Transforming Nigeria’s Event Industry

A new software platform called Ahavaplan is helping event planners across Nigeria operate more efficiently, moving beyond the common reliance on WhatsApp and spreadsheets. Founded by Christine Imoukhuede, a veteran event planner herself, the company provides an all-in-one solution for managing events from initial inquiry to final payment.

Key Features of Ahavaplan:

• Centralized Client Management: Provides planners with a permanent link that clients use to access all information and communication channels
• Automated Workflows: Tracks inquiries, bookings, invoicing, and payments in a transparent system for both planner and client
• AI-Powered Assistance: Features an AI assistant named Ella that can generate proposals, create budgets in Naira, build timelines, and provide event status updates
• Proposal Review Portal: Allows clients to review and approve event plans digitally

From Wedding Marketplace to Event Management Software

Ahavaplan’s journey began with a mobile wedding planning marketplace launched in the United States in 2023. After gaining traction with over 650 planners and 80 events, Imoukhuede recognized an unmet need in her home country: “American planners had plenty of tools already, while Nigerian planners were largely managing everything through WhatsApp and Excel.”

The company pivoted to focus on the African market, closing its US operations and rebuilding Ahavaplan as subscription software specifically for Nigerian event professionals.

Rapid Adoption Across Nigeria

Ahavaplan has experienced impressive growth since launching in Nigeria. Within eight weeks of release:

• Over 160 planners started free trials
• Conversion rates from the trial period have exceeded those seen in the US by three times
• First paying customers are already utilizing the Pro plan
• The company is conducting 5-10 demos per week to onboard new subscribers

With a community of over 2,500 members and content reaching millions across Nigeria, Ahavaplan’s customer acquisition costs are minimal.

Future Plans for Expansion

Ahavaplan currently operates in major Nigerian cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu. The company plans to:

• Launch a vendor directory with negotiated discounts for planners
• Create a collaborative community platform for industry professionals
• Expand into venue booking services
• Target Ghana as its second market within the next year
• Follow with further expansion across Africa in a five-year plan