Lagos, Nigeria – Three Nigerian tech startups—BuyScrap, QiqiFarms, and Ecocyclers—emerged victorious at the 2025 DBN Techpreneur Summit 4.0, securing millions in grants to scale their innovative solutions.
Winners & Cash Prizes
1st Place (₦6M): BuyScrap – An e-waste recycling platform digitizing scrap collection and promoting a circular economy.
2nd Place (₦4M): QiqiFarms – An agritech startup leveraging smart farming tech to boost food security.
3rd Place (₦3M): Ecocyclers – An Enugu-based plastic upcycling venture converting waste into reusable materials.
The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts after a competitive pitch session featuring seven tech innovators.
DBN’s Push for a Tech-Driven Economy
At the event themed “CTRL+SHIFT: Tech-Empowered Movement for Naija,” Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), emphasized the bank’s commitment to MSME growth through:
✔ Innovative financing
✔ Tech-driven entrepreneurship
✔ Sustainable development
“This summit is more than an event—it’s a movement to reset Nigeria’s economic future through technology,” Okpanachi stated.
Keynote Insights: Why Nigeria Must Invest in Tech
Solape Akinpelu, CEO of HerVest (a women-focused fintech), delivered a powerful keynote urging:
Government to prioritize tech investment as a GDP growth driver.
Nigeria to lead Africa in digital transformation, bridging socio-economic gaps.
“Technology isn’t just an enabler—it’s the backbone of inclusive growth,” Akinpelu asserted.
Why This Matters
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Green Jobs Boom: Startups like BuyScrap and Ecocyclers are creating eco-friendly employment.
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Agritech Revolution: QiqiFarms aligns with Nigeria’s push for food security.
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DBN’s Role: Since 2017, the bank has funded over 500,000 MSMEs—now expanding into tech-driven ventures.
Bottom Line: With grants, mentorship, and policy advocacy, Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is gearing up for exponential growth.
