In November 2024, four visionary Nigerian entrepreneurs embarked on an exciting 7-day journey to Helsinki and Tallinn, Finland, as part of the GIZ/Digital Transformation Center Nigeria’s (DTC Nigeria) TechMyBiz Acceleration Program. This program is designed to equip early-stage Nigerian businesses with the tools and resources needed to scale, innovate, and thrive on a global stage.
The Journey Begins: Helsinki Exploration & SLUSH
The adventure kicked off on November 18th with the arrival in Helsinki, where the entrepreneurs were introduced to key local stakeholders and engaged in team-building activities. The focus quickly shifted to exploring Helsinki’s vibrant startup ecosystem, where meetings with influential organizations like Helsinki Business Hub and Business Finland created a wealth of opportunities for investment and partnerships.
One of the standout moments was a visit to Maria 01, the Nordic startup hub, where the group explored Finland’s thriving innovation ecosystem. The entrepreneurs also participated in local meetups, expanding their networks and soaking in the local entrepreneurial spirit. But the true game-changer was SLUSH 2024, the world’s largest tech conference.
SLUSH: A Launchpad for Global Connections & Investments
At SLUSH 2024, the spotlight shone brightly on the TechMyBiz startups. With 5,500 global founders, venture capitalists, and ecosystem leaders in attendance, SLUSH became the perfect platform for these Nigerian entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative solutions, secure valuable partnerships, and push their startups to the international stage.
The four entrepreneurs—Abiola Jimoh (XCHANGEBOX), Christiana Okere (myStashhq), Emeka Ehinze (Retailloop Technologies), and Gift Muoneke (Greenera Technologies LTD)—took full advantage of this unique opportunity to interact with global leaders and investors. These entrepreneurs are all part of the TechMyBiz Acceleration Program, co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
The program, managed by Crestsage Limited, offers critical support to emerging Nigerian businesses, providing them with the resources and mentorship to scale their impactful solutions and drive sustainable growth.
Building Bridges & Securing Investments
SLUSH 2024 was not just an event—it was a platform to build bridges between the Nordic and African startup ecosystems. Here’s how the Nigerian entrepreneurs leveraged the conference to make lasting connections:
Abiola Jimoh (XCHANGEBOX) secured a strategic partnership with Business Helsinki, which is a key step toward expanding XCHANGEBOX into the European market.
Christiana Okere (myStashhq) connected with an investor specifically interested in African startups led by women. This connection, alongside new customer leads, set the stage for immediate growth.
Emeka Ehinze (Retailloop Technologies) made valuable connections with Paddle (a payment provider in Finland), Growcify (India), Hemp Store (India), Mikko Armila (business in Helsinki), and Startup Malta, strengthening his business’ international footprint.
Gift Muoneke (Greenera Technologies LTD) identified potential battery manufacturers for his clean energy Microgrid solutions and forged connections with investors, providing the necessary steps to scale his technology across borders.
Join the Movement
Are you ready to be a part of this global movement? TechMyBiz and its partners are creating new pathways for startups to thrive internationally. Visit dtcnigeria.ng to learn more about our programs and initiatives, and discover how you can get involved.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the participants, speakers, and organizers who made this event a resounding success. The journey doesn’t end here—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter for these entrepreneurs and the growing African startup ecosystem.
