Start with real people
We design from real needs, based on how people actually live, work and solve problems.
About NIHILOBA
Technology with roots, purpose and direction.
NIHILOBA builds practical digital products around everyday needs. We combine local insight, technology and long-term thinking to create solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen communities and make a real, lasting impact.
01Why NIHILOBA exists
Opportunity grows when people have the right tools.
Across Africa, talent, creativity and ambition are everywhere. But too many people still face unnecessary barriers — from limited access to useful tools to systems that are not designed for their reality.
NIHILOBA exists to reduce that friction by building practical, accessible digital solutions that help people work, learn, connect and build a better future.
Cities. People. Communities. Progress together.
02Our approach
Reduce friction
We simplify the journey, remove unnecessary barriers and make digital tools easier to use and access.
Build for long-term usefulness
We focus on solutions that create lasting value for individuals, businesses and communities.
Our name
From creation to roots.
NIHILO draws inspiration from creatio ex nihilo, creation from nothing — the ability to turn an idea into something useful.
BA draws on the baobab as a symbol of roots, resilience, continuity and collective strength.
Together, NIHILOBA represents creation with roots: technology grounded in people, culture and real-life opportunities.
This is the meaning and symbolism chosen for the NIHILOBA brand. It is not presented as a linguistic derivation.
From an idea to SHIDA
The first expression of that idea is SHIDA.
SHIDA shows what is possible when we combine everyday needs with familiar tools to create simple and structured digital journeys.
Everyday needs
Real challenges from real people.
Familiar tools
Built around tools people already use.
Web + WhatsApp
Accessible, simple and familiar.
Structured digital journeys
From first question to real outcome.
Founder
Francis Mabala
Engineer · Founder of NIHILOBA and SHIDA
Francis Mabala is an engineer and the founder of NIHILOBA and SHIDA. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and based in Stockholm, he created NIHILOBA to build practical digital products around everyday realities.
SHIDA grew from his observation that access to opportunities and essential services is often made harder by fragmented processes and digital systems that do not reflect how people already communicate.
His work combines engineering, product development and a long-term ambition to build useful digital infrastructure for Africa.
Our storyfrancis.mabala@nihiloba.comWhere we are going
Useful technology. Stronger participation. More connected communities.
People
More opportunities for work, learning and everyday progress.
Businesses
Easier ways to manage, grow and reach more customers.
Institutions
Stronger tools to serve communities and increase participation.
Let’s build together
Have an idea worth discussing?
We welcome conversations with users, companies, institutions, communities and partners who share our belief in practical solutions for a more inclusive Africa.
Contact us