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In 2025, Selar, an e-commerce startup that helps creators sell products, paid out over ₦18 billion ($12.8 million) to its African users. While the numbers might look good in isolation, the added context that this came within a decade of the startup’s launch and is almost double 2024’s ₦9 billion ($6.6 million) in payouts shows how far the bootstrapped startup has come. Like many African startups, reaching these milestones was far from straightforward. Douglas Kendyson, the company’s founder and CEO, told TechCabal that when he launched the business, he had no fixed blueprint for what it would become. Instead, constant user feedback shaped the startup’s direction and evolution. “When I started Selar in 2016, I did not have a grand thesis about the market. I didn’t sit down and write out, “Creators will do X, and customers will do Y, and therefore we’ll win,” he said. “The best thing about those early days was that I was not boxed in by what I thought the market “should” be. I was just building something I wanted to exist and then improving it based on what people told me,” he added. The first 100 days: “Wait, users, don’t just show up?” Selar’s first customer did not come from Nigeria. They came from France. The very first user Kendyson set up was his friend after he released an extended playlist (EP) of songs, and after a little convincing from Kennedy, he listed it on Selar. “Guy, come. Put it on Selar. Let people support you,” Kendyson told his friend. At the time, the logic was that people would have listened to his music anyway, but with Selar, they could back him financially. “That was the first ‘sale’ strategy I understood. People don’t just want to consume; they want to support,” Kendyson said. But after successfully bringing in his friend, reality hit fast. “Where are the rest of the people? Who is going to bring them?” he thought to himself within the first 100 days of Selar. At the start, all Selar employees were engineers. While they were good at shipping products, nobody was responsible for distribution. Nobody owned growth. According to Kennedy, one of the first brutal lessons in the first 100 days was that sales and marketing are not vibes. “People do not just come because you built something,” he said. He tried everything he could. He turned other friends into customers. He built a community. But by the third year, the problem was still there despite Kendyson’s efforts at building and doing outreach, hoping people would find Selar. “I cared about users, but my default setting was to keep refining, keep improving, and keep shipping. Then surely everything will click. That’s a very engineer-like way to think,” Kendyson said. Cheap hires and expensive lessons Selar’s first hires were cheap, but they taught Kendyson an expensive lesson. In early 2020, he hired two social media employees to post content for Selar and paid them ₦20,000 ($52) each. He thought that with two junior people, things would improve, and they would figure it out. Then in January 2021, he hired his first engineer, a junior developer, largely to keep costs down. He assumed that because he could write code himself, managing and supervising the hire would be straightforward. He quickly learned otherwise. Before the year ran out, Kendyson had learnt the real price of hiring juniors too early. “When you hire too junior across key roles, you pay with your time,” he said. He spent too much time iterating, reviewing, rewriting, and giving feedback. “It becomes a loop. You save money, but you lose weeks. And your time is not free, especially as a founder.” He knew he had to find a balance. Even though it was difficult, he increased his budget and fired the junior employees. “The alternative was me drowning in oversight,” Kendyson said. The rebirth of Selar started in Dubai Kennedy attributed one of the biggest shifts for Selar to a job that had nothing to do with the startup. In 2018, he moved to Dubai and worked as a growth and software engineer at Sarwa, a fintech company, where he worked closely with the marketing team. Watching how marketing actually works when people take it seriously and how positioning, distribution, partnerships, and repetition compound changed how he built his startup. By 2020, he left the company to apply what he learnt from his time in Dubai. He describes that period as the rebirth of Selar because it was when things began to feel real: “We were finally learning how to move beyond ‘we built something’ to ‘people are actually using it,” he said. One of the main ways Selar tried to solve the customer problem was through social media and cold outreach. At first, Kendyson was messaging people he knew personally. Expectedly, he could not find scale using this method and realised that if he wanted strangers to find him, he needed a distribution method that scaled. “We leaned into cold DMs, more consistent social content, and eventually accepted that ads might be necessary,” he said. The early milestones The milestones Kendyson cared about most in the beginning were revenue milestones. Only cold, hard cash could impress him, and the same still runs true today. The first big milestone was ₦100 million ($74,000) in sales in 2020. While he was happy, he was also in disbelief. Then the next obsession became ₦1 billion ($740,000). Even as Selar hit these milestones, Kennedy could not calm down. “They gave me the most anxiety I’ve ever felt because digital products can be inconsistent,” he said. A creator could have an impressive launch this month, but their sales plummet by next month. This unpredictability seeped into Selar’s business model and affected the startup’s revenue strength. “So even as we grew, I kept thinking. Can I repeat this? Is this sustainable? Are there enough creators? Are there enough launches?” From 2020 to 2024, he carried ‘insane’ anxiety. The more successful Selar got, the
