How Technology Is Bringing Nigeria’s Artisans Into the Digital Economy – Innovation Village

For millions of Nigerians, finding a reliable electrician, plumber, carpenter or mechanic can still begin with a phone call to a friend, a recommendation from a neighbour or a message dropped into a WhatsApp group. The system works, but it is largely built on personal networks, making it difficult for customers to compare options and leaving skilled professionals dependent on word of mouth to find their next job.

Nigerian entrepreneur Temitope Ajibola is attempting to change that with ProConnectHQ, a digital platform designed to connect customers with verified artisans and skilled service providers across the country. The platform reflects a broader question for Nigeria’s digital economy: how can technology bring people working in traditionally informal sectors into the systems and opportunities created by digital commerce?

Moving Beyond Word of Mouth

ProConnectHQ currently operates across Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, Ogun and Osun, covering services ranging from electrical installations, plumbing and carpentry to mechanics, welding, painting, air-conditioning, solar, CCTV installation and fashion services. The platform was soft-launched in December 2025 before its official launch in June 2026.

Its premise is relatively simple. Rather than relying entirely on personal referrals, customers can discover service providers through a structured digital marketplace, while artisans gain a platform through which they can become more visible to potential customers.

For Ajibola, the opportunity is not about turning artisans into software developers. It is about using technology to solve practical business problems that already exist. A carpenter may have the skills to do exceptional work but lack the reach to find customers outside his immediate community. A technician may have years of experience but…