Detty December: AWARI secures investment to boost SMEs after $71.6 million windfall

By : Guardian Nigeria

Date: 8 October 2025 2:30am WAT

A lifestyle discovery platform in Nigeria, AWARI, has said that there is a need to support lifestyle businesses across Africa ahead of the 2025 festive period, following the impressive revenue generated during the 2024 Detty December season.

Lagos State Government had disclosed that it generated $71.6 million in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors during the 2024 Detty December.

According to the state government, hotels contributed over $44 million, while short-let apartments accounted for $13 million of the total earnings.

AWARI, therefore, said to strengthen progress, it had secured a new round of bridge funding aimed at empowering lifestyle businesses and deepening innovation in the sector.

According to the organisation, the funding round, which surpassed the company’s previous pre-seed raise, was led by the Lagos Angel Network (LAN), and supported by a network of strategic investors.

Founded by entrepreneur Tannaz Bahnam, AWARI connects users with local lifestyle businesses, such as restaurants, spas, gyms, shops and events, while providing business owners with tools for visibility, bookings, loyalty management and data-driven growth.

Bahnam, who spoke on the new funding, said the investment would help the company deepen its impact and strengthen its role in supporting urban living and SME growth.

According to the company, the new funding would be used to scale its event ticketing platform and loyalty programme, drive business engagement and user downloads ahead of Detty December, and enhance its technology and content operations as it prepares to expand into Ghana, Morocco, and Qatar within the next year.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Lagos Angel Network, Yemi Keri, described the company’s growth as a positive sign for Africa’s digital and SME ecosystem.

Keri said: “We are excited to support AWARI as it shapes the future of urban discovery in Africa. AWARI is creating real value for SMEs by helping them increase visibility, attract new customers, and thrive in competitive urban markets.”