Despite the macroeconomic headwinds that characterized much of 2024 and 2025, Nigeria enters 2026 as a formidable pillar of African innovation. While the funding landscape has shifted toward profitability and debt over raw growth, Nigerian startups raised over $410 million in 2025, positioning the country as a leader in the “Big Four” African tech hubs (alongside Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa).
Government initiatives, such as the $617 million iDICE programme, are set to launch two additional funds in 2026 specifically targeting technology and creative startups, further fueling this momentum.
Five Startups to Watch in 2026
1. Chowdeck: From Food to “Super App”
Founded by former Paystack engineers, Chowdeck has evolved from a simple food delivery app into a comprehensive logistics and commerce ecosystem.
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The 2026 Milestone: Following its $9 million Series A, Chowdeck is aggressively rolling out its Quick Commerce strategy, aiming to operate 500 dark stores by the end of 2026 to facilitate 20-minute grocery deliveries.
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Strategic Acquisition: The purchase of Mira (a POS and restaurant management system) allows Chowdeck to offer full-stack inventory and payment solutions to its 20,000+ vendors.
2. Spiro: Leading the EV Revolution
Spiro is at the forefront of Nigeria’s transition away from petrol-dependent transport, addressing the rising costs of fuel through electric mobility.
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Battery Swap Network: The company is on track to establish 2,000 battery-swapping stations across Nigeria by late 2026, functioning like a “green” fuel station network where riders swap depleted batteries in under a minute.
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Local Impact: With a massive $100 million funding round secured in late 2025, Spiro is also training local mechanics through its “Spiro Academy” to ensure technical self-sufficiency.
3. Bamboo: Democratizing Global and Local Wealth
Bamboo has transitioned from a US-stock-only platform to a holistic wealth management tool for over 500,000 users.
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NGX Integration: After securing its SEC digital sub-broker license, Bamboo now allows young, digitally savvy Nigerians to trade blue-chip local stocks like MTN, Dangote Cement, and Access Holdings alongside global giants like Tesla and Apple.
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New Horizons: In 2026, Bamboo is expanding its “Fixed Returns” dollar-denominated products, catering to investors seeking a hedge against naira volatility.
4. Moove: The Mobility Fintech Giant
Moove continues to solve the vehicle financing gap for “mobility entrepreneurs” across three continents.
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Uber Partnership: As Uber’s exclusive vehicle supply partner in sub-Saharan Africa, Moove-financed vehicles have completed over 77 million trips globally.
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The EV Pivot: A core 2026 goal is ensuring 60% of its fleet consists of hybrid or electric vehicles, supported by a $100 million Series B round led by Uber and Mubadala.
5. Moniepoint: The Business Powerhouse
While not an “up-and-comer,” Moniepoint remains a startup to watch as it defines the “Business Bank” model.
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Market Dominance: Crossing 6 million users and paying out over ₦1.3 trillion annually, Moniepoint is shifting 2026 focus toward automated credit for SMEs and deep integration into the informal retail sector.
Why the “Weird” Works: 2026 Success Drivers
| Startup | Core Problem Solved | 2026 Strategic Advantage |
| Chowdeck | Logistics & Inventory Mismatch | Dark stores + Hyperlocal delivery |
| Spiro | High Petrol Costs | Battery-as-a-Service model |
| Bamboo | Currency Inflation | Cross-border asset diversification |
| Moove | Lack of Credit for Drivers | Revenue-based vehicle financing |
