by SmartBusiness 
Why Smart Business Africa Shunned Lagos & Abuja to Launch Its First Tech Platform in Nsukka
Breaking the Norm: Why Not Nsukka?
When big tech companies come to Nigeria, they almost always land in Lagos or Abuja—the country’s economic and political capitals. These cities, buzzing with investment, have become the go-to locations for startups looking to make an impact.
But what about the smaller cities? What about the underserved communities that are often left out of the tech revolution?
This is the question that drove Smart Business Africa to shun Lagos and Abuja and instead launch its first-ever real estate technology platform in Nsukka—a city rich in potential but overlooked by major investors.
A Struggle Too Many Nigerians Can Relate To
“I remember my first experience trying to rent an apartment in Lagos,” Michael Onyekachi, CEO of Smart Business Africa, recalls. “It was one of the most frustrating moments of my life.”
Like many young professionals, Michael found himself caught in an endless cycle of:
- Fake property listings that disappeared as soon as he inquired.
- Agents demanding “inspection fees” for houses that didn’t exist.
- Landlords who suddenly increased rent after collecting deposits.
- Properties sold multiple times to different buyers due to fake land documents.
These were not just his struggles. His friends faced the same problems—some lost their life savings to fraudulent land sales.
How the West Uses Tech for Social Good—And Why Nigeria Deserves the Same
In developed countries, technology has transformed real estate into an industry that is transparent, efficient, and scam-free.
- Verified Listings & Digital Contracts – Buyers and renters can see only legitimate properties, with clear, secure transactions.
- AI-Powered Price Estimates – Ensures fair pricing, so landlords don’t inflate rent without cause.
- Virtual Property Tours – No need for endless site visits; you can explore homes online.
- Instant Background Checks – Filters out fraudulent agents and shady landlords.
Why doesn’t Nigeria have this yet? Why do we still rely on word-of-mouth and middlemen?
Why Nsukka? The Untapped Market for Tech Innovation
Nsukka might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tech startups, but that’s exactly the problem.
While cities like Lagos and Abuja get all the attention, smaller but fast-growing cities like Nsukka remain ignored by major tech investors.
Here’s why that needs to change:
- Growing Population – Nsukka is home to students, professionals, and families who need better housing solutions.
- Lack of Reliable Property Listings – Unlike in Lagos, where real estate websites are common, Nsukka still relies on offline transactions.
- Scam Prevention – Digital solutions can eliminate fraudulent agents and fake property deals.
How the Platform Works: Real Estate Done Right
- 100% Verified Listings – No fake properties. No scams.
- Secure Online Transactions – Rent or buy with confidence.
- Digital Property Documentation – Avoid land disputes and fraud.
- Virtual House Tours – Explore homes before scheduling visits.
- Transparent Pricing – No more arbitrary rent hikes.
A Tech Movement, Not Just a Business
For Michael and his team, this isn’t just about launching a business—it’s about proving that tech can thrive anywhere.
📍 Nsukka is just the beginning.
📍 Underserved communities are next.
📍 Tech belongs to everyone, not just the elite in Abuja and Lagos.
Join the Movement: A New Era of Real Estate in Nigeria
🚀 Are you tired of real estate scams?
🚀 Do you want a better way to buy, sell, or rent properties?
🚀 Are you ready for a tech-driven future?
📩 Follow us for updates and be part of the tech revolution.
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