Startups in the Nigerian economy have been urged to create an ecosystem that works together rather than compete within themselves.

These were the words of the Co-founder, Bujeti, Samy Chiba, yesterday, at the startups’ conference and pitch tournament of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) as part of a programme lined up for its French week in Lagos.

Chiba said it is important to see that there is an ecosystem move.
He said: “We see a lot of innovative young people that are bringing new ideas, new things to the markets. So, as I said during the event, what I like is building an ecosystem of startups, where we are not competing, we are building something together.

“I see a lot of smart young people that are building things, and I like it. I think it’s also important for the next generation to start thinking about something else than just money and finance. Managing your finances is good, but building something for the community, for the health of people is wonderful because you are merging business opportunities and social opportunities as well.”

Also speaking Partner at Mazars, Peter Nwofia, said startups need to collaborate more to drive energy within an ecosystem.
Nwofia mentioned to the startups that the importance of collaboration and attending events like this is to connect with investors and experts for advice and professional advisory.

Besides, the event witnessed the pitch of 10 startups with ideas and innovation in various sectors of the economy ranging from healthcare, logistics, real estate, solar and energy amongst others.

Some of the startups include Fast Ryders, Open house, M Doc, Joyalty unisex fashion, Securecycle, Wheatstone gate, Bim Wunmi, Gemhands, Employ Africa limited and El gazelle foods.

The winner of the competition was M Doc with a $1000 prize and a return ticket courtesy of Air France.

M Doc is a healthcare solutions that provides services for people within the market space who are busy to carry out health checks in their day to day activities.

Speaking on the startups pitches, Nwofia said the startups didn’t discuss the need for entrepreneurs to clearly state what they want to do with funds.

He said: “You know, they were focused on presenting their business, but they didn’t say, this is what I want to do with the funds. But I know over time they will improve in making pitches or business pitches.”