Nigeria’s Asuqu launches co-working space in Lagos

Nigerian freelancing platform Asuqu has launched a co-working space in Lagos, dedicated to solving the challenges faced by freelancers in finding a reliable place to work.

Launched in 2015, Asuqu is an online marketplace for creative and professional services, which aims to connect freelance professionals to customers across Africa.

Disrupt Africa reported earlier this year the startup raised a five-figure dollar funding round from Nigerian investors living abroad, with the startup rolling out B2B and SME-focused services on the back of the investment.

Asuqu has now opened the doors to a new co-working space in Yaba, Lagos, known as The Village, aiming to provide a practical environment for freelancers to work, and an “office” for them to meet with clients.

“Having run Asuqu for two years, we have realised there’s a disconnect between freelancers and customers. In this part of the world, customers want to have a physical interaction and put a face to the person handling their job. However, freelancers are having a hard time delivery on their jobs at the stipulated time due to basic challenges they are faced in their environment – internet and power,” says Rabiu Musah, founder of Asuqu.

“We saw the need and the pains, we had no choice than to close the gap. Part of our focus was also to create a meeting point where customers can come and interact and transact directly with the freelancers.”

The Village is a 200 square metre space with private office space, a VIP area, and an open co-working space with capacity to host 50 freelancers.

A range of membership packages are available; and members benefit from internet, power, printing, free coffee and water, cleaning, security, and discounted services from Asuqu.