Digital Isn’t Optional Anymore: How to Survive and Grow in 2026
As we kick off 2026 on Startup HalfHour, this episode delivers a timely and practical conversation for anyone building a business, side hustle, or career in Nigeria and across Africa.
In this episode, Francis Onuk breaks down why digital is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a survival skill, and what going digital truly means beyond social media. From discoverability and digital payments to customer communication, AI, and essential skills for the future of work, this episode offers clear, relatable examples and actionable steps you can start using immediately.
You’ll learn:
* What “going digital” really looks like in 2026
* The digital foundations every business and hustle must have
* How to use AI as a tool, not a replacement
* Common mistakes holding people back
* Simple steps to transition from offline hustle to digital growth
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, creative, SME owner, or professional, this episode will help you stay relevant, visible, and competitive in a fast-changing digital economy.
Startup HalfHour
Originally aired live on XL 106.9FM
Now available as a podcast
Start small. Learn consistently. Show up digitally.
What if the next profitable side hustle you’ve been thinking about is just one smart AI prompt away?
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, originally aired live on radio, we break down practical AI prompts Nigerians and Africans can use to start and grow real side hustles—from remote work and freelancing to content creation, digital services, and online businesses.
Drawing from years of building startups, working with young founders at The Roothub, and hosting business conversations on the radio, this episode simplifies how everyday people can use AI tools to:
Discover profitable side hustle ideas
Validate business concepts with little or no capital
Create offers, pricing, and simple go-to-market plans
Save time and work smarter, not harder
Whether you’re a student, a 9–5 worker, a creative, or a small business owner looking to earn extra income, this conversation is packed with practical insights, real-life examples, and actionable prompts you can start using immediately.
What happens when big ideas meet bold action?
On this episode of Startup HalfHour, we sit down with the organizers of THINKATION 2026, a forward-thinking conference set to take place in Uyo this January 2026.
We unpack the vision behind THINKATION, why it’s more than just another event, and how it’s designed to help entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, freelancers, and business owners rethink growth, innovation, and leadership in today’s fast-changing economy. From practical insights to mindset shifts, our guests share what attendees should expect, who the event is for, and why Uyo is the perfect place to host conversations that can spark real change.
If you’re looking to sharpen your thinking, connect with like-minded people, and position yourself for 2026 and beyond, this episode is for you.
In this refreshing episode of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk sits down with the founder of FRUITZY, a bold Nigerian brand producing 100% natural, no-additive fruit juices. At a time when most beverages on the shelves are packed with preservatives, sugar, and artificial flavors, FRUITZY is making a daring move—proving that purity, health, and great taste can coexist.
We dive into the inspiring journey of building a fresh juice brand from the ground up, the challenges of keeping products truly natural, and the cost, logistics, and science behind creating juice that stays fresh without chemicals. The founder opens up about sourcing fruits, managing fast-moving production cycles, educating consumers, and competing in an industry dominated by big brands with long shelf lives.
Whether you’re a food entrepreneur, small business owner, wellness enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of healthy living in Nigeria, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.
Tune in to discover how FRUITZY is redefining beverages—and the lessons every entrepreneur can learn from their courage, creativity, and commitment to quality.
In this powerful monologue edition of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk dives deep into one of the most important questions every founder must answer in today’s economy:
“What do customers actually VALUE — and what are they willing to pay for?”
With Nigeria’s rising costs and shrinking purchasing power, businesses are being forced to rethink how they create, deliver, and communicate value. This episode breaks it all down, covering:
The new psychology of Nigerian customers
Why do people still buy certain things despite economic hardship
The 12 categories of products/services people pay for right now
How to package, brand, and price your product for maximum value
The role of trust, experience, and convenience in customer decisions
Practical frameworks for creating need-driven products
Real-life examples and founder stories you can learn from
Action steps to make your business more valuable today
Whether you run a small business, freelance, teach, create, or lead a startup, this episode is filled with practical insights designed to help you stay profitable and relevant in a challenging market.