Read MoreOn the storm-scarred hillside of Roseau Valley, Dominica, the tiny Caribbean island nation, a passport is funding a geothermal plant for clean energy. In Basseterre, St. Kitts, it once funded 60–70% of government revenue. In Valletta, Malta, it helped topple a prime minister: Joseph Muscat resigned in December 2019 amid revelations linked to the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist killed while probing golden passport corruption. In São Tomé, fewer than 100 applications in four months have already sparked a new African frontier in the global market for citizenship. This is the “business of belonging.” The global citizenship-by-investment (CBI) industry, per MarketIntelo, a research firm, was valued at $5.2 billion in 2024, with analysts projecting it to hit $12.8 billion by 2033. While the data is scant, conservative estimates suggest that globally, at least 10,000 people apply yearly for second citizenships through Investment. The investment migration industry is now a multi‑billion‑dollar business, with global programmes collectively raising over $20 billion as of 2022, and fuelling large volumes of real estate investment for sovereign countries. For the 40 million people globally who now identify as digital nomads, including 18.5 million Americans, mobility has become an asset class. But mobility is no longer just about visas. It is about sovereignty and whether citizenship itself has become a tradable financial instrument. The question is no longer whether passports can be sold. It is whether selling them strengthens or weakens the countries that do. How citizenship became a revenue line Modern citizenship-by-investment began in 1984, when St. Kitts and Nevis launched the first structured programme one year after independence. For two decades, it remained virtually dormant, with the country issuing only a few hundred passports. The industry became scalable around 2006, when the model was streamlined into a three-to-six-month process: applicants choose between a government donation or an approved real estate investment. That template spread across the Caribbean: Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Lucia all followed. Beyond the islands, several other countries spotted the opportunity that investment migration programmes offered as an alternative—or buffer—to tourism, especially for countries that received fewer visitors each year, but were strategically placed near attractive global hubs. In 2007, Cyprus launched the first European Union (EU) programme, and Malta followed suit in 2014. Türkiye entered in 2018, slashing its price to $250,000; it quickly became the world’s most popular golden passport programme. After raising prices, a $400,000 minimum property investment in Türkiye now guarantees citizenship within three to eight months, provided investors keep their investment in place for at least 3 years. Türkiye offers visa-free access to roughly 140–150 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK, increasing its appeal. Small island developing states battered by hurricanes, tourism shocks, and the 2008 financial crisis saw these investment-based migration programmes as a much-needed gambit. By fiscal year 2022/23, citizenship revenue accounted for 36.6% of Dominica’s gross domestic product (GDP). St. Kitts and Nevis’ revenue reached EC$620 million ($229 million) in 2023, up from EC$543 million ($200.9 million) in 2021. That same year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) credited accumulated citizenship savings with helping St. Kitts reduce public debt below 60% of GDP and cushion the pandemic shock. Following the popularity and boom of second passports—for the security and relocation possibilities they provided—post-pandemic, it was evident that citizenship had become an asset that countries could sell. But scale introduced fragility—and backlash. The cost of the passport trade The IMF’s January 2025 working paper found that citizenship-by-investment programmes raise annual real house price growth by 1.7–2.9 percentage points in countries that permit real estate investment, with effects persisting for over a decade. Yet outside small island states, the IMF found no significant boost to aggregate domestic investment or long-term public revenue. The programmes deliver cash quickly, yet they do not automatically deliver structural transformation. They also attract scrutiny. In 2020, Cyprus shut its programme, which generated over €7 billion ($8.3 billion) in revenue, after an Al Jazeera investigation exposed passports issued to oligarchs and fugitives; 77 investors were later stripped of citizenship. In April 2025, the EU Court of Justice ruled Malta’s programme violated EU law, declaring that nationality “cannot be commercialised” because it confers Union citizenship. Malta was the last EU member state operating such a scheme. The pressure cascaded. In June 2025, an internal US State Department memo flagged 36 countries, including five Caribbean citizenship jurisdictions, for potential travel restrictions. By January 2026, immigrant visa processing had been suspended for 75 countries, including 10 citizenship-by-investment states, such as Antigua and Barbuda. For the Caribbean, the reckoning arrived in real time. After coordinated EU, UK, and US pressure, four Eastern Caribbean programmes signed a memorandum in 2024 raising minimum thresholds to $200,000 and above. A treaty also mandated a 30-day physical presence requirement within the first five years, a move that stripped nomads, foreign expatriates, and wealthy investors of the zero-residency model that defined the Caribbean golden passport industry for years. St. Kitts provides the starkest case study of what reform costs. Revenue fell 60% in the first nine months of 2024 to $80.7 million after the country doubled its investment floor and tightened screening. The IMF projected that citizenship income would remain structurally lower and warned that the fiscal deficit would widen to 11% of GDP. Diplomatically, golden passports caused a dilemma, especially for Caribbean countries that increasingly embraced them: tighten scrutiny standards to protect visa-free access to global hubs and shrink revenue. Or keep them loose and risk losing access altogether. Vanuatu learned the hard way when the EU permanently revoked its visa-free privileges in December 2024, the first such action ever triggered explicitly by a citizenship programme. The lessons from the multiple episodes in the soul-searching world of diplomatic relations and travel revealed one truth: passport value is not sovereign. It is relational and depends on whether other countries accept the standards that countries set. Africa enters a closing market Now, Africa is entering the investment migration industry at precisely this inflection point.
