The Rise of No-Code Platforms in Nigeria

In the early days, many tech bros and sis; as we call ourselves in Nigeria used Joomla to build websites, mainly for the no-code and low-code functionality, which was the best at the time. At those times, our reasons for no-code and low-code CMSs are that we want the client to be able to manage their website themselves or at least train their IT support and assistants on how to use manage, and update the platforms. Then, WordPress became popular because it was easier to use and had many helpful plugins. Now, in recent times, new tools like Webflow and Framer are coming up, using AI and no-code technology.

As brilliant as these tools are, they seem to be quite expensive and a little unaffordable for most clients, making it hard for many Nigerian clients to use them. Because of the high costs, local businesses and developers struggle to afford these advanced platforms. This means they often stick with older tools like WordPress, even if they aren’t as efficient.

This situation shows the ongoing challenge of using the latest technology while keeping it affordable in Nigeria’s tech industry. Many tech bros and sis have adapted to these technologies without hesitation.

The process for every tech newbie in Nigeria is that, as soon as we master these skills, our target is towards getting gigs and clients outside the country. Hence our Nigeria clients cannot get a simple website for their business. Last month, One of my mentees complained about an issue. he charged a client N250,000 (around $200) for his online school website. this price is the lowest of all as it includes payment for the domain and the hosting which will be around $60. the client could not accept this deal, why? because he believed it was just WordPress and he expected a cheaper offer.

These tools are great, no doubt. However, for clients in Nigeria, the cost of these tools is high compared to local income levels. Knowing that many of these platforms charge in dollars, and with currency exchange rates, the prices are expensive for Nigerian users. Additionally, the subscription models of these tools often require continuous payments, which can add up over time, making them less accessible for small businesses or individual entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

This is enough to conclude that as technology keeps advancing, and the rise of AI and no-code, some people find it difficult to adapt to these technologies. Having used Framer and Webflow before, I gave up on WordPress immediately. If you’ve used any of these No-Code tools; even Bubble, you would realise that they offer a more intuitive, visual way to build websites. And they have more modern and flexible design options.

They allow for more customization and creativity without needing to dive into complex code. While WordPress is powerful and widely used, it can be more challenging to achieve highly customized designs without plugins or coding knowledge. No-code tools streamline this process, offering built-in features and templates that make it simpler to create unique, professional-looking websites quickly. Adapting to these new tools seems very easy for Web and Product Designers who have spent time using Figma, XD and other UI prototyping tools.

These reasons explain why many designers in Nigeria prefer to target clients abroad. The current economic situation makes it challenging to stay ahead in terms of technology. However, Nigerian designers and other skilled enthusiasts are well-informed about the latest technology and always eager to adopt new tools. This situation also affects tech newbies in the country, making it harder for them to access advanced resources. Despite these challenges, we are ready to put our best into our work and improve day by day. With dedication and resilience, Nigerian designers and tech enthusiasts continue to strive for excellence, seeking opportunities to innovate and make a significant impact in the global tech community. By overcoming these obstacles, we aim to showcase our talents and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of technology, both locally and internationally.

Kudos to all tech experts in Nigeria. We are doing amazing work despite the huge challenges.