In this powerful episode of Startup HalfHour, host Francis Onuk sits down with Bokime George, a leading tax expert to unpack the much-anticipated 2026 Tax Reforms and what they truly mean for individuals, freelancers, startups, and business owners across Nigeria.
With clear explanations, real-life examples, and practical advice, this episode breaks down everything the new reforms will impact—from personal income tax and freelancer earnings, to VAT rules, SME compliance, and Nigeria’s move towards digital tax filing.
Whether you’re a salary earner, a digital creator, a small business owner, or you’re simply trying to understand how the new system affects your finances, this episode gives you the knowledge you need to prepare for 2026 with confidence.
What the 2026 tax reforms actually change
How the reforms affect salary earners and everyday Nigerians
New rules for freelancers, remote workers, and content creators
What SMEs and startups must do before 2026
VAT and consumption tax updates every business must know
How digital tax filing will work
Practical steps to stay compliant and avoid penalties
This is one of the most important episodes you’ll listen to this year—perfect for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone trying to navigate Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
After the money comes the real work.
In this episode of Startup Halfhour, Francis Onuk, co-founder of The Roothub, dives deep into what happens after you get funded. From managing your finances wisely to building systems, teams, and visibility — this episode is your roadmap to turning short-term funding into long-term sustainability.
Francis shares practical insights, real-life stories, and actionable steps every entrepreneur, freelancer, and startup founder in Nigeria can take to build a business that thrives beyond the grant.
If you’ve ever wondered how to grow, sustain, and stay ready for the next opportunity — this episode is for you.
On this episode of Startup HalfHour with host Francis Onuk, we dive deep into the world of grants and opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and freelancers in 2026.
If you’ve ever wondered where to find funding for your startup or creative project — this is your roadmap! Francis breaks down the most promising local and international grants, accelerator programs, and fellowship opportunities coming in 2026, from the Tony Elumelu Foundation to Google Hustle Academy, Orange Corners, USADF, and more.
He also shares practical steps to prepare, common mistakes to avoid, and how to position your business for success before applications open. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or student with a big idea, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you secure funding and grow in 2026.
Are you exhausted from trying to post every day, chase trends, and keep up with the algorithm — all while running your business? You’re not alone.
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk breaks down practical ways Nigerian entrepreneurs can stay consistent online without the pressure, stress, or burnout.
You’ll learn:
How to plan your week and post effortlessly
The 3–3–3 content formula for balance and authenticity
Smart tools and AI hacks that save you hours of work
Why quality beats quantity when it comes to social media
How to protect your mental health while staying visible
Whether you’re a small business owner, content creator, or side hustler, this episode will help you build a sustainable social media presence that works for you, not against you.
Listen now on Startup HalfHour — powered by The Roothub, where we Create. Engage. Deploy.
Startup dreams don’t always begin in tech hubs — sometimes, they start in a chicken coop. This episode on Startup HalfHour, we’re cracking into the poultry business with Victoria Uyoh - an entrepreneur who turned eggs into opportunity and feathers into fortune. From startup struggles to scaling success, discover how poultry farming can be more than just a livelihood — it can be a thriving enterprise.
Tech, Talent & Transformation — A vision unfolding!
Today on the Startup Halfhour, our co-founder & CEO Tony Onuk joined fellow co-founder and host Francis Onukfor a powerful conversation on The Roothub’s vision for the future.
From nurturing digital talent to driving real transformation through tech, this episode dives deep into what’s next for the Roothub and the ecosystem we’re building.
🎧 If you care about innovation, impact, and the future of work — this one’s a must-listen!
#StartupHalfhour #TheRoothub #TechTalentTransformation #TonyOnuk #FrancisOnuk #DigitalFuture #TechForGood #TheRoothubVision
From Plots to Profits! 🚀
This week on Startup HalfHour, I sat down with [Guest Name], a rising star in real estate, who shared how she built her business as a young entrepreneur in an industry many think is out of reach.
She broke down the entrepreneurial side of real estate, mistakes to avoid, and how you can start small — even as a student or young professional.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.
👉 If you’re in the startup scene or running a business and want to share your story, my DMs are open.
