NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

By Nneka Chile

Nigerian start-ups are digitising the local food supply chain, helping merchants navigate high food costs and farmers sell their produce.

Two such firms, Vendease and Sabi, which were formed last year, have created digital marketplaces allowing wholesalers, shopkeepers, restaurateurs and hotels to buy directly from farms and manufacturers.

Inflation has been in double digits in Nigeria since 2016, although it has eased over the past six months. Price increases peaked in March due to COVID disruptions, currency devaluations and security issues in food producing regions.