The Troubling Landscape of Nigeria’s Tech Startups: A Rising Wave of Closures
Nigeria’s tech startup scene—once heralded as a beacon of innovation and economic potential—now embodies a stark reality of decline. This shift is underscored by the shutdown of several high-profile, venture-backed companies that have failed to navigate the tightening financial landscape. Many of these startups, once buoyed by substantial funding, are now grappling with the harsh realities of poor business models unable to withstand a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The Fall of Lidya: A Case Study in Disruption
One of the most significant casualties is Lidya, a digital lending platform that aimed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and beyond. Despite attracting approximately $8.3 million in funding, Lidya officially ceased operations in October 2025 due to severe financial distress. In an email to customers, the company revealed its inability to process funds or fulfill claims, a situation that followed persistent customer complaints regarding frozen accounts and malfunctioning services such as Lidya Collect.
The closures came after key personnel, including co-founders Tunde Kehinde and Cristiano Machado, exited the firm, leading to further instability. This case highlights not only the pitfalls of relying on venture capital but also how external pressures can rapidly escalate into operational crises.
The Wider Context: A Kaleidoscope of Closures
Lidya is not alone in its downfall. The recent wave of shutdowns reflects deeper issues within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, as multiple sectors—ranging from open banking to ed-tech—struggle against a backdrop of macroeconomic instability, infrastructure deficits, and governance challenges.
In early 2025, Edukoya, a promising ed-tech startup, also shut its doors following difficulties in market traction. Having raised $3.5 million in 2021, it faced fundamental adoption challenges, particularly in a market hindered by limited internet access and high costs of digital devices. The statement from Edukoya’s management lamented these barriers, declaring that their target demographic was unable to afford digital educational services, even after initial enthusiasm.
Financial Mismanagement and Leadership Challenges
The wave of closures also unveils a darker side of leadership within the tech sector. Okra, a financial technology provider that secured $16.5 million in funding, quietly shut down in May 2025. The reason? Slow product adoption and regulations that lagged behind market expectations. Co-founder Fara Jituboh articulated a lack of viable prospects without a stronger commercial foundation going forward. Their eventual decision to refund investors between $4 million and $5.5 million reflects an increasingly common reality—high-profile funding rounds do not guarantee a sustainable business trajectory.
Another significant player to close its doors was 54gene, a health-tech firm that once raised $45 million to transform genomics research in Africa. The firm faced allegations of financial mismanagement and internal conflicts, culminating in its shutdown in 2023. This marked a prominent downfall, illustrating that even prestigious startup narratives can unravel dramatically.
The Ripple Effect on the Digital Economy
Across Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, at least six startups that collectively secured over $70 million have folded within a few years. The collapse of entities like Okadabooks—a digital publishing platform that evolved over a decade—further accentuates the challenges. Citing "insurmountable macroeconomic challenges," this pioneer’s exit underscores a growing fear among tech leaders: that the once-thriving ecosystem is growing increasingly inhospitable.
With these recent developments, it becomes evident that simply raising capital no longer assures success. The wave of closures serves as a reminder that innovative ideas and substantial funding must be supplemented by sound business practices and a thorough understanding of market dynamics. The harsh reality now confronting Nigeria’s digital economy pushes us to reevaluate the sustainability of its startup ecosystem.
This scenario invites a broader discussion on how emerging entrepreneurs can adapt and innovate in the face of challenging conditions, along with the need for refined strategies that account for the unique market conditions in Nigeria.
