The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) empowers our most innovative young entrepreneurs to scale their businesses faster, enabling them to reach their full potential. In Nigeria, OCIF entrepreneurs tackle critical issues such as waste management, access to education and healthy food. Meet Mariam, Jide, Chidimma, Joshua, Vincent, Morayo and Rebecca – seven inspiring Orange Corners Nigeria alumni driving positive change in Nigeria and beyond.
Mariam Lawani – GreenHill Recycling Limited
Sector: Waste management
GreenHill Recycling Limited, founded by Mariam Lawani, is a social enterprise dedicated to combating pollution. GreenHill Recycling provides a platform that allows users to capture value from the waste they generate. Through GreenHill’s reward-for-recycling services, users earn cash or incentives in exchange for recyclable waste. In this way, Mariam not only promotes environmental sustainability, but also creates economic opportunities for entire communities. Since receiving OCIF, Mariam’s revenue has skyrocketed by an impressive 3,400 per cent, reaching well into the six figures. A clear testament to the promising future that awaits her!
Jide Ayegbusi – Edusko
Sector: EdTech
Jide Ayegbusi’s Edusko is transforming Africa’s education landscape by making quality education accessible to all. Edusko is a web-based platform that matches children with private schools and provides access to affordable education finance. Parents can compare schools, make informed decisions and access tuition discounts and low-interest school fees loans, all through a simple and quick online process. Since receiving OCIF support, Jide managed to grow his revenue by over 500 per cent. Even more impressive, he has also attracted both follow-up grants and equity investments to further scale his business – a clear indication that others also recognise Edusko’s potential.
Chidimma Uzoma – Zayith Food Co.
Sector: Food
With Zayith Food Co, lawyer-turned-dairy-producer Chidimma Uzoma is on a mission to help customers make better choices by offering healthy and visually appealing food products. Zayith focuses on providing healthy yoghurt that caters to the health-conscious consumer, promoting better eating habits and overall well-being. Part of cohort 7, since her OCIF days Chidimma has increased her revenue by over 1,500 per cent, reaching nearly 130,000 euros. To date, she has received over 100,000 US dollars in convertible debt financing.
Joshua Bamidele – Farmplify
Sector: Agriculture
Joshua Bamidele’s Farmplify is driving change in the agricultural sector by leveraging an online B2B platform that specialises in the bulk supply, export, and processing of food crops. The platform connects farmers directly with buyers, ensuring that high-quality, affordable farm products are accessible while also tackling the pervasive issue of food loss. Since his Orange Corners days, Joshua has made remarkable strides in scaling. His business has seen a substantial increase in revenue, now around 200,000 euros, a testament to the platform’s growing impact. Additionally, Joshua has successfully secured 114,000 US dollars in grants. These financial achievements not only underline Farmplify’s potential but also reflect the trust and support the platform has garnered from investors and partners.
Vincent Okeke – LegitCar Africa
Sector: Automotive
With LegitCar Africa, Vincent Okeke is building Africa’s biggest vehicle data service. LegitCar provides critical data to inform vehicle purchase and insurance decisions, as well as support effective law enforcement. By offering access to comprehensive vehicle information, LegitCar helps reduce the risk of fraud, prevents innocent customers from purchasing stolen vehicles and enhances transparency in the automotive market. Since receiving OCIF, LegitCar’s revenue has increased by a whopping 400 per cent. Nigeria’s Sovereign Investment Authority (NISA) recognised Vincent’s potential by providing him with 37,500 euros in equity financing, allowing him to further scale his already successful business.
Morayo Ojikutu – Flow
Sector: EdTech
With Flow, Morayo Ojikutu equips young people with the practical tools to realise their full potential. Using theories from positive psychology and behavioral economics, Flow’s fun and interactive learning curriculums help children and their parents and teachers recognise their strengths and opportunities. Since her OCIF days, Morayo has received further backing to scale from none other than the MasterCard Foundation (100,000 US dollars). Now employing a staff of 26, Morayo’s revenue increased by an impressive 1,200 per cent, reaching well into the five figures. With such remarkable growth numbers, there is no doubt in our mind that Morayo and Flow are destined for greatness.
Dr. Rebecca Andeshi – Grocircular Agro Services
Sector: Agriculture
Dr. Rebecca Andeshi’s Grocircular Agro Services provides pioneering sustainable agriculture solutions. This social entrepreneur specialises in the production and distribution of organic fertilisers, veterinary consumables and innovative technologies tailored to the needs of modern farmers. Part of cohort 7, after graduating from Orange Corners Rebecca grew her revenue by over 40 per cent. Her biggest post-OCIF success to date? Securing a follow-up grant from the African Development Bank, Global Center On Adaptation And Climate Investment Funds implemented by AfriLabs!
