Nigeria’s Startup Act: A 2025 Guide for Startups and Investors

The digital economy in Africa is one that is filled with complexities, red-tape and regulatory bureaucracy, which can be quite a hindrance for entrepreneurs trying to build successful tech businesses. Unlike their counterparts in the West, who benefit from well-defined startup policies and legislative frameworks, many African founders still operate in regulatory grey zones.

Dedicated startup frameworks are critical because they enable innovation, stimulate economic growth and drive job creation. To address this, Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy and a key innovation hub, introduced the Nigeria Startup Act 2022. This landmark legislation is designed to remove structural bottlenecks, foster innovation, and facilitate access to capital, talent and markets.

For investors, accelerators, and founders exploring opportunities in West Africa, the Act is a crucial instrument to understand. It not only defines Nigeria’s approach to startup governance but offers meaningful financial and operational incentives for ecosystem players.