There is a billion dollar opportunity in Africa regardless of the industry or sector. All we need to do is DISRUPT.
For instance, Lagos house rentals need a complete overhaul. A monthly payment plan can be a game changer within this sector. Fibre is doing well but they are only targeting the affluent Nigerians. A start-up like ToLet should be the driver of a monthly house rent plan in Lagos. A month-to-month income on ToLet book would attract huge foreign investments in Lagos. This, in turn, would provide good funds for Urban housing development.
When a Nigerian wants to Travel abroad, the western countries often require us to provide all our life history and yet they still reject us. The travel startups such as WakaNow and TravelBeta can merge to create a Global Visa Application for Nigerian citizens. What this means is anyone vetted (with proper due diligence) by this startup should have a lower chance of being rejected a Visa provided applicant information were correctly provided without deceit. This, in turn, would minimise reoccurring rejections and fear of staying back when Nigerian visits the western countries.
Instead of finding a rigid birth control plan (or cure for HIV), we could create VR's that allow us to have the same level of excitement experienced just like when we have physical intimacy with our loved ones. This, in turn, reduces the birth rate, STDs and optimises long distance relationships/affections.
In addition, big disruption can never be accomplished by one startup. We need to lobby at the federal government agencies, collaborate with other startups, build things that have the ability to expand other businesses. Of course, this will require a lot of selfless efforts but that's the beginning.
For instance, a big chunk of Lagos traffic can be minimised with planned working hours for certain industries. 6 - 2 pm, 10 - 6 pm and 2 - 8 pm depending on the level of importance of course. This, in turn, would minimise traffic jams, better and reliable transportation network, translating to better logistics, happy citizens, and several opportunities not yet imagined.
Talking about contraception, active collaboration with federal govt could simply mean increasing taxes for any family with more than 3 children. This, in turn, would minimise the level of the budget required for the accountability of every Nigerian citizen.
A lot can be achieved but those that have the money and power should start...we will address the "in turn" side of the business.
