Annyeonghaseyo,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- Nigeria to launch an eCommerce platform
- Bridging the gender gap in startup funding
- Uber’s big EV plans for South Africa
Nigeria to launch an eCommerce platform
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are teaming up for an exciting initiative to put Nigerian markets online through an eCommerce platform called BuyNigeria.ng.
The project aims to showcase Nigerian artisans and traders globally while merging the country’s rich cultural heritage with tech-driven innovation. It’s starting with key cities like Lagos, Kano, Aba, and Abuja, giving local businesses a shot at digital visibility and expanding their reach.
This collaboration goes beyond just creating an online marketplace. NCAC and NITDA have ambitious plans to digitise the cultural and creative sectors entirely.
From launching training programmes to empower millions of Nigerians to developing tech infrastructure like podcast studios, digital labs, and marketing tools, the vision is massive.
They also plan to integrate digital literacy into platforms like Nigeria’s Got Talent, creating more opportunities for creatives to thrive in a digitally connected world.
On paper, this sounds like a win for Nigeria’s economy and cultural identity. However, it’s hard to ignore some of the challenges. Infrastructure remains a significant hurdle — consistent power supply and reliable Internet access are still far from guaranteed.
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Additionally, while the idea of training millions is exciting, the real impact depends on how practical and accessible these programmes are for people on the ground.
Even with these challenges, the partnership feels like a step in the right direction. If done right, it could be a game-changer for small businesses and artisans, helping them reach global markets and embrace digital transformation. The question is whether the execution can match the ambition, or if it risks becoming another big idea that struggles to deliver.
For now, though, there’s hope that BuyNigeria.ng will provide a much-needed boost to Nigeria’s creative and digital economies.
Bridging the gender gap in startup funding
Venture capital has a gender gap, and the stats are alarming — only 2% of funding goes to African startups with all-female founders. The challenges for women entrepreneurs in the space are significant, starting with the pitching process, where many tend to ask for less than their male counterparts.
There’s been a push to get more women into leadership roles at VC firms, with the hope that they’ll back more female-led startups. But research shows it’s not that simple.
In fact, firms with more senior women investors have sometimes allocated less funding to female founders. This could stem from the dynamics of working in male-dominated spaces or biases that still persist.
Bias plays a huge role in investment decisions. All-male investment panels, for example, often focus on risks when evaluating startups led by women. This means female founders have to work even harder to convince investors, even if they have the same or better ideas as their male peers.
While some suggest setting quotas for investing in female-led businesses, real progress will likely come from expanding access. Investors need to reach out to a broader range of founders, step away from stereotypical patterns, and dig deeper into their stories beyond just the pitch deck.
Want more insights on this topic? Dive into Chimgozirim’s latest story on Techpoint Africa.
Uber’s big EV plans for South Africa
Uber is stepping into the green lane in South Africa, and it’s not just talk. The ride-hailing company is gearing up to roll out electric vehicles (EVs) in 2025. They’ve already started teaming up with charging infrastructure companies and ecosystem partners to make this happen.
This move is part of Uber’s global push for sustainability. Earlier in 2024, they announced a deal with Chinese EV maker BYD to deploy 100,000 EVs in key markets. Now, South Africa is getting in on the action.
What’s happening on the ground? Nakampe Molewa, GM for Uber Eats sub-Saharan Africa, confirmed that Uber’s EV strategy is about more than just rides. They’re also looking at e-mobility for deliveries and packages, starting 2025. To back this up, Uber has partnered with Valternative Energy in Cape Town, which supplies electric scooters for emission-free deliveries.
But Uber’s not stopping there. They’re working on building EV charging infrastructure and collaborating with the government, NGOs, and private companies to create a fair energy transition. Molewa admits that South Africa is behind countries like Kenya, where Nairobi already boasts a robust EV charging network, but there’s plenty to learn from their progress.
Why go electric? Uber wants to become a zero-emission platform in key cities by 2030. Globally, they’re aiming for 10%-15% of their fleet to be electric by 2027. Locally, this shift means a cleaner environment, better options for riders, and lower running costs for drivers — especially with Uber planning to offer more affordable BYD EVs on its platform.
Challenges and regulation: Uber’s journey in South Africa hasn’t been smooth. Protests over unfair wages, safety issues, and high commission fees have rocked the e-hailing industry. However, the recent amendments to the National Land Transport Act promise better regulation and safety measures, paving the way for EVs and a smarter transport ecosystem.
What’s next? The South African government is working on an Electric Vehicle White Paper to provide policy guidelines for EV adoption. This aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s push to finalise frameworks that also accommodate hybrid technologies.
It’s an exciting time for Uber and South Africa’s transport sector. If things go according to plan, EVs could soon become a big part of everyday rides and deliveries, helping SA drive into a greener future.
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Have a lovely Tuesday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
