In a bold move that signals its growing influence in the global trade ecosystem, US-based startup Niteon with operations in Africa has announced its acquisition of Pakistan’s InstaBarterPK, a C2C platform, marking the company’s official entry into the South Asian market. Niteon, an AI-powered B2B marketplace, connects verified African manufacturers with large-scale international buyers, specializing in fabrics, agriculture, minerals, and art. This acquisition represents a major leap for the startup, which has quickly risen to become Nigeria’s third-largest digital export platform, further solidifying its position on the global stage.
Founded by Tony Nwose and Daniel Chukwuemelie, Niteon offers much more than just a marketplace. Its platform integrates supply chain management and embedded finance solutions, making it the most advanced export technology platform in Nigeria and a game-changer for African trade. With a core focus on the US and UK markets, Niteon’s new expansion into South Asia provides access to a $4.5 trillion market, opening up enormous opportunities in one of the world’s most populous regions, including the fast-growing Indian economy.
The acquisition of InstaBarterPK, initiated in early 2024 and finalized in September, is part of Niteon’s strategic plan to bridge African and Asian trade. The partnership also brings InstaBarterPK’s founder into the fold, who will now serve as Niteon’s ChiefMarketing Officer. The move is expected to catalyze further growth for Niteon, which has already seen an impressive 310% increase in business over the past year.
With backing from influential investors like TVC Labs, Seedstars, Zenith Bank Plc, the Development Bank of Nigeria, and prominent names such as Tomi Davis and Akinlolu Akinyele, Niteon’s potential is drawing comparisons to global giants like Alibaba and Amazon. The company is positioning itself to be Africa’s leading trade center, disrupting traditional barriers in global exports by streamlining transactions and offering world-class technology solutions to African manufacturers.
As Niteon expands its reach, the company is not only changing the face of Nigerian and African exports but also strengtheningtrade relationships between Africa and Asia. The acquisition of InstaBarterPK signals a new era of collaboration, with Niteon standing as a symbol of Africa’s rising technological power and its growing role in international commerce. For those watching closely, Niteon’s trajectory is a reminder of the rise of Alibaba in Asia and Amazon in North America—signifying that the future of global trade may well be shaped in Africa.