Seven Simple Reasons [Tech] Startups aren't Flourishing in Nigeria

Success does not come as easy for the average Nigerian, as it does for the average man from the Western world. The word, "hustle" is now the maxim of the youth. Startups (new business) and venture-capitalists are buzzing worldwide, but this is not the case in Nigeria.

Are startups in Nigeria finding it enjoyable? No, I wouldn't agree. Currently in Nigeria, ideas are abound, but fund raising and monetizing are often walloped by poor startup 'ecosystem'.
It is commendable that some Nigerians where able to establish Co-Creation Hub (CCHUB) to curb these challenges. However, it's just the beginning, because the stronger challenge is the impulsive mindset of the populace.
I've put together certain mindsets which are responsible for the deterioration of technological business in Nigeria.

The 'Survive Now' Mentality:
In the name of survival, people engage in 'buying and selling' – a business that barely improves the brain. It's until we dare to do greater things that we will improve the country.

Most people would be expecting to see power supply as one reason. For me, I believe it starts with the state-of-mind. Let's forget all those excuse for things beyond our control, control what you can:YOUR MIND!

Unhealthy Taste for Power:
In Africa, power is the ability to get what you want when you want it; hence most people yearn for it. This "power" is gratifying because it doesn't come easy, and for this, people use it to intimidate and oppress others. Opportunities are usually lost as a result.


Too much emphasis on physical appearance:
The delusion that good-looks are good-skills has been to the detriment of skillful servicemen. The way you dress determines how you are addressed is no doubt true, but good-labour isn't gotten this way. Lanre, my friend, who happens to be a very skillful programmer, failed a job interview because he wore a T-shirt on a pair of jeans – sad! In most cases, if you don't dress corporate nobody takes you serious. Quite a number of geeks don't appear well nor speak good English. So why do we look at outward appearance? Check out Steve Jobs.
At Orangeville Systems, one of our best programmers feels more comfortable on casual wears. I advise my fellow Nigerian youth to seek knowledge than physical appearance.


Hustle(short-term runs) as a preferred means to income amongst our youth:
Due to the harsh economic environment and the huge gap in economic class, money and good-looks are what the youth crave for, and they want it now; hence they are stirred to a life of hustling (conning), and with this mindset it's impossible to build a lasting business and a thriving society.


Mental Laziness:
Mediocrity can be seen everywhere, from government to individuals. Even at schools, students prefer cheating.


Wearisome Business Environment:
From business registration to liquidation, this can be seen.
Honesty and peace are expensive for the corrupt. The corrupt will always want wealth-acquisition to be a rough road so they can have more power (or money). What they fail to see is that they are making the society uncomfortable for their unborn children and grandchildren.


Wrong Educational Perception:
Most people worsen issues by painting the picture that a white-collar job is the sure way to prosperity. They make others believe that without a university degree they have NO FUTURE. Education (not university degree) is the key to transformation, and most African universities are filled with archaic syllabus. We shouldn't forget that vocational skills are strong societal driving force and most youth will excel at it.
I have had several final-year students come to me (when I just came out of secondary school) to do their programming based projects, and when you ask why they wouldn't do it on their own, you get responses like: "we were taught only theories", "the hand-outs weren't comprehensive", or "we weren't taught this damn programming language".
Education is meant to be of essence afterwards.

Oh!...and another problem is that almost every youth wants to be a WizKid(musician).


CONCLUSION: (WHAT I LOVE ABOUT NIGERIA)
-Any business that can succeed in Nigeria can succeed in the moon.
-Anybody that can drive a car in Lagos can drive a car anywhere in the world, because most motorists in Lagos are rough.
-Nigerians are good at inventing diverse survival tactics.
I love the Nigerian spirit which doesn't give-up but goes beyond colossal challenges to excel. The rush and hard-work in Lagos is so invigorating.
Challenges are stepping stones.
Someday, Nigerians will be the best at maneuvering and transformations amidst challenges (ONLY if we start seeing things the right way).
I BELIEVE NIGERIA CAN BE AT THE TOP!


Software Developer | Techpreneur
___Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device