Nigerian digital identity solutions provider Seamfix has raised US$4.5 million in funding to scale its technology infrastructure, improve data flow crucial for continental trade and integration, and kickstart the expansion of its digital ID and credential services into five new African countries.
Founded by Chimezie Emewulu and Chibuzor Onwurah, Seamfix provides identity management, data capture and process automation solutions for large businesses and government agencies across the world.
The company has delivered a wide range of solutions for organisations such as Veremark, Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission [NIMC], MTN, Glo, Airtel 9 Mobile, United Bank for Africa, Interswitch, and Union Bank, enabling them and their customers globally to seamlessly create, verify and access trusted digital identities and services.
It is now planning further growth and expansion after securing US$4.5 million in funding from Alitheia IDF, a US$100 million gender-lens fund that identifies, invests in, and grows SMEs led by gender-diverse teams.
The new funding represents Seamfix’s first institutional investment, and will enable the company to expand its services to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
“We are thrilled to announce this new funding, which marks a significant milestone in our journey of shaping the future of digital ID verification in Africa and connecting Africa to the rest of the world. Digital identity is a right – not a privilege – and this belief underpins our innovation and commitment to enabling individuals and businesses in Africa to access all the benefits that come with having verifiable identities,” said Emewulu.
“This investment not only validates our vision but also empowers us to expand our reach and innovate further. We are thankful for the support from Alitheia IDF and their commitment to our mission, and we are excited to lead the charge in shaping a digitally inclusive Africa.”
Tokunboh Ishmael, principal partner at Alitheia IDF, said digital IDs were increasingly vital to unlocking opportunities in a digital-first world where digital platforms are enabling inclusion and broadening access to essential services.
“According to a recent McKinsey report, such access can result in the unlocking of up to 70 per cent of an economy’s full economic potential and an additional six per cent of GDP,” she said. “This is particularly pertinent, when you consider that studies show that low-income women in emerging economies are less likely to have a digital ID, which further hinders their ability to participate in economic value creation and access opportunities. With this investment Alitheia IDF is working with Seamfix to amplify its work in enabling millions of women to participate in the African economy and reach their full potential by providing crucial identification services and empowering businesses across the continent to scale.”
