Nigerian tech founders are charting a unique course in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), diverging from trends seen elsewhere on our continent. A new analysis by Launch Base Africa, published January 27, 2026, highlights this distinct approach, suggesting a growing maturity and strategic foresight within the Nigerian tech ecosystem. This signals a potential shift in how deals are structured and valued across Africa, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

A Different M&A Playbook for Nigeria

According to Launch Base Africa, Nigerian founders are increasingly prioritizing strategic acquisitions – those that bolster market share, expand product offerings, or provide access to key technologies – over purely financial exits. This contrasts with some other African markets where founders may be more inclined to seek quick returns through acquisitions by larger international players. We’re seeing a focus on building lasting value within the Nigerian ecosystem, rather than simply selling to the highest bidder.

The Rise of Intra-African Deals

The analysis points to a growing number of M&A deals between Nigerian tech companies, and with companies in other African nations. This intra-African focus is a positive sign, demonstrating a strengthening of regional collaboration and a desire to build pan-African champions. While specific deal values weren’t detailed, the trend suggests Nigerian founders are actively seeking synergies with businesses across the continent, mirroring the success of companies like Flutterwave expanding across multiple African markets.

Strategic Value Over Pure Financial Gain

Launch Base Africa’s report suggests Nigerian founders are placing a higher premium on the long-term strategic benefits of M&A. This includes acquiring talent, intellectual property, and access to new customer segments. This is a sophisticated approach, reminiscent of how established tech giants globally utilize M&A to fuel innovation and growth. It’s a departure from earlier stages of our tech development, where exits were often seen as the ultimate goal.

Building Towards Regional Tech Leadership

This evolving M&A landscape positions Nigeria as a potential leader in African tech. By prioritizing strategic acquisitions and fostering intra-African collaboration, Nigerian founders are laying the groundwork for a more robust and self-sustaining ecosystem. We can expect to see more complex and innovative deal structures emerge, attracting investment from firms like TLcom, Partech, and Norrsken, and ultimately driving greater value creation across the continent.