The Nigerian equities market has experienced a remarkable upward trend, capturing the attention of foreign investors. The All-Share Index, after 15 years, reached an impressive height of 60,968.27 points, with Market Capitalisation at N33.198 trillion. This milestone was achieved during the first half of the year on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), marking its highest level since March 5, 2008, when it stood at 66,381.20 points. According to analysts, the recent entrant of a new administration saw this positive reaction in the equities market, attributable to signals indicating strong support for business and a commitment to realising Nigeria’s aspirations. Oluwaseun Dosunmu, Head of Research at Parthian Securities posits that “the alignment between rhetoric and action seems to be fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and investors to confidently participate in the market, hence the uptick.” 

However in the midst of this great performance and the attendant opportunities for wealth creation across demographics, it is remains worrisome that over the years, the trend of trading of equities in Nigeria has remained more appealing to the older age demographics, with the younger generation almost completely left out. Little wonder these young people have been largely constrained to investing in foreign stocks and other high risk DeFi instruments like cryptos.

Today, there is a glimmer of hope for the younger generation who crave the opportunity to become more active investors in the Nigerian equities market as investment apps like i-invest take the forefront in using technology to enable trading opportunities for individuals above the age of 18.

Analysts have posited the Nigerian stock market’s appeal to the older age demographic may be attributable to traditional ways of doing things which haven’t really changed much over the years, and have adversely alienated the digital natives who prefer embracing technology. However, i-invest is actively working to entice the younger generation to invest in equities. By focusing on financial education and gamification, i-invest aims to equip young investors with knowledge and create an enjoyable experience that makes investing more accessible and engaging. By embracing technology, improving dividend payments, and enhancing corporate action allocation, i-invest aims to enhance investor confidence and attract a new wave of enthusiastic participants to the market.

“Our focus extends beyond mere access to the market; we are committed to empowering young investors through financial education and gamification. By equipping them with knowledge and creating an enjoyable experience, we strive to make investing more accessible and engaging for this demographic,” says Tobi Olusoga, the Chief Operating Officer of i-invest.

One of the major entry barriers to the Nigerian stock market has been the onboarding process which requires the convoluted steps of consulting with a broker that may not be readily available if one who does not reside in a major city, getting a CSCS account and complying with the full KYC requirements. However, through the user-friendly app, the onboarding process has been streamlined with processing times significantly reduced. Regardless of where they reside, users can use the app to cut through the red-tape and get their CSCS account, complete their KYC and start trading within 3 business days. They can also view stock prices, review stock’s historic performance and take informed decisions on the spot with real-time data available at their fingertips on the app.

While these technological advancements are commendable, there is still ample room for the capital market to embrace technology further, to ensure a more seamless and inclusive investment experience for all young people with a cogent need for improvements in the entire process of dividend payments and the allocation of corporate actions. Currently, there is friction surrounding dividend receipt, which calls for collaborative efforts with fintech firms like i-invest to develop solutions that eliminate these obstacles. By addressing these challenges, investor confidence can be enhanced enough to attract a new wave of enthusiastic participants to the market.

“We believe that by fostering collaboration and innovation, we can create a future where investing is accessible, engaging, and rewarding for the younger generation and beyond. So, i-invest remains committed to providing young investors with the tools, knowledge, and seamless experiences they need to thrive in the equities market,” says Olusoga. “As technology continues to shape the financial landscape, we are dedicated to driving advancements that will empower all individuals to embark on their investment journey with confidence and convenience,” she enthused.

In the ever-evolving world of finance, i-invest stands out as a leading financial services marketplace, revolutionising investment opportunities in Nigeria. In addition to equities, i-invest provides a wide range of fixed income products, including Treasury Bills, Fixed Deposits, Commercial Papers, and Eurobonds. These products are carefully selected in line with market dynamics, offering users access to competitive rates from reputable and regulated institutions. By expanding the fixed income offerings, i-invest ensures that investors have diverse options to meet their investment needs.

The app offers users a secure and reliable platform to effectively manage and monitor their investment portfolios. As a champion of financial inclusion, i-invest is committed to empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions and take control of their financial well-being with the primary objective to provide its esteemed customers with access to a diverse array of permissible financial services in full compliance with Nigerian legislation. By offering a comprehensive range of financial solutions, i-invest aims to cater to the diverse needs of its customers and enable them to achieve their financial aspirations. With an unwavering commitment to fostering financial inclusion, i-invest paves the way for individuals from all walks of life to secure a more prosperous future.

It is not surprising that i-invest recently celebrated processing over $100 million in transactions over the past five years. According to the COO, their target is not limited to a specific number of transactions as i-invest’s foremost goal is to promote widespread financial inclusivity and expand the accessibility of financial products to a larger segment of the Nigerian population. By removing financial barriers and providing necessary resources, i-invest empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential for a brighter future.

i-invest’s commitment to safety is also unwavering. It holds prestigious certifications such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS compliance, ensuring the highest standards of information security management and protecting customer data. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, continuous innovation, and a commitment to financial inclusion, i-invest strives to exceed expectations and empower individuals to achieve financial freedom.

i-invest has emerged as a game-changer in the Nigerian financial landscape, empowering individuals with accessible and secure investment opportunities. By championing financial inclusion, fostering market confidence, and leveraging technology, i-invest paves the way for effortless entry into the Nigerian stock market. With a firm commitment to customer satisfaction and a vision for the future, i-invest continues to drive positive change in the lives of its customers and contribute to the prosperity and development of Nigeria as a whole