Github allows you to see the code merges and resolve conflicts if it arises.

7)      Outsourcing & Recruitment: Finally, when there is low human capital on the ground, it is crucial to either hire more or outsource to external people. This is a sure way to speed up engineering timing.

I have experience leading the software development process for many high-growth companies.

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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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NCC, Wikimedia Nigeria Discuss Responsible Access to Creative Works in Digital Space

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The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, responsive and sustainable access to creative works in the digital environment, in a manner that balances the interests of all stakeholders within the copyright and knowledge ecosystem.

Dr. John Asein, Director-General, NCC, made this known while receiving a delegation from the Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, led by its President, Mr. Olushola Olaniyan, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters. The visit was aimed at exploring potential areas of collaboration between the two organisations.

Dr. Asein acknowledged the significant role Wikimedia plays in making knowledge and information widely accessible, while stressing the need for responsible use of copyright-protected works in the digital space.

He noted that although the Commission may not endorse unrestricted open access to all creative works, it supports responsible access that ensures a fair balance between public interest and the rights of creators.

He encouraged Wikimedia, other digital platform operators, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to promote the responsible use of the copyright system to safeguard the interests of rights holders and strengthen the knowledge economy.

Dr. Asein cautioned the public that freely available doesn’t mean that creative works online are all free. “We want to see more people buy into the responsible use of copyright system in the digital space, in a manner that will further edify right owners and keep the knowledge cycles running for the good of all stakeholders” he stressed.

The DG also highlighted the importance of the public domain and assured that the Commission will continue to draw attention to its value, as part of a broader effort to help all parties benefit from the copyright framework. He further briefed the Wikimedia delegation on key provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022, including updates on the NCC’s e-Registration System, copyright duration, compulsory licensing, and the protection of folklore and cultural heritage.

In response, Mr. Olaniyan expressed appreciation to the NCC management and staff for their ongoing work in strengthening Nigeria’s copyright landscape. He reaffirmed Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s efforts to advance and protect the nation’s creative and knowledge economy.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on potential areas of collaboration, including joint copyright awareness campaigns, digital space engagement, and enlightenment training sessions.

The Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation, an affiliate of the Wikimedia Foundation Inc., is dedicated to promoting free knowledge and open access to information by encouraging the creation and dissemination of locally relevant content under open licenses such as Creative Commons.


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LASAA reaffirms commitment to fairness, safety and industry growth

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Prince Fatiu Akiolu, MD, LASAA
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Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to recent apprehensions suggesting a resurgence of heavy-handed regulation and arbitrary enforcement in the State’s outdoor advertising sector. While acknowledging the concerns, LASAA sought to reaffirm its commitment to regulatory fairness, industry professionalism and the sustainable growth of outdoor advertising in Lagos.

Refuting claims that LASAA intends to “wield the big stick,” the Agency drew attention to its longstanding practice of fostering dialogue and partnership with industry stakeholders.

Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Managing Director of the Agency stated, “The era of mutual suspicion is firmly behind us,” adding that the Agency “regularly convenes stakeholder fora, maintains cordial relationships with industry players, offers concessions such as discounts on vacant billboard charges and seeks stakeholders input before making major policy decisions.”

Prince Akiolu clarified that LASAA does not compete with private operators commercially. Instead, it manages a limited number of state-approved advertising structures primarily reserved to amplify government programmes, public awareness initiatives and regulatory oversight. These, with the Agency’s core mandate focusing on orderliness, public safety, and environmental aesthetics.

He said these efforts aim to serve the broader interests of Lagos residents and reiterated that the Agency’s core mandate remains the enforcement of orderliness, public safety and environmental aesthetics within the state.

On licensing, the Managing Director explained that stringent criteria ensure only qualified practitioners operate in the market. Addressing concerns about billboard oversupply, particularly around military and police formations where illegal structures are common, he noted that LASAA has imposed a moratorium on new registrations and permits since early 2025. “This moratorium intends to uphold industry integrity and elevate professional standards.”

