Want to start investing in Nigeria with little money? Discover the best beginner-friendly investment apps in 2025 for safe, smart, and secure returns
Investing has never been more accessible than it is in 2025. With the rise of fintech and mobile technology, you can now start building wealth directly from your smartphone with as little as ₦1,000.
Gone are the days when investing was reserved for the wealthy or required complex paperwork and high minimum deposits.
Whether you’re a student, young professional, or anyone looking to grow their money, this comprehensive guide covers the best investment apps available to Nigerian beginners, complete with features, fees, and step-by-step guidance.
Why Invest Through Mobile Apps?
Advantages of App-Based Investing
- Low barriers to entry: Start with small amounts (₦1,000-₦5,000)
- Convenience: Invest anytime, anywhere from your phone
- User-friendly interfaces: Designed for beginners with no investment experience
- Automated features: Set up recurring investments and automatic rebalancing
- Educational resources: Learn as you invest with built-in tutorials
- Real-time tracking: Monitor your investments 24/7
- Lower fees: Often cheaper than traditional investment platforms
What to Look for in Investment Apps
- Regulatory compliance: SEC, PENCOM, or CBN registration
- Security features: Bank-level encryption and two-factor authentication
- Investment options: Variety of assets (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.)
- Fees and charges: Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Minimum investment: Low entry requirements
- Customer support: Responsive help when you need it
- Educational content: Resources to improve your investment knowledge
Understanding Investment Types for Beginners
1. Money Market Funds
- Risk level: Very Low
- Expected returns: 6-12% annually
- Liquidity: High (can withdraw anytime)
- Best for: Emergency funds, short-term goals
2. Fixed Income/Bonds
- Risk level: Low to Medium
- Expected returns: 8-15% annually
- Liquidity: Medium (lock-in periods apply)
- Best for: Conservative investors, steady income
3. Mutual Funds
- Risk level: Medium
- Expected returns: 10-20% annually
- Liquidity: Medium to High
- Best for: Diversified portfolios, long-term growth
4. Stocks/Equities
- Risk level: Medium to High
- Expected returns: 15-25%+ annually (volatile)
- Liquidity: High (during market hours)
- Best for: Long-term wealth building, risk tolerance
5. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
- Risk level: Medium
- Expected returns: 12-18% annually
- Liquidity: Medium
- Best for: Real estate exposure without buying property
Top 15 Investment Apps for Nigerian Beginners
1. Piggyvest – The Savings and Investment Pioneer
Overview: Nigeria’s leading savings and investment platform with over 4 million users.
Key Features:
- Automated savings plans
- Fixed deposits with up to 20% returns
- Mutual funds investment
- Target savings for specific goals
- Group savings challenges
Investment Options:
- Flex Naira: 6-8% annual returns, instant withdrawal
- SafeLock: 10-20% returns, locked for set periods
- Target Savings: Automated savings toward goals
- Investify: Mutual funds starting from ₦5,000
Fees:
- Flex Naira: Free
- SafeLock: Free
- Investify: 0.75% annual management fee
- Early withdrawal: 2.5% penalty
Minimum Investment: ₦1,000 Best For: Complete beginners, automatic savers Regulation: Registered with SEC
Pros:
- Very user-friendly interface
- Strong track record and reputation
- Multiple investment options
- Excellent customer support
- Educational content
Cons:
- Limited international investment options
- Higher fees compared to some competitors
- Lock-in periods for best returns
2. Cowrywise – The Intelligent Investor
Overview: Data-driven investment platform offering automated portfolio management.
Key Features:
- Automated portfolio rebalancing
- Dollar investment options
- Mutual funds and ETFs
- Goal-based investing
- Financial planning tools
Investment Options:
- Naira plans: 6-15% annual returns
- Dollar plans: Access to US dollar investments
- Mutual funds: Diversified portfolio options
- Halal investments: Sharia-compliant options
Fees:
- Investment plans: 0.5-1% annual fee
- Dollar plans: 1.5% annual fee
- Withdrawal: Free after 30 days
- FX conversion: At prevailing rates
Minimum Investment: ₦100 Best For: Tech-savvy beginners, international diversification Regulation: SEC registered
Pros:
- Very low minimum investment
- International investment access
- Automated rebalancing
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Strong security features
Cons:
- Limited human support
- Dollar plans require higher minimums
- Complex fee structure
3. Risevest – The Global Investment App
Overview: Enables Nigerians to invest in US stocks, real estate, and other global assets.
Key Features:
- US stock investments
- Pre-built investment plans
- Dollar-denominated returns
- Real estate crowdfunding
- Fractional share investing
Investment Options:
- US Stocks: Apple, Tesla, Amazon, etc.
- Real Estate: US property investments
- Fixed Income: Dollar bonds
- Rise Plans: Pre-built portfolios
Fees:
- Stock trading: $1 per transaction
- Plan management: 1% annually
- Withdrawal: $5 processing fee
- FX rates: Competitive spreads
Minimum Investment: $10 (≈₦15,000) Best For: Global diversification, US market exposure Regulation: SEC (US) oversight
Pros:
- Access to global markets
- Fractional investing
- Strong dollar returns
- Professional portfolio management
- Excellent app design
Cons:
- Dollar-based (FX risk)
- Higher fees for small amounts
- Limited Nigerian asset options
4. Bamboo – The Social Investing Platform
Overview: Commission-free investing in US stocks and ETFs with social features.