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Table of contents For photography lovers For business professionals For content creators For style-conscious partners For affordable premium seekers For everyday users For gamers and multitaskers For budget buyers Last Valentine’s Day, someone close to me spent hours choosing between perfumes, flowers, and chocolates. Months later, many of those gifts were already forgotten, but the phone their partner bought was still in daily use. That moment shows how gift choices have changed. People now prefer items that remain useful long after the celebration ends. Ahead of this year’s Valentine’s Day, we have compiled a list of the best smartphones you can gift your partner, using verified pricing from Slot and Pointek and checking availability across Nigeria and South Africa. The list also highlights key features, such as AI-powered photo tools and real-time language translation, that make modern phones valuable in daily life. For photography lovers These phones are designed for people who love taking high-quality photos and preserving special moments. 1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Image source: GSMArena Official on YouTube The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is one of the top premium phones you can gift your partner in 2026. It combines luxury design with powerful performance and the advanced Apple Intelligence suite. If your partner loves photography, the triple 48MP camera system with an improved telephoto lens captures romantic moments in very sharp detail. The “Cosmic Orange” colour also stands out and looks striking in natural lighting, while the A19 Pro chip delivers strong performance and battery life that often lasts more than a full day of heavy use. Why buy it for your partner Premium performance powered by the A19 Pro chip Triple 48MP camera system for high-quality photos and videos Stylish Cosmic Orange colour that stands out Long battery life suitable for travel and busy workdays Market price International price for the 256GB model starts at $1,199.12 Nigeria (February 2026): 256GB: approximately ₦2,565,000 512GB: approximately ₦2,889,000 2TB: up to ₦3,940,000. Where to buy Online retailers: Several online platforms stock both devices and offer nationwide delivery. Jumia Nigeria Konga Select Gadgets Physical stores and authorized resellers iStore and Mac Center (Apple-authorized resellers) Slot and Pointek branches nationwide 2. Xiaomi 17 Ultra Image source: Marques Brownlee on YouTube The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is designed for partners who love mobile photography. It features a Leica-tuned camera system and a large 1-inch sensor for strong low-light performance. Why buy it for your partner Leica-tuned camera for high-quality photos Powerful Snapdragon processors for performance High-capacity battery with fast wireless charging Premium build, including ceramic or vegan leather finishes Market price Approximately ₦1,900,000 (excluding VAT) in Nigeria. Where to buy Online retailers: Several online platforms stock both devices and offer nationwide delivery. Jumia Nigeria Select Gadgets Mypadistore Jiji Nigeria Physical stores and authorized resellers Xiaomi brand stores and partner retail outlets Slot and Pointek branches nationwide For business professionals These devices are ideal for partners who rely on their phones for work, planning, and multitasking. 3. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Image source: TT Technology on YouTube The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a strong choice if you want to gift your partner one of the newest Android flagship devices in 2026. The phone was announced on February 25 with pre-orders available before its typical March release. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, giving smooth performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The refined S Pen offers lower latency and improved AI handwriting recognition, while 60W wired charging speeds up charging compared to the earlier 45W standard. Why buy it for your partner Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for high performance Improved S Pen with better AI handwriting recognition 60W wired charging for faster charging Ideal for creatives, executives, and heavy mobile users Market price Expected global starting price for 256GB model: $1,299.24 Nigeria pre-order estimate: starting from approximately ₦2,300,000, subject to regional adjustments. Where to buy Official Samsung Website (Africa): Available for pre-registration and pre-order through Samsung’s official online store. Slot Systems Limited: Expected to stock the device after the official release; currently listed in their search catalog, indicating future availability. Konga: Likely to stock the device once it officially launches, similar to other Samsung flagship releases. 4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Image source: GSMArena Official on YouTube The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is ideal if your partner enjoys both productivity and entertainment on a single device. It folds from a phone into a 7.6-inch tablet, allowing multitasking, such as running video calls while taking notes or browsing. The model also improves durability and reduces weight for easier daily use. Why buy it for your partner Foldable design that expands into a 7.6-inch display Multitasking features for work and entertainment Note Assist and Sketch to Image AI tools Improved durability and lighter body Market price 1TB model at Slot: approximately ₦3,328,000. Valentine promotion: 256GB variant advertised at ₦2,012,837. Where to buy: Konga Jiji Nigeria Physical stores and authorized resellers Samsung Experience Stores: Available across major malls and high streets for genuine devices and in-store assistance. Slot Systems Limited: Multiple branches across Lagos, including Ikeja. For content creators These phones offer powerful cameras and editing tools for creators and active social media users. 5. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Image source: GSMArena Official on YouTube The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a great option if you want a flagship phone that is already widely available. It features a 200MP main camera that delivers strong zoom and low-light photography, helping your partner capture memorable moments clearly. The phone also pairs with Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch8 for health tracking, and its Titanium build, available in colours such as Titanium Silverblue and Titanium Jadegreen, gives it a premium feel. The 6.9-inch AMOLED display includes an anti-glare coating that improves visibility under bright sunlight. Why buy it for your partner 200MP camera for detailed photos and clean zoom Works with Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch8 for health tracking Premium Titanium design with unique colour options 6.9-inch AMOLED
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