7 Top Nigerian Investment Mobile Apps Nigerians Use Instead of Banks

Gone are the days when investment meant dressing up to visit your bank, filling out lengthy forms, or needing a financial advisor to put your money to work.

While banks still provide investment services, many Nigerians now prefer mobile investment apps that are user-friendly, transparent, and often yield higher returns.

These platforms allow you to invest in everything from global stocks and real estate to mutual funds and agriculture from your phone.

If you want to grow your wealth without going through the traditional banking route, here are seven top investment apps Nigerians turn to instead of banks.

1. PiggyVest

PiggyVest is one of the pioneers of digital savings in Nigeria and remains a household name. Beyond helping Nigerians save automatically or manually, it opens up access to low-risk investment opportunities vetted by financial experts. SafeLock is particularly loved for its high interest in exchange for locking away funds for a set time, while Target Savings helps users save towards specific goals. Investify features agricultural, real estate, and transport-based investment plans with varying durations and interest rates.

Minimum Investment: ₦5,000.

Investment Options: Savings, Fixed Income Investments, Agriculture, Real Estate, Transportation.

Returns: Up to 35% per annum, depending on the investment type.

How to Invest: Download the app, sign up, choose between savings plans (like SafeLock and Target Savings), or explore “Investify” for vetted investment opportunities.

2. Cowrywise

Cowrywise is one of the easiest platforms to start investing with. All investment options are regulated by the Nigerian SEC, which ensures security. The app also has educational tools to help users understand what each fund entails and which might best suit their risk appetite. Their Halal investment options are also Shari’ah-compliant, catering to Muslim investors.

Minimum Investment: ₦1,000.

Investment Options: Mutual Funds, Halal Investments, Savings Plans.

Returns: 8% -15% per annum, depending on the fund.

How to Invest: Create an account, choose a plan (e.g., emergency, education), and select from curated mutual funds managed by top Nigerian fund managers like ARM, Meristem, and United Capital.

3. Risevest

Risevest is ideal for Nigerians seeking to earn dollars and mitigate the Naira’s depreciation. Their portfolios are curated and managed by professionals. The real estate plan is also attractive to long-term investors seeking stable dollar returns, while the fixed income plan is designed for those who want consistent earnings with minimal risk.

Minimum Investment: $10 (roughly ₦15,000–₦17,000 depending on exchange rates).

Investment Options: U.S. Stocks, Real Estate, Fixed Income (Dollar-denominated).

Returns: 10%–14% on average annually.

How to Invest: Sign up, fund your wallet in Naira, and choose a plan: Stocks, Real Estate, or Fixed Income. Rise handles the allocation.

4. Bamboo

Bamboo gives Nigerians access to over 3,000 U.S. and Nigerian stocks and ETFs. You can create custom watchlists, track real-time stock performance, and set up recurring investments. Bamboo also offers the Bamboo Dollar Balance account, a secure way to save and grow dollars in Nigeria.

Minimum Investment: You can fund your wallets with $2 in Nigeria and $10 in Ghana.

Investment Options: U.S. Stocks, ETFs, Nigerian Stocks.

Returns: Market-dependent

How to Invest: Download the Bamboo app, verify your identity with your BVN and ID, fund your wallet, and start trading directly in global markets.

5. Trove

Trove’s edge lies in its diverse range of assets. You can invest in American tech stocks, such as Apple and Tesla, and diversify into local bonds and even Chinese companies. They support fractional shares, allowing you to buy a portion of high-priced stocks with little money.

Minimum Investment: ₦1,000 or $1.

Investment Options: U.S. Stocks, Chinese Stocks, Nigerian Equities, Government Bonds, ETFs.

Returns: Market-based.

How to Invest: Register and complete your KYC, fund your wallet, and begin investing across diverse assets.

6. Chaka

Chaka connects investors to over 4,000 assets globally, including the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The app uses an intuitive dashboard that allows beginners to understand financial markets. It also provides insights and updates for more informed trading.

Minimum Investment: ₦1,000

Investment Options: Global and Nigerian Stocks, ETFs

Returns: Market-based

How to Invest: Open an account, complete verification, fund your wallet via bank transfer or card, and begin trading or investing in curated portfolios.

7. I-invest

I-invest is backed by Sterling Bank and designed for more conservative investors looking for lower-risk, fixed-income options. It eliminates the need for a broker and allows individuals to participate in the money market easily. Returns are relatively stable, making it a great option for wealth preservation.

Minimum Investment: ₦100,000

Investment Options: Treasury Bills, Eurobonds, Commercial Papers, Fixed Deposits

Returns: Varies by product, typically 9%–13% annually

How to Invest: Download the app, register with your BVN, browse investment offerings, and invest directly in treasury and corporate bonds.

These mobile investment platforms are changing how Nigerians manage their money. Whether you’re looking for short-term savings with high returns, dollar investments, or stable government bonds, there’s something for everyone. With just your smartphone and a few thousand Naira, you can grow wealth without stepping into a bank.

1. PiggyVest

2. Cowrywise

3. Risevest

4. Bamboo

5. Trove

6. Chaka

7. I-invest

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