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Improving the Startup Environment with Nigerian Startup Act

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By Lere Ojedokun

On October 19, 2022, the Nigerian technology and innovation space, and in particular the tech-enabled startup ecosystem received a major boost when President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) into law.

With the presidential assent, the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA 2022) came into effect, principal objective of which is to further grow the country’s ICT sector which, according to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, contributes 40 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually, with 18.42 per cent already recorded in 2022 alone.

He added that the new act – a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech startup ecosystem and the Presidency, was aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s digital economy through co-created regulations, and to emplace well-laid laws and regulations that work for all stakeholders in the tech ecosystem.

Pantami also said the act provides the legal and strategic framework for innovators to make their contributions to the country, stating that out of the seven unicorns in Africa, five are from Nigeria, and that the market value of each unicorn is worth US$1billion.

In a nutshell, the intention of the Nigerian Startup Act 2022 includes recognition of legally incorporated tech startups 10 years downward, whose activities support the creation and incubation of innovations and tech solutions.

It further seeks to provide an enabling environment for the establishment, development, and operation of startups; provide for the development and growth of technology-related talent; and position Nigeria’s startup ecosystem as the leading digital technology centre in Africa.

To achieve the intended objectives, the act makes provisions for the establishment of a startup seed fund; tax incentives for startup businesses, new employees and angel investors, accelerators, and venture capitalists; training and capacity building support; as well as facilitating smooth working relationships between startups and relevant government agencies.

Startups under the Nigerian Startup Act 2022 are defined as any company in existence for not more than 10 years, with its objectives being the creation, innovation, production, development, or adoption of a unique digital technology innovative product, service, or process.

This definition connotes that the Act will apply to tech-enabled startups, that is, companies like Alerzo, Kuda, Bamboo, etc that leverage innovations and technological advancements to solve operational issues or improve customer experience.

The new act, indeed, is a huge step towards addressing the yearnings of players and stakeholders for a more enabling operating environment. This is more so, because, despite the huge socio-economic potential and benefits that digital innovations, products and services can offer Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth, the space is fraught with certain challenges.

For instance, McKinsey & Company in a report, Harnessing Nigeria’s Fintech Potential (September 2020), stated that Nigeria is home to over 200 fintech standalone companies offering fintech solutions, plus fintech solutions offered by banks and mobile network operators. The report added that the Nigerian fintechs raised more than US$600 million in funding between 2014 and 2019.

Quartz Africa, however, lamented the high failure rate of Nigerian startups. It said 61 per cent startup failure rate was recorded from 2010-2018 due to various factors including poor infrastructure such as roads, inefficient electric power, inconsistent government policies, regulatory bottlenecks, over-saturation of startups in select locations, dearth of talent, high operating cost, funding challenges, etcetera.

It is gratifying also that tech-backed B2C and B2B e-commerce startups like Alerzo (AlerzoShop), TradeDepot, Omnibiz, Njalo etcetera are also among the principal beneficiaries of the new act. As an important driver of the digital economy, they also face similar challenges of policy inconsistency, lack of access to funding, exclusion from official foreign exchange window, high lending rate by commercial banks, high operating cost, poor supporting infrastructure, overlap in regulation by government agencies, multiple taxations and insecurity, amongst others.

The new act offers the much-sought political will towards addressing the challenges of tech startups. It is also an acknowledgement of the significance of tech-enabled startup businesses as enablers of national socio-economic growth which e-commerce platforms are a part of.

Despite the challenges in the emerging B2B e-commerce ecosystem, the resilience of the segment as a significant contributor to the manufacturing and distribution value chain is never in doubt. Over the past years, operators have consistently invested in ICT infrastructure and human capital to impact the entire value chain – manufacturers, distributors and retailers – by enabling Factory-to-Retail distribution for consumer goods companies.

Nigeria’s informal retail market is estimated to worth US$100 billion, yet faces peculiar challenges including limited inventory, lack of access to finance for expansion, unregulated and clustered market, distance to market or supply source and high transportation cost, all of which increase cost of operation.

Alerzo is prominent among the tech-enabled e-commerce platforms that are empowering informal retailers in the sub-urban and rural areas with faster distribution of consumer goods using first-party relationship platforms, enabling manufacturers and top-tier primary suppliers to clear their inventory faster, while it absorbs the burden of last-mile supply and delivery to the retailers. The new Act could enable it to do more when the cost of doing business is low.

During COVID-19 and post-pandemic, Alerzo helped to bridge the demand-supply shortfalls by leveraging its ecosystem of digital solutions and logistics platforms to empower informal retailers to access a wide assortment of consumer products with ease and faster from FMCG companies such as Flour Mills, Unilever, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, PZ Cussons and Dangote at zero delivery cost to the retailers.

More angel investors, accelerators and venture capitalists partnering with B2B e-commerce platforms like Alerzo and others in critical areas such as logistics and warehousing services would mean more goods will pass through the supply chains faster to the consumers.

Businesses will reduce their operating cost and increase profitability; more jobs will be created, economic wealth will be distributed to more people; quality of life will improve, while the economy will be significantly impacted.

