Seedstars and Lab of Tomorrow [LoT] have joyfully declared the conclusion of LoT 17, an inventive initiative with the aim of reshaping Nigeria’s transport and e-commerce domains. This endeavor has given rise to five dynamic startup ventures, each equipped with fresh concepts to revolutionize intercity and last-mile transportation services for both individuals and commodities.
Backed by BMZ and executed by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit [GIZ] GmbH, this program brought together 23 participants hailing from 23 distinct enterprises. These trailblazers from the industry joined forces to conceive inventive remedies geared towards augmenting intercity and last-mile transportation services in Nigeria for both people and goods, with digital trade as their springboard.
LoT 17 had its primary focus on Nigeria, a nation where the flourishing e-commerce and logistics sectors are primed for technological disruption. Yet, obstacles persist, particularly concerning transportation standards and the predominantly informal nature of the industry. Hence, the program was strategically honed in on these precise challenges, with the aspiration of engendering genuine transformation.
In tandem with Seedstars, the LoT 17 initiative facilitated workshop sessions, mentoring interactions, and progress assessments for its participants. This journey culminated in the creation of five ingenious business solutions that were unveiled during the noteworthy Demo Day.
The Demo Day marked the zenith of the nurturing program, as it offered a platform for showcasing these top-tier revolutionary concepts to a distinguished panel of investors and industry mavens. Each startup introduced a distinct, scalable, and potent solution, underscoring the transmutative potency of technology within the transportation sector.
The quintet of startups from LoT 17 comprises:
CargoLink – A digital platform serving as a nexus for national logistics operators, optimizing the efficiency of shipments.
Efotainer – A mobile refrigeration unit, powered by solar energy, designed for the transportation of perishable goods.
MonieMove – A B2B marketplace that bolsters the purchasing influence of small and medium-sized logistics service providers.
SHAPP – A platform for delivery management that heightens communication between e-commerce vendors, delivery firms, and couriers.
Trade Tracka – An AI-driven platform for reviews and ratings, fostering trust between online shoppers and businesses.
“Investment in innovation stands as a cornerstone for progress. The dedication, resilience, and innovative prowess showcased by these startups fill us with immense pride,” conveyed Sheilla Atieno from Seedstars. “Their solutions possess the potential to genuinely revolutionize Nigeria’s transportation sphere.”
These sentiments were echoed by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit [GIZ] GmbH. Sina Uti-Waziri of GIZ affirmed, “The Lab of Tomorrow program underscores the pivotal role played by the private sector in propelling sustainable development. The solutions unveiled during this landmark Demo Day epitomize the spirit of innovation that we strive to cultivate through our program.”
