By Adedapo Adesanya
15Wins Ventures, a Dutch-based venture builder, has launched Z-Habitat Hub in Lagos, marking a new chapter in the company’s efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The launch, which happened on Thursday, October 24, 2024, was attended by key dignitaries, including The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Bengt van Loosdrecht; The Netherlands Consul General in Lagos, Mr Michel Deelen; Mrs Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth Employment & Health Care, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos; Mrs Valkamiya Ahmadu, Senior Policy Advisor on Economic & Political Affairs (Abuja); and Mr Adebola Adebowale, Chief Programme Analyst for Lagos State.
15Wins Ventures spans across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, fostering innovation and growth through strategic partnerships in high-impact technology sectors.
Commenting on the significance of Z-Habitat in driving innovation and creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities, Mr Bengt van Loosdrecht said, “We see Z-Habitat Hub as a powerful connection point – a place where ideas can take root and thrive through collaboration. Many people in the West do not realize that Nigeria is a country on the brink of transformation.
“The domestic private sector, driven by young, well-educated individuals, is flourishing. This is a dynamic I have seen in other rapidly developing regions, and I believe Nigeria’s youth are on the cusp of an exciting future.’’
His remarks preceded the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which officially opened the hub’s doors to the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.
The launch of Z-Habitat underscores 15Wins Ventures’ commitment to fostering homegrown innovation and providing a structured, supportive environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
As the Lagos startup landscape continues to thrive, Z-Habitat is poised to play a critical role in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into impactful solutions that drive long-term growth.
The Z-Habitat Hub will host various programs, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events, all aimed at empowering Lagos’s startup ecosystem. The hub’s mission aligns with 15 Wins Ventures’ goal to build a sustainable foundation for African tech development, bridging resources from its base in the Netherlands to local talent in West Africa.
Reflecting on the vision behind Z-Habitat, Mr Nelson T. Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer of 15Wins Ventures, highlighted the hub’s role as a transformative force within the Lagos startup ecosystem.
“Z-Habitat is a place where technology, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit come together. Our mission is to provide local entrepreneurs and creatives with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions,” he said.
“Through Zarttalent, we have trained nearly 500 students and provided scholarships to underserved women. Now, with Z-Habitat, we are expanding our commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and the broader community.’’