Wakanow Group expands into entertainment, lifestyle with NairaBox acquisition
Wakanow Group, Africa’s leading travel tech company, has announced its acquisition of NairaBox, a fast-growing lifestyle and entertainment platform in Nigeria. The acquisition represents a strategic step by Wakanow to broaden its portfolio into entertainment, events, and lifestyle experiences, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, consumer centricity, and diversified growth.
Wakanow also names Tobi Andero as head of business for Nairabox, joining from the experiential marketing industry. Tobi brings with him a wealth of experience in brand engagement, experiential strategy, and business leadership, positioning Nairabox to scale operations and enhance its value proposition under the Wakanow umbrella.
NairaBox is known for providing seamless access to event tickets, cinema experiences, lifestyle offerings, and more via its digital platform, combining convenience with engagement. By integrating NairaBox into the Wakanow ecosystem, customers will enjoy more holistic experiences: travel, entertainment and lifestyle, all under one roof.
Speaking on the development, Bayo Adedeji, Group CEO, Wakanow, stated that: “We see tremendous opportunity in the intersection of travel and entertainment. This acquisition allows us to offer deeper, richer experiences to our customers not just where they travel, but how they live, how they enjoy, how they engage with culture. We are excited about what the future holds as we combine Wakanow’s strength and reach with the lifestyle energy of NairaBox”.
“As we expand, we are focused not only on geography but on sectoral breadth. Entertainment and lifestyle are natural adjacencies to our business – they enhance the value we deliver and align well with consumer trends. We believe the synergies will unlock new growth, both for our customers and stakeholders”.
While stating his commitment to a smooth transition of ownership, Ugochukwu Jay Chikezie, CEO, NairaBox, affirmed that: “Joining forces with Wakanow marks an exciting new chapter for NairaBox and for entertainment in Nigeria. Over the years, we have built a platform that connects people to the experiences they love – concerts, movies, and live events. This acquisition allows us to scale that vision even further by integrating travel and entertainment into one seamless ecosystem. Together with Wakanow, we’re creating a future where access to unforgettable experiences, whether across cities or continents, becomes simpler, smarter, and more connected than ever.”
Wakanow is committed to preserving and enhancing the core strengths of NairaBox – its innovation, its connection with entertainment and lifestyle consumers, and its digital-first approach. Wakanow Group comprises multiple platforms including: Wakanow.com, Kalabash54.com, Roomde.com, Onburd.com, Pointview Travels, Trip Merchant, and now Nairabox.com.
