Village Capital backs Trade Lenda and AirSmat in its first Nigerian deals

Village Capital has invested a combined $450,000 in two Nigerian companies, Trade Lenda and AirSmat, Dealroom reported on 4 September. They are the first Nigerian investments from its Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility.

The two companies

Trade Lenda is a fintech that offers online business loans, embedded finance and Sharia-compliant financing to small businesses and farmers. It has supported more than 260,000 SMEs and farmers across five of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, and women make up 66% of its customers. "The capital has enabled us to accelerate our growth," said co-founder and chief executive Adeshina Adewumi.

AirSmat is a climate-tech company that turns agricultural waste into biochar-based fertiliser. It is using the funding to commission a commercial factory and expand production.

The facility

Village Capital is a global nonprofit that backs high-impact startups. Its Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility is a $4 million fund launched in July 2025 and backed by FMO and RVO. It targets early-stage companies working on economic mobility and climate resilience, and sources deals through local partners. Africa Fintech Foundry sourced both Nigerian deals.

The facility now has seven startups in its portfolio across Ghana and Nigeria, including earlier investments of $200,000 in Rivia Clinics and $150,000 in VDL Fulfilment in May 2026.

At a glance

• Investor: Village Capital, Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility
• Total invested: $450,000 across two companies
• Trade Lenda: SME and farmer finance, 260,000+ customers
• AirSmat: Biochar-based fertiliser from agricultural waste
• Facility size: $4 million, backed by FMO and RVO