Nigeria’s dynamic lifestyle discovery platform, AWARI, has locked in fresh bridge funding to support local “lifestyle businesses” ahead of the 2025 season. The move comes after the 2024 ‘Detty December’ festivities generated an impressive revenue boost across tourism, hospitality, and entertainment in Lagos State.
Last year alone, the state reported $71.6 million in earnings from those sectors—hotels contributing over $44 million and short‑let apartments adding about $13 million.
In a bid to replicate and expand on this success, AWARI’s latest capital raise exceeds its previous pre‑seed round. The financing is led by the Lagos Angel Network (LAN) with backing from a coalition of strategic investors.
Founded by Tannaz Bahnam, AWARI operates a digital ecosystem that connects users with lifestyle businesses—like restaurants, spas, gyms, and events—while offering owners tools for visibility, bookings, loyalty programs, and data insights.
Bahnam says the injection of funding will empower the company to deepen its impact across Africa. “AWARI was built to transform the way people experience their cities while helping lifestyle SMEs grow sustainably,” she explains. She adds:
“With the support of the LAN and other visionary investors, we are doubling down on developing tools to strengthen communities, empower businesses, and improve everyday urban life. And with ‘Detty December’ quickly approaching, now is the ideal time for businesses to join AWARI and gain visibility during Nigeria’s peak lifestyle season.”
The newly raised funds will be deployed to scale AWARI’s event ticketing platform, boost its loyalty program, ramp up business engagement and user acquisition efforts before ‘Detty December’, and upgrade its technology and content operations. The platform also plans expansion into Ghana, Morocco, and Qatar within the next year.
Yemi Keri, Chairperson of LAN, said AWARI’s growth signals strength in Africa’s digital and SME sectors: “We are excited to support AWARI as it shapes the future of urban discovery in Africa. AWARI is creating real value for SMEs by helping them increase visibility, attract new customers, and thrive in competitive urban markets.”
