Exciting shifts are happening in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, and this time, the spotlight is shining brightly on the South-East and South-South. Long known for their vibrant markets, skilled artisans, and entrepreneurial spirit, cities across these regions are now gaining recognition for their tech and innovation contributions — and attracting the capital to match. Recent funding rounds for startups like Hizo Africa in Asaba and ShopTreo, which supports the Aba leather cluster, show that the momentum is real. But these aren’t isolated wins; they are part of a growing story of innovation, resilience, and local impact.
The Startups Driving Regional Growth
Hizo Africa recently raised \$100,000 in a friends and family seed round. The company is tackling intra-Africa remittance challenges, making it easier for traders, families, and businesses to send and spend local currencies across borders. This is not just a fintech story; it’s a lifeline for cross-border commerce that powers many local economies.
ShopTreo, on the other hand, is creating digital pathways for Aba’s famous leather goods manufacturers, helping them access wider markets while preserving the craftsmanship the city is known for. Their recent undisclosed funding round signals investor confidence in homegrown commerce platforms that empower traditional sectors through tech.
Other inspiring startups include Farmisphere, working with smallholder farmers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom to provide market access and logistics support, and SoarTech, an Enugu-based edtech company creating affordable learning tools for schools in underserved communities. These businesses are showing that innovation here is about solving real problems with meaningful impact.
Why This Matters for the Region
These funding rounds point to a broader shift: investors are beginning to see the immense potential in sectors that are already deeply rooted in these regions, agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and education. Rather than importing solutions, startups here are building on local strengths and needs.
Beyond the capital, these wins are building the confidence of founders who might have once thought funding was only available if they moved elsewhere. The message is clear: great ideas can grow where they are planted.
Local Investors Are Fueling Local Solutions
A standout element of these funding stories is that much of the money is coming from local sources — friends, family, regional investors who believe in the mission because they understand the challenges firsthand. This kind of investment often brings more than just cash; it offers mentorship, networks, and patience that align with long-term growth rather than quick returns.
As more of these success stories emerge, we can expect the rise of regional angel networks and community-based funding pools that will further fuel the ecosystem.
The Power of Tech in Strengthening Traditional Sectors
What unites many of these startups is their focus on applying tech to amplify traditional industries rather than disrupt them for disruption’s sake. Hizo’s platform supports traders and families who rely on cross-border commerce. ShopTreo enhances Aba’s manufacturing strengths. Farmisphere is making agriculture more efficient without displacing farmers, and SoarTech is working with, not around, schools to improve education outcomes.
This approach means the solutions are grounded in reality and more likely to be embraced by the communities they serve.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
The success of these startups doesn’t mean the work is done. Infrastructure gaps, fewer accelerator programs, and limited global exposure remain challenges. But these funding wins help spotlight the potential of the region, encouraging both private investors and governments to take startup-friendly actions: from creating grants and tax breaks to improving broadband and logistics.
More importantly, they send a powerful signal to aspiring founders: you can build meaningful, impactful businesses right where you are. The next big success story could emerge from Onitsha, Uyo, or Calabar — and change the narrative for good.
A Region on the Rise
From fintech to edtech, from manufacturing to agriculture, the Southeast and South-South are showing that innovation and capital can flourish outside the usual hubs. With continued support, collaboration, and bold ideas, the region’s startups are well on their way to making a lasting mark, not just within Nigeria but across Africa.
Read Also: https://techsudor.com/shoptreo-secures-funding-to-scale-aba-leather-globally/