Key Features:
- Zero commission stock trading
- Social investing features
- Educational content
- Fractional share investing
- Goal-based portfolios
Investment Options:
- US Stocks: Individual company shares
- ETFs: Diversified funds
- Bamboo Portfolios: Pre-built selections
- Crypto: Bitcoin and Ethereum
Fees:
- Stock trading: $0 commission
- Account maintenance: $1/month
- Withdrawal: $5 processing
- Currency conversion: 1% spread
Minimum Investment: $1 (≈₦1,500) Best For: Young investors, social features enthusiasts Regulation: SEC (US) compliant
Pros:
- Zero trading commissions
- Very low minimum investment
- Social investing features
- Cryptocurrency options
- Educational resources
Cons:
- Monthly maintenance fee
- Limited customer support
- Dollar-based investments only
5. Trove – The Commission-Free Pioneer
Overview: One of the first apps to offer commission-free investing in global stocks.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading
- US and global stocks
- Fractional investing
- Portfolio analytics
- Investment education
Investment Options:
- US Stocks: Major companies and growth stocks
- Global Stocks: European and Asian markets
- ETFs: Diversified index funds
- Fractional Shares: Own portions of expensive stocks
Fees:
- Trading: $0 commission
- Account fee: $1/month (waived with $500+ balance)
- Withdrawal: $5 processing fee
- FX conversion: Competitive rates
Minimum Investment: $10 (≈₦15,000) Best For: Cost-conscious investors, global exposure Regulation: SEC (US) registered
Pros:
- Zero trading commissions
- Global market access
- No account fees with balance
- Strong security measures
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Dollar-based only
- Limited educational content
- Withdrawal fees
6. ARM Investment Managers – The Traditional Player
Overview: Established investment management company with modern mobile app.
Key Features:
- Mutual funds investment
- Professional fund management
- Research and analysis
- Naira-denominated returns
- Institutional backing
Investment Options:
- Money Market Fund: Low-risk, liquid investments
- Fixed Income Fund: Government and corporate bonds
- Equity Fund: Nigerian stock market exposure
- Balanced Fund: Mixed asset allocation
Fees:
- Management fee: 1.5-2% annually
- Entry/exit fees: 0-1%
- Custody fees: Included
- Performance fees: 20% above benchmark
Minimum Investment: ₦5,000 Best For: Conservative investors, professional management Regulation: SEC registered
Pros:
- Professional fund management
- Established reputation
- Local market expertise
- Research support
- Naira-denominated
Cons:
- Higher fees
- Limited investment options
- Traditional approach
- Higher minimums
7. Stanbic IBTC Asset Management – The Bank-Backed Option
Overview: Investment arm of Stanbic IBTC Bank offering mutual funds and portfolios.
Key Features:
- Bank-backed security
- Multiple fund options
- Professional management
- Research support
- Integration with banking
Investment Options:
- Money Market Fund: 6-10% returns
- Bond Fund: 8-12% returns
- Equity Fund: 12-25% potential returns
- Balanced Fund: Mixed allocation
Fees:
- Annual management: 1.5-3%
- Initial charges: 0-3%
- Redemption fees: 0-2%
- Switching fees: 1%
Minimum Investment: ₦10,000 Best For: Bank customers, traditional investors Regulation: SEC registered, CBN oversight
Pros:
- Bank-level security
- Professional management
- Established track record
- Research support
- Multiple fund options
Cons:
- High fees
- Limited modern features
- Higher minimums
- Traditional interface
8. United Capital Asset Management – The Boutique Manager
Overview: Specialized asset management company with focus on high-quality investments.
Key Features:
- Boutique investment approach
- Quality-focused portfolios
- Research-driven investing
- Institutional-grade management
- Personalized service
Investment Options:
- Money Market Fund: Conservative growth
- Fixed Income Fund: Bond investments
- Equity Fund: Nigerian stocks
- Balanced Fund: Diversified approach
Fees:
- Management fee: 2-2.5% annually
- Performance fee: 20% above benchmark
- Initial charge: 1-2%
- Early redemption: 2%
Minimum Investment: ₦25,000 Best For: Quality-focused investors, higher balances Regulation: SEC registered
Pros:
- High-quality investment approach
- Strong performance track record
- Excellent research
- Personalized service
- Professional management
Cons:
- High fees
- Higher minimum investment
- Limited accessibility
- Traditional approach
9. Meristem Wealth Management – The Research-Driven Platform
Overview: Investment platform with strong research focus and multiple asset classes.
Key Features:
- Research-backed investments
- Multiple asset classes
- Portfolio construction
- Market analysis
- Educational resources
Investment Options:
- Mutual Funds: Various risk levels
- Fixed Income: Bonds and treasury bills
- Equities: Stock market investments
- Alternative Investments: REITs and others
Fees:
- Management fee: 1.5-2.5%
- Performance fee: 20%
- Transaction costs: Variable
- Advisory fee: 1% annually
Minimum Investment: ₦50,000 Best For: Research-oriented investors, higher balances Regulation: SEC registered
Pros:
- Strong research capabilities
- Multiple investment options
- Professional management
- Educational resources
- Market insights
Cons:
- High minimum investment
- Complex fee structure
- Limited app features
- Premium positioning
10. Afrinvest Asset Management – The Diversified Player
Overview: Full-service asset management with diverse investment offerings.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive investment options
- Professional portfolio management
- Research and analysis
- Risk management
- Client advisory services
Investment Options:
- Money Market Fund: Liquid, low-risk
- Fixed Income Fund: Bond investments
- Equity Fund: Stock market exposure
- Dollar Fund: Foreign currency hedge
Final Thoughts
Investing in 2025 is easier, smarter, and safer — even for beginners. These apps are helping millions of Nigerians beat inflation, save smarter, and plan for the future.
No more excuses.💡 Ready to grow your money? Start with just ₦1,000 today.
