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Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. To celebrate Nigerian Independence Day, we are celebrating three exciting innovations from Nigeria…

Nigeria innovation facts

Global Innovation Index ranking: 114^th

Climate targets: Cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2060

Sustainability issues

Oil spills – The Niger River delta in the south of Nigeria is one of the world’s most-polluted regions as a result of persistent oil spills. Pipeline erosion, sabotage, artisanal refineries, theft, and accidental spillage all contribute to the issue. In regions such as Ogoniland, spillages are outpacing clean-up operations.

Desertification – While the south of the country is impacted by oil spillages, the north is extremely vulnerable to desertification. Factors contributing to the problem include bush burning, urbanisation, farming on marginal land, overgrazing, faulty irrigation, and fuel wood extraction. Supported by organisations such as the World Bank, the Nigerian government is pursuing initiatives to tackle the issue.

Air pollution – According to Unicef, more children die from air pollution-related pneumonia in Nigeria than anywhere else in the World. Poor air quality in the home is a particular problem in the country due to kerosene lighting and firewood cookstoves.

Sector specialisms

• – Agtech
• – Fintech
• – Healthtech

Source: Startup Universal

Three Exciting Innovations From Nigeria

BUILDING THE LARGEST NETWORK OF PROFITABLE SMALLHOLDER FARMERS

Smallholder farmers in many developing countries suffer from a lack of scale – they cannot compete with large conglomerates, even if they offer a high-quality product. This is due to their lack access to financing, food processors, and the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market. In Nigeria, agricultural company ThriveAgric is using technology to help small farmers compete. ThriveAgric uses its proprietary Agricultural Operating System (AOS) to assist farmers with financing, development and training, technology and post-harvest services, access to premium markets, and social and financial inclusion. Read more

PROVIDING CLEAN OFF-GRID AND ON-GRID ENERGY FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CLIENTS

Many African countries receive more than 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, making the continent an ideal location for solar energy power. As the number of providers grows, so too does access to renewable energy sources. Nigerian-based Starsight Energy expanded into three east African countries before merging with South African company SolarAfrica. The new combined business now covers three sizeable areas of the continent and has plans to develop further. Tailored solar energy solutions provided by the company include a complete audit of an organisation’s power and cooling needs and a custom-designed installation. Read more

VERIFIABLE PLASTIC RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), just 9 per cent of global plastic waste is recycled. This problem is particularly acute in Africa, where poor rubbish collection and a lack of recycling facilities has not stopped wealthier countries from dumping their excess trash. This is the problem Nigerian cleantech company Kaltani aims to solve with its collection centres and recycling factory. The company is combining hi-tech and low-tech methods to deliver plastic recycling at scale. Read more

Words: Matthew Hempstead

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