Young Nigerians Building Businesses Without Initial Capital

According to Vanguard News, a trend is emerging among young Nigerians who are choosing to build businesses before seeking external funding. This approach, often referred to as a ‘zero-capital business’, is not without its challenges, as costs for mobile data, transport, electricity, and time all add up. However, the report suggests that more young people are focusing on making a first sale before incurring expenses such as renting a shop or filling a storeroom. One example of this new business model is Moniepoint, a fintech company that allows users to transact digitally using a simple mobile app.

This shift towards self-funded entrepreneurship could signal a change in the Nigerian business landscape, as young people increasingly look for innovative ways to launch their businesses with minimal resources. While the exact number of businesses starting from zero capital is not known, the trend towards self-funding is clear.

Source: Vanguard News
[https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/10/how-young-nigerians-are-building-businesses-before-they-raise-money/]