Prince Fatiu explained that, “the Agency’s Health and Safety team actively verifies that outdoor installations meet engineering and safety benchmarks to mitigate risks to life and property.”

He noted that LASAA’s regulatory approach is primarily preventive rather than punitive and relies on monitoring, early warnings and corrective interventions, with enforcement used only when absolutely necessary.

Acknowledging ongoing challenges such as violations of spacing, setback and structural regulations, the MD attributed these mainly to lapses in operator compliance rather than regulatory overreach. He urged stakeholders, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and licensed professionals, to strengthen self-regulation and collaborate in reporting infractions to enhance Lagos’s safety, visual appeal and economic vibrancy.

To prevent a relapse into disorder, LASAA has launched a comprehensive enforcement and cleanup operation targeting unlawful advertising installations to restore urban order and protect public interests. Prince Fatiu stressed the essential role outdoor advertising plays in defining Lagos’s visual identity and called for responsible industry stewardship.

He reiterated LASAA’s commitment to maintaining a balanced regulatory framework that ensures oversight while supporting industry sustainability. This approach aims to create a transparent environment that safeguards investments and enhances the city’s aesthetics.

The Managing Director reassured the public and outdoor advertising professionals that LASAA’s mandate is not to stifle growth or punish legitimate operators but to ensure a fair, regulated and sustainable outdoor advertising sector in Lagos. He reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing an environment that protects investments, safeguards the public and enhances the beauty of Lagos.


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BBNaija Housemates Pick Tinsel, Princess on a Hill, and My Flatmates as Must-Watch Shows on Showmax

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Big Brother Naija Season 10 is now in its fourth week, and it’s already been a rollercoaster, packed with unexpected twists, bold new strategies, and all-round entertainment that has kept us glued to our screens.

The season kicked off with 29 housemates, with KayiKunmi, Danboskid, Ibifubara and Otega now evicted and Sabrina making a voluntary exit. Ships have sailed, sunk, and more are on the way. In short, it has been an exciting season of 10/10 drama.

Before stepping into the house, the housemates curated a list of their top shows to watch on Showmax, placing popular Nigerian shows like Tinsel, Princess on a Hill and My Flatmates at the top of their watch list.

Leading the pack is Tinsel. Considered Nigeria’s longest-running drama, the soap opera weaves a story of drama, romance, betrayal, and triumph, all set against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Nigeria’s film industry. With standout performances from Nollywood veterans like Ireti Doyle, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, the late Victor Olaotan, and breakout stars like Gideon Okeke and Linda Ejiofor, its spot on the list is incontestable.

Joining Tinsel is the Showmax Original, Princess on a Hill (POAH), a Showmax original that delivers high-stakes drama in a corporate setting. The story follows Zara Osara (Onyinye Odokoro), an underdog who wins a reality show only to find herself thrust into the most powerful boardroom in the country. Tasked with salvaging the very company that gave her fame, Zara must navigate ruthless corporate politics and stand her ground against the merciless CEO, Moyosore Lawson (Bimbo Manuel). It’s thrilling and reminiscent of the drama many Nigerians face in the corporate world.

For a perfect balance between reality and comedy, My Flatmates brings the laughs with a tale centred around four friends navigating adulting, relationships, and rent money in Lagos. Featuring comic heavyweights like Basketmouth, Okey Bakassi, and Buchi, it’s equal parts witty and ridiculous.

While the housemates love their fair share of homegrown dramas, acclaimed international series also made their lists. Sci-fi epics like Dune, with its surreal visuals, and fantasy period dramas like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon dominated the list as well. Meanwhile, for lovers of unscripted drama, the housemates recommended shows like Nelly & Ashanti, Love Island USA and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Even though the housemates are cut off from the world, their taste is reflective of what Nigerians love to watch. From nostalgic classics to hilarious comedy dramas, Showmax has it all and more.


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