Two Nigerian Startups Secure Funding to Transform Agriculture and Finance

Two promising Nigerian ventures, Trade Lenda and AirSmat, have received a combined $450,000 investment from Village Capital’s Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility. This marks the fund’s expansion into Nigeria following previous investments in Ghanaian startups.

Trade Lenda: Empowering SMEs with Digital Financial Solutions

Trade Lenda, founded by Adeshina Adewumi, offers a digital platform providing business loans, embedded finance options, and Sharia-compliant financing tailored for small businesses and farmers. The company has already impacted over 260,000 customers across Nigeria, with women representing 66% of its user base.

AirSmat: Turning Waste into Value Through Climate Tech

AirSmat, led by Soji Sanyaolu, is a climate-tech startup converting agricultural waste into biochar-based fertilizer. This sustainable solution enhances soil health while creating carbon market opportunities for farmers. With this funding, AirSmat plans to complete construction of its commercial factory and ramp up production.

The investments were sourced through Africa Fintech Foundry, highlighting the growing fintech ecosystem in Nigeria. Both startups demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing critical challenges in agriculture and financial inclusion across the continent.