Niteon Capital has secured $400,000 from the UN Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator Fund (UNSEAF), a move expected to support its efforts to improve access to finance, trade infrastructure and global markets for African manufacturers and exporters.
The Lagos-based company emerged as the winner after competing against more than 1,000 companies worldwide over 12 weeks. Niteon Capital was selected in the final stage ahead of a major food security company.
The funding gives the company further support as it prepares to go commercial next year. Founder and CEO Tony Nwose said the recognition validates a long-term belief that Africa can build its own trade infrastructure instead of relying on systems developed elsewhere.
“This is more than funding for us, it’s a powerful validation of our belief that Africa can build its own world-class trade infrastructure, connect its manufacturers to global markets, and create sustainable economic opportunities from within,” Nwose said.
Building a Trade and Finance Ecosystem
Niteon is built as a four-arm trade and finance ecosystem designed to address different challenges faced by African businesses involved in global trade.
At its centre is Niteon HQ, known internally as “The African Trade Center”. The B2B marketplace connects more than 19,000 suppliers with buyers in agriculture, textiles and commodities. It has already processed more than $11 million in sales and moved over one million products to buyers in markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Qatar and Pakistan.
The ecosystem also includes Niteon Capital, described as “The Manufacturer’s Bank”. The platform focuses on working-capital challenges that can prevent African manufacturers from fulfilling large orders and expanding production.
Niteon Capital describes itself as Africa’s first AI-powered digital bank built exclusively for manufacturers and exporters. It offers multi-currency export wallets, escrow-secured payments and financing options such as procurement funding, invoice-backed credit and Shariah-compliant financing.
The company says its technology uses advanced verification, intelligent underwriting and integrations with its B2B marketplace to help address the $940 billion-plus export finance gap.
Two other arms complete the ecosystem. Kunte AI provides trade intelligence to suppliers and buyers, while Niteon Hub uses AI-powered logistics infrastructure to address challenges in moving African exports efficiently.
Nwose said the recognition belongs to the wider team and the African manufacturers behind the company’s mission.
“We’re building from Africa, for the world and we’re only getting started,” he said.
