The Trend that Sparked a Truth

When entrepreneur Alex Hormozi tweeted,

“Most people don’t really give up on their dreams. They see the price tag then decide it’s too expensive,”

it struck a chord around the world” — but it resonated differently in Nigeria.
 

For young Nigerian tech builders, this price tag isn’t just financial. It includes unreliable power, unstable internet, low investor confidence, burnout, and sometimes—social ridicule.

Yet despite it all, a new generation is building anyway.

What Does It Mean to “Build from Nigeria”?

To “build from Nigeria” is to turn chaos into code, ideas into side hustles, and side hustles into scalable ventures — against all odds.

It’s writing software updates while the generator hums louder than your thoughts. It’s attending Zoom pitch meetings while praying the WiFi doesn’t embarrass you. It’s pitching to international VCs who struggle to grasp what it takes to succeed in this ecosystem.

It’s hustling with hope.

The Real Challenges Nigerian Builders Face

Here’s what “expensive dreams” really mean in Nigeria:

1. Power Instability (NEPA Factor)

Every Nigerian developer knows the pain of sudden blackouts mid-project. Most tech hubs and home offices rely on fuel or solar, which adds overhead cost.

“Light no dey” is a product development risk here.

2. Internet Access and Speed

Reliable internet is often expensive and patchy. Developers and designers waste hours on what should be simple uploads or updates.

3. Investor Skepticism

African founders still receive a fraction of global VC attention. Nigerian founders are often told to de-risk more than their Western counterparts.

4. Mental Burnout and Financial Pressure

Many youth are forced to “bootstrap” their lives — not just their startups. They juggle full-time jobs, freelance gigs, and family responsibilities while still trying to build something innovative.

5. Societal Misunderstanding

To say you’re “building a startup” in Nigeria often earns confused looks. If it’s not traditional, it’s suspicious. If it’s tech, people assume you’re into “Yahoo Yahoo.”

Despite It All: The Builders Still Build

Despite the hurdles, Nigerian youth continue to create apps, build SaaS products, launch fintechs, and sell digital solutions globally.

Why?

Because we’ve learned to convert pressure into performance.

The resilience in this space is unmatched. Nigerian founders are building for the streets and the world, from Lagos to London, Abeokuta to Atlanta.

Advantages of Building from Nigeria

There are upsides many don’t see:

  • Untapped Market: A population of 220M+ with massive mobile and digital adoption.
  • Tech Talent Pool: A young, self-taught, fast-learning generation of developers, designers, and PMs.
  • Global Interest: Despite setbacks, international VCs and accelerators (e.g. YC, Techstars) are still watching Nigeria.
  • Resilience Muscle: If you can build here, you can scale anywhere. Our founders are built different.

Solutions and Recommendations

Let’s talk action:

  1. Community-Led Incubators

Builders need more grassroots accelerators, not just elite programs. Tech communities must decentralize access.

  • Policy Advocacy

Tech policy needs to be created with founders, not just around them. Regulatory clarity can save lives (and startups).

  • Alternative Infrastructure Support

Solar energy, co-working hubs with guaranteed light & internet, and shared tools should become the standard for new builders.

  • Mental Health & Burnout Support

Building in chaos is not normal. Safe spaces, therapy, and founder groups are essential.

  • Local Funding Alternatives

Crowdfunding, diaspora VC networks, and micro-equity funding models should be championed more actively.

The Movement Has Started

The next wave of global innovation can come from Nigeria, not despite our problems, but because of how we solve them.

To every builder staring down the price of their dream:

You’re not weak for feeling tired.

You’re not late.

You’re not alone.

Keep building.

Because we are not just made in Nigeria — we’re building from Nigeria, for the world.