Africa is an economically emerging nation, and Nigeria is one of Africa’s emerging economic leaders. Nigeria’s population of approximately 170 million people also makes it the most populous African country. This means that there is a tremendous consumer base for services and products of nearly every imaginable sort, which is great news for Nigerian entrepreneurs as there is no shortage of investment opportunities in Nigeria.
Identifying the most lucrative investment opportunities in Nigeria depends, to some extent, on your perspective of what lucrative means to you. It also depends on the type of investor you are or plan to be.
If you are a high risk taker with significant capital to invest, you may choose to pursue opportunities in the larger, fast-growing industries like telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, technology, etc. As a smaller investor, you may still find excellent opportunities in those industries but in additional services and products.
Successful entrepreneurs do more than invest money in an enterprise. They look foropportunities to be problem solvers. Consider where you are in terms of your investment power at the moment and where you want to be as an African investment leader in the future. What current problems in Nigeria (and/or Africa) are your new investment opportunities?
Telecommunications
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, particularly mobile phone communication systems, is one of the most dynamic industries in Africa today. Opportunities for an innovative entrepreneur may be in creating the niche services and products currently underserved in telecom’s expansion.
Among the biggest concerns facing Nigeria’s telecommunications industry are:
- The ongoing, abysmally poor quality of Internet and mobile services.
- The constant struggle to provide reliable power supplies to the telecom market.
- Security for telecom equipment, especially in more remote areas.
- Lack of locally sourced and manufactured components.
Pharmaceuticals
The need for quality, affordable pharmaceuticals that meet current and emerging health challenges in Africa is tremendous.
Challenges/opportunities facing this industry:
- High cost of locally-manufactured products.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity is grossly under-utilised.
- Dependence on import of raw materials.
- Supplies shortages.
- Unchecked proliferation and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
- Lack of trained/qualified doctors, nurses, pharmacists.
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- The ongoing high cost of Internet, computers and other tech resources
- Lack of longterm knowledge and experience of progressing start-ups into sustainable and profitable businesses.TechnologyEconomic growth observers note that no developing nation can afford to overlook the impact of technology on its economic growth and advancement. Fortunately, Nigeria fosters a strong culture of youthful, high-energy entrepreneurship.
The Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) was founded by two young Nigerians to take advantage of the creative energy and entrepreneurial focus within the tech industry. It serves as a pre-incubation/living lab to foster “creative social tech ventures” that can help address Nigeria’s many social problems. But the Nigerian tech industry faces ongoing challenges including:
Energy
The phased-in privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector is increasingly attracting the interest of international investors. Much of their investment focus still appears to be on traditional energy processes but the opportunities for developing independent alternative energy sources exist, particularly those that focus on solar and hydropower projects. Entrepreneurs interested in the energy sector should:
- Closely monitor the ongoing privatisation process.
- Explore alternative/renewable energy options and development opportunities these services can be economically brought to market.
- Real EstateNigeria’s real estate industry is being fuelled by its rapidly-growing economy as reflected in the increasing number of property searches (from outside Nigeria). Urbanisation continues its spread across Nigeria, increasing the need to improve and expand the public infrastructure.
There is an increased demand for rental properties and there will also be an increased demand for single dwelling homes. Investment opportunities include development, construction, energy and communications supply, and real estate adjunct services like property inspection, legal services to complete due diligence searches on behalf of buyers, and lending.
Growing a Lucrative Investment by Starting Small:
Nigeria offers entrepreneurial opportunities at all levels, including those that start as micro-businesses. Search the Internet for investment opportunities in Nigeria and you may be surprised by some of the non-traditional results.Fast Food Franchising
Franchises are increasingly popular in Nigeria. Major franchise corporations like Domino’s Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Juice Zone, are eager to invest in Nigeria.
Locally Made and/or Imported Furniture –Although Nigerians’ incomes are gradually rising, there still is a tremendous need for a dependable supply of reasonably priced quality furniture.
Livestock Farming – Government restrictions and limitations on importation of some foods has increased the demand for local production, particularly of poultry and catfish. There is a great need for livestock feed production, including sheep, rabbit, cattle, goat, and snail farming.
Inland Waterway Transportation – The extensive network of inland waterways in Nigeria (creeks, rivers, lakes, and seas), is mostly underutilised for transportation. Explore the financial potential in providing consistent, safe, and reliable water transportation service.
Online Education – The Internet has become an increasingly viable delivery system for online education and training courses. Online courses reduce corporate clients’ costs and lost time. Many Nigerians are in need of education and training to enhance their employability. Develop your own online education business or market courses through an established online education provider.
Final Thoughts on Lucrative Investment Opportunities in Nigeria
A lucrative investment can start as a small enterprise or it can be a significant infusion of resources and/or money that takes an already-successful enterprise to the next success level. There are huge opportunities for big and small investment in Nigeria. It’s up to you to determine the limits of your risk-taking and your investment plan – then, get started.All of these investment ideas have great potential, and the ability to help you generate millions, but remember the success is in the planning, and your ability to execute your plan. There are some key elements that you must assess before committing to any business venture. Once you have all of these elements in place, you are only a few steps away from business success.
Do you agree with my list, and are there any other investment opportunities in Nigeria that you can think of?