The act, by offering incentives, provides a buffer for startup businesses like Alerzo to achieve stability or withstand macroeconomic headwinds. Incentives like pioneer status for tech businesses aged zero to 10 years in critical industries like technology and agriculture and possible tax holiday, up to between three and five years, are highly commendable.

Also allowing startups to employ entry level talent with no more than three-years of post-graduation experience and offering income tax relief up to five per cent of profit generated, and Personal Income Tax relief of 35 per cent for two years for such employees can help them attract the right talents.

By enabling angel investors, accelerators, and venture capitalists to enjoy tax credits, up to 30 per cent of their investment in a startup, can attract more investors into the segment.

The future of tech startups in Nigeria is bright, no doubt. McKinsey & Company, in the report cited earlier, revealed that Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem attracted US$122 million, representing 25 percent of US$491.6 million total funds raised by African tech startups in 2019 alone, coming second to Kenya which attracted US$149 million.

It noted further that Nigerian startups retained US$1.37 billion of Africa’s US$4 billion funding in 2021, showing that Nigeria has the highest volume of startups in Africa. Quartz Africa further affirmed Nigeria as hosting the most startups in

Thus, Nigeria Startup Act 2022 can be a stimulus to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s tech startups to an enviable height in the not-too-far foreseeable future.

 

Ojedokun, a policy analyst and development advocate, contributes this piece from Lagos.

 


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E-Business

Flexify Solutions Launches CyberAgric App to Revolutionize Agricultural Sector in Nigeria

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Flexify Solutions, a leading tech-based firm in Oyo State, has introduced “CyberAgric,” an innovative solution designed to drive food production in Nigeria.

Flexify Solutions Launches CyberAgric App to Revolutionize Agricultural Sector in Nigeria

This is in recognition of the crucial role of modern agricultural practices in ensuring food security.

Food security is a top priority for every nation, and Nigeria is no exception.

CyberAgric is a cutting-edge mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support Nigerian farmers, particularly those involved in cash crop cultivation such as cassava and maize.

The app’s groundbreaking features include early disease detection, with the capability to identify diseases like Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in cassava leaves within the first two weeks of infection.

By utilizing smartphone cameras, farmers can capture images of their crops and receive real-time analysis and recommendations, empowering them to take proactive measures to protect their crops and ensure optimal yields.

Moreover, CyberAgric is designed to function offline, ensuring accessibility for farmers in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.

Speaking on the significance of CyberAgric, Johnson Oyeniyi, CEO of Flexify Solutions, emphasized the app’s accessibility and educational value. “Our goal with CyberAgric is to ensure that every Nigerian farmer, regardless of their location or internet access, can benefit from advanced agricultural technology,” said Oyeniyi.

“Beyond disease detection, the app serves as an educational platform, providing farmers with the latest agricultural best practices and expert resources.”

Flexify Solutions collaborated closely with Cybermate Technologies to tailor CyberAgric to the specific needs of Nigerian farmers.

The app initially focuses on cassava and maize cultivation, addressing the critical challenges faced by farmers in these sectors.

Through advanced AI-driven disease detection capabilities, CyberAgric aims to mitigate the impact of crop diseases and enhance food security in Nigeria.

Flexify Solutions Ltd is a global company specializing in disruptive digital solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, Flexify Solutions excels in crafting AI solutions optimized for mobile platforms and driving transformative change across industries.

With a proven track record in mobile app development, Flexify Solutions seamlessly integrates cutting-edge AI technologies to create intelligent solutions that resonate with users and drive success.

 


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Global Mobile Banking Malware Grows 32% in 2023

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Kaspersky has released its annual Financial Threats Report for 2023, offering a detailed analysis of the evolving financial cyberthreat landscape.

The report reveals significant increases in mobile banking malware and cryptocurrency-related phishing, signaling growing threats to digital financial assets.

The previous 12-months has witnessed a substantial rise in the number of users encountering mobile banking Trojans, with attacks on Android users surging by 32% – contrary to 2022.

The most prevalent banking trojan was Bian.h, accounting for 22% of all Android attacks. Geographically, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan recorded the highest share of users encountering banking Trojans, with Turkiye leading mobile banking malware attacks, with almost 3% of users affected (2.98%).

While the number of users affected by financial PC malware saw an 11% decline in 2023, Ramnit and Zbot were identified as the predominant malware families, targeting more than 50% of affected users. Consumers continued to be the primary target, comprising 61.2% of all attacks.

In 2023, financial phishing remained a significant threat, accounting for 27.32% of all phishing attacks on corporate users and 30.68% on home users. E-shop brands were identified as the top lure, with 41.65% of financial phishing attempts.

Additionally, PayPal phishing represented 54.78% of phishing pages targeting electronic payment system users. The report also highlighted a 16% year-on-year growth in cryptocurrency phishing, with 5.84 million detections in 2023 compared to 5.04 million in 2022.

E-shop phishing was identified as the most prevalent, recording 41.65% of all financial phishing pages. Amazon emerged as the most mimicked online store, accounting for 34% of phishing attempts, followed by Apple at 18.66% and Netflix at 14.71%. PayPal was the most targeted payment system, with 54.73% of attacks.