#StartupHalfHour #TheRoothub #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship"
In today’s episode of Startup HalfHour on XL106.9FM, we dive into the world of soft skills—the essential, non-technical abilities that shape careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Our guest, Rose Akai (Rozay), shares insights on how communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving can give you a competitive edge in today’s job market.
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, business owner, or job seeker, this conversation will help you understand why employers value soft skills as much as technical expertise—and how you can start developing yours today.
Tune in and learn how to excel in your career and business by mastering the skills that truly matter.
The Tech You Already Use – But Not to Its Full Potential
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk — co-founder of The Roothub and your tech-and-business guide for the past 6 years on the radio — dives into a truth every entrepreneur needs to hear: you’re probably sitting on powerful tech tools but only using a fraction of their potential.
From WhatsApp to Instagram, Canva to your smartphone, Francis breaks down practical, no-cost ways to unlock the hidden features of the tools you already have — so you can save time, grow your business, and work smarter, not harder.
Whether you run a side hustle, a startup, or an established brand, this episode will open your eyes to opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Plus: Learn how to join The Roothub community and access free Google AI Essentials and Prompt Engineering courses as a scholarship.
Sign up at www.wearetheroothub.com.
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, we bring AI down to campus level — literally.
Francis Onuk sits with two university students who aren’t waiting to graduate before launching their hustle. One is a freelancer using AI to land gigs faster and deliver better work. The other runs a food business, using tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and social media automation to grow his customer base — all while attending lectures.
They talk about:
How they discovered AI tools
The exact apps helping them save time and money
Balancing business with school life
And how YOU can start too — with zero capital
Whether you're in school, freelancing, or just starting out, this episode shows that the AI revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here.
ther one for the books!
We dug into how African entrepreneurs are putting AI to work — not in theory, but in real businesses, right here, right now.
As someone who co-founded @TheRoothub, my journey in tech started over a decade ago with one mission: to create, engage, and deploy ideas.
6 years ago, I took that passion to the airwaves — and every Friday since, I’ve been sharing how technology can help you do business better.
Whether you're a tailor, tutor, tech bro, or food vendor… AI is no longer a luxury. It’s a tool — and it’s now in your hands.
If you missed today’s episode, you can stream it on Spotify or Google Podcasts — just search Startup HalfHour.
Also, if you're in the startup scene, building something exciting, or running a business and want to share your story — DM me. Let’s get you on the show.
Together, let’s keep building the future.
#StartupHalfHour #FrancisOnAir #TheRoothub #AIForBusiness #AfricanFounders #6YearsOnRadio #BuildWithTech #BusinessTools #StartupStories #XL1069FM
Startup HalfHour Alert!
We’re in the AGE OF AI — but what does that mean for YOU as an African entrepreneur?
Is AI a threat… or your biggest growth opportunity?
Join Francis Onuk this Friday as he breaks it all down:
✔️ What AI really is (no tech jargon!)
✔️ Simple ways to use it in your hustle
✔️ Tools you can start using TODAY — even with zero coding experience!
This week on Startup HalfHour...
How do we raise young CEOs?
We’re diving into the power of starting early in entrepreneurship! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, this episode gives you real tips to prepare kids and teens for the business world.
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, we’re joined by Uduak Brownson, founder of a thriving coconut-based brand, as she shares the inspiring journey of building a business from one of nature’s most versatile gifts — the coconut.
From sourcing raw materials to product innovation and building a loyal customer base, Uduak walks us through the hustle, hacks, and heart behind cracking the coconut business in Nigeria.
Tune in to learn:
How she got started with coconut products
Challenges in food processing and manufacturing
Marketing strategies that worked for her brand
What it takes to grow a sustainable agro-based business today
Listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts,
In this inspiring episode of Startup HalfHour, host Francis Onuk sits down with environmental entrepreneur Utonne Ekefre to explore the booming world of sustainable business. Discover how Utonne is creatively transforming waste materials into valuable products, building a profitable venture while making a positive impact on the environment.
From the challenges of starting a recycling-based business in Nigeria to the innovative strategies that drive growth in the green economy, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, eco-warriors, and changemakers.