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AfriStakes has launched a capital mobilisation platform in Nigeria aimed at connecting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a wide pool of investors, as part of efforts to address persistent financing constraints across Africa.
In a statement released on Friday, AfriStakes said the initiative is designed to improve capital allocation by closing the gap between available funds, investment-ready businesses, and viable opportunities within the continent’s financial ecosystem.
The company noted that despite the presence of capital in the financial system, many African businesses continue to struggle with limited access to funding due to structural inefficiencies. It added that funds remain largely tied up in traditional instruments such as fixed deposits, equities, and managed portfolios, leaving a gap for productive enterprise financing.
According to the firm, the newly launched platform allows businesses and investors to interact directly. SMEs and MSMEs can create detailed profiles, upload financial documents, and outline their funding needs, while investors are able to specify their interests, risk appetite, and available capital.
Founder of AfriStakes, Henry Adebisi, said the platform was developed to tackle inefficiencies affecting both sides of the investment market.
“In Africa, businesses suffer from low access to capital while investors suffer from low access to investable opportunities. With AfriStakes, we ensure businesses are properly prepared and positioned for investment, while investors gain the clarity and confidence needed to deploy capital effectively,” Adebisi stated.
The company further explained that one of the major challenges facing SMEs is not necessarily the absence of viable business ideas, but inadequate investment readiness. This, it said, often limits their ability to attract funding from credible investors.
To address this, AfriStakes said it provides a structured framework that supports businesses in organising financial records, developing clear investment narratives, and preparing realistic financial projections. The platform also offers support services including due diligence, deal structuring, and preparation of investor-facing documentation.
It added that the initiative is expected to attract capital from a diverse range of sources, including local and international investors, angel investors, diaspora participants, entrepreneurs, and institutional stakeholders.
Adebisi emphasised that the long-term goal is to enhance capital flow into businesses that drive economic growth across the continent.
“Our vision is to build a system where capital flows more efficiently into real businesses that drive economic change. By positioning both businesses and investors for success, we enable stronger investment decisions and more impactful economic outcomes,” he added.
AfriStakes stated that the platform supports multiple funding pathways, including debt financing, equity investment, partnerships, and acquisitions, while promoting transparency, inclusivity, and structured investment processes within Africa’s business landscape.
