Stears conducted an in-depth market study of Nigeria’s digital economy to guide the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) investment strategy for its Innovation Fund.

The review included collecting and analysing primary and secondary data and synthesising insights from hundreds of ecosystem stakeholders.We produced a detailed analysis of stakeholder perspectives of the African tech ecosystem, which drove clear, evidence-based recommendations on how to maximise the Sovereign Fund’s investment returns and make a long-term impact on the ecosystem. 

We also developed a framework for identifying potential investment avenues and capitalising on promising prospects. The $200 million Fund was eventually established based on Stears’ findings.

A global development bank embarking on a multi-million euro project in Central Africa needed to understand the prevailing sociopolitical and environmental risks that could impact their investment.Stears conducted a social impact assessment to modernise the country’s public administration.

The assessment identified political risks, and economic and social implications on the project’s beneficiaries, provided mitigation strategies and highlighted likely residual risks. 

Our team conducted local, on-ground interviews with government officials, project sponsors, technical experts and potential project beneficiaries, carried out an independent evaluation of the project’s design and developed a highly relevant assessment which the bank used to set up appropriate processes, offices and regulatory protection to support the administration and use of investment funds.

Stears partnered with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on an in-depth study of Nigerian digital regulation. We were commissioned to assess regulation in the digital ecosystem to address market inefficiencies associated with divergent regulatory frameworks, administrative bureaucracies and transparency.

Stears’ map of the country’s digital regulatory landscape highlighted regulatory gaps and overlaps. We also reviewed the rules and legislation guiding developments in the space and identified gaps that needed to be addressed.

Our findings formed the basis for ongoing and continuous engagement of government and policy stakeholders to update and improve digital regulation in Nigeria.

Stears conducted an in-depth assessment of critical technologies in emerging economies across Sub-Saharan Africa. We collected primary data and conducted extensive stakeholder engagement with experts and operators.  

Our analysis drew on expert insights and data from South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Kenya, Malawi, and Burkina Faso. Insights on the patterns and drivers of off-grid renewable electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa were extracted and organised across relevant themes, products and opportunities. 

Stears’ analysis enabled investors, operators, and policy-makers to understand better the conditions that precede and promote the rapid adoption of off-grid renewables and where these opportunities could be found on the continent.