Cryptocurrency-related phishing and scams continued to grow, with Kaspersky preventing 5,838,499 attempts to follow cryptocurrency-themed phishing links – a 16% increase on 2022. Scammers mimicked cryptocurrency exchanges and offered coins in the name of large enterprises like Apple.

“Money has always been a magnet for cybercriminals, and a substantial portion of malware attacks are financially motivated. The surge in mobile malware witnessed last year highlights a concerning trend in cybercrime.

“With the emergence of new and aggressive malware strains, attackers are evolving their tactics to target mobile devices more aggressively. This underscores the imperative for individuals and businesses to maintain heightened vigilance, update protective measures, and fortify device security accordingly,” commented Igor Golovin, a security expert at Kaspersky.


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Payment Link Integration as Growth Driver for E-commerce Businesses

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The African e-commerce market grossed USD 277.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 939.8 billion in 2023. However, with a global cart abandonment rate of 70%, many of which are related to payment issues, there is a clear need for ecommerce businesses in Nigeria and beyond to provide seamless and efficient transactions to increase their revenue and scale. An effective payment solution for e-commerce businesses is payment link integration.

Payment link integration emerges as a powerful tool for e-commerce businesses to facilitate payment in a convenient and streamlined way. This SeerBit article delves into what a payment link is, how it works, and its benefits for your ecommerce business.

What Is a Payment Link?

A payment link is a unique, shareable URL that directs the customer to a secure payment page where they can make payment for their purchase. This method ensures a seamless and streamlined payment process for customers, particularly removing the need for a physical card or a card terminal. A business can generate this link for any specific transaction and send it directly to the customer through one of several possible channels (email, social media, SMS, etc.).

Payment links make payments convenient for both businesses and customers. Even e-commerce businesses without a website can receive payments online with a payment link. For e-commerce businesses with websites, online payment link integration allows them to boost sales by selling their products on other platforms beyond the business’ website.

Here’s How Your E-commerce Business Benefits from Payment Link Integration
Implementing payment links in your e-commerce setup can offer several advantages that streamline the purchasing process for you and your customers. Here are some reasons why you should integrate payment links for your e-commerce business:

Customer Experience and Convenience
Payment links provide a convenient way for customers to complete transactions without having to navigate through a complex checkout process. This improves the customer experience during shopping as they can pay with ease. With just a click on the payment link, customers can quickly and easily make a purchase, reducing the likelihood of cart abandonment.

Flexibility
Payment links offer your business flexibility in receiving payments, as they can be customised for different types of transactions. It supports multiple payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, etc., allowing you to cater to your customer’s preferred payment method. Consequently, you have more successful transactions and an increased customer satisfaction level.

Improved Cash Flow
With payment links, the speed and efficiency of payments increase. Consequently, this helps to improve your business’s cash flow. The accompanying ease of payments also means that customers are more willing to part with their money, thereby boosting your bottom line.

Security
Payment links are typically hosted on secure payment gateways, ensuring the safety of sensitive customer information during transactions. By leveraging trusted payment providers and encryption technologies, you can instil confidence in your customers and protect their data from unauthorised access.

Reduces Payment Processing Error
Payment link ensures efficiency in the payment process, leaving little room for processing errors. It also ensures that customers don’t have to manually type in their payment information, hence cutting out the risks of human errors, such as wrong billing address or credit card information in the payment process.

Mobile-friendly
As mobile commerce continues to grow, having a mobile-friendly payment solution is crucial. Payment links are inherently mobile-friendly, allowing customers to complete transactions directly from their smartphones, whether they’re on the go or at home.

Tracking and Analytics
Payment links often come with built-in tracking and analytics features that provide valuable insights into customer behaviour, transaction trends, and sales performance. By analysing this data, you can make informed decisions to optimise your ecommerce strategy and maximise revenue.

How To Create a Payment Link for Online Payment
Creating a payment link to receive online payment involves the following steps:

Choose a payment gateway provider
The first step is to partner with a reliable payment gateway like SeerBit that offers payment links as part of its service. Read our blog post on what to consider when choosing a payment provider to help you make the right choice. A few factors to consider are your business needs, security, compatibility, and pricing structure. SeerBit easily checks all the boxes.

Create a SeerBit account
Once you’ve decided on SeerBit as your payment gateway provider, the next thing is to create your SeerBit account. This is a straightforward process that involves providing your business’ information and completing the KYC process for compliance.

Access and set up the payment link feature
SeerBit offers payment links as a part of its service. Once you’re logged in, you can create a payment link in your dashboard which you send to your customers. This link works for both one-time and recurring payments.

To set up your payment link, go to “Payments” on your dashboard, click on “Payment Links,” then “Create Payment Link” and fill in the required details. A link will be created afterward which you can send to your customer via email, messenger apps, social media, invoice, or QR code.

Conclusion
By integrating payment links into your ecommerce business, you make payments very convenient for your customers and considerably improve your customer satisfaction. SeerBit payment link offers you an easy payment collection process while allowing you to cater to your customers’ payment needs. SeerBit also uses the best security tools and the latest encryption and tokenization technologies to ensure the security of transactions and customer payment information.


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