This year, Kano has earned a spot in the global top 1,000 startup cities, marking a major milestone for the commercial capital of northern Nigeria. Over the past few years, the city has experienced a surge in startup activity, driven by innovative tech entrepreneurs and a thriving community. This rise signals the city’s growing influence in Nigeria’s tech landscape and its potential to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The Genesis of Kano’s Tech Ecosystem
In 2016, four young individuals came together to launch one of Kano’s first tech incubation hubs, Startup Kano. Their aim was to be part of Nigeria’s burgeoning tech revolution, unknowingly laying the foundation for the region’s tech ecosystem. Over the course of eight years, Startup Kano has become a leading hub in northern Nigeria, introducing over 50,000 youth to the world of technology and helping early-stage entrepreneurs raise more than $1 million for their tech-driven ventures.
However, Kano’s journey has not been without its challenges. Unlike established tech hubs in Lagos or Enugu, Kano faced unique obstacles, particularly regarding a lack of tech awareness among its communities. Aisha Tofa, co-founder of Startup Kano, noted that while there was a strong entrepreneurial spirit, the concept of investing in technology, as opposed to traditional businesses, was initially met with skepticism.
“People only saw technology through the lens of social media platforms like Facebook,” Tofa explained. “Anything beyond that was viewed with distrust.”
Despite these hurdles, years of advocacy have paid off. Kano is now recognized as one of Nigeria’s top six tech ecosystems, with the highest number of startups in northern Nigeria. Local success stories have played a key role in inspiring others to pursue tech ventures. Startups such as Khalil Halilu’s mobility company, which won $8,000 at a GITEX Pitch competition, and Sudo Africa, which raised $3.37 million in a pre-seed funding round in 2022, have underscored the potential of Nigerian startups in the region.
Challenges and Opportunities for Nigerian Startups in Kano
Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly around access to funding. In 2023, only 6% of tech founders in northern Nigeria had access to venture capital, highlighting ongoing disparities compared to more established ecosystems. Tofa emphasized that for Kano’s startup ecosystem to sustain growth, addressing foundational issues like education, mentorship, and market creation is crucial.
“For an ecosystem like Kano, it’s not just about funding; it’s about ensuring that our training and support systems are tailored to our local context,” she said.
An anonymous co-founder of Startup Kano further stressed the importance of integrating tech startups with Kano’s existing business culture to foster sustainable growth.
“Here in Kano, startups are viewed as businesses, just like any other,” he said. “Our focus should be on finding our market and making profits, much like traditional business practices.”
Although Kano’s tech ecosystem has made strides, stakeholders like Ahmed Idris of Enovate Labs acknowledge that there’s still a long road ahead. “The excitement is promising, but the ecosystem remains relatively small compared to others,” he noted.
In conclusion, while Kano’s tech scene has made remarkable progress, the city’s journey underscores both the challenges it has overcome and the work still needed to establish itself as a prominent player in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
