Recent studies have shown that one in seven African youths suffer from mental health challenges. Azeez Abubakar, a social entrepreneur from Nigeria, was no stranger to these burdens. At the age of six, Abubakar experienced the loss of his father.
“I witnessed my family struggle with grief, and there was little mental health support available to help us cope,” Abubakar said. “This experience made me realize early on how crucial emotional well-being is and how much of a difference accessible support could have made for my family.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, he developed his skills in expanding community-focused initiatives. He volunteered with various local organizations, providing support, advocacy, and leadership.
In 2022, Abubakar lost his mother. Seeking support, he turned to existing mental health platforms, but was quickly discouraged by the high cost and cultural insensitivity of therapy. Even while managing his own mental health, Abubakar recognized the need for destigmatized, widely accessible mental health, and co-founded Nexavue: a social enterprise aimed at providing culturally sensitive and accessible mental health support through its flagship product, the My Best Self App.
“My Best Self App [is] not just a peer support network but also…a safe online community where mental health experts can provide affordable professional support, empowering young Africans to build mental resilience together,” Abubakar explained.
At Nexavue, Abubakar serves as the technical lead and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the technological aspects and operational functions. Nexavue primarily benefits young Africans aged 16 to 35, connecting them with mental health resources through peer support, an AI Chatbot, culturally sensitive mental health experts, and inclusive payment options.
“One of our early users shared how Nexavue’s peer support network helped them through a difficult time, allowing them to connect with others who understood their cultural background,” Abubakar said. “Hearing how our platform made a real difference in someone’s life reminded me why I began this journey—to provide accessible mental health support that resonates with young Africans and young people living abroad.”
Founding Nexavue was not without difficulty. Abubakar faced many challenges in funding, building a team, and meeting high standards of confidentiality and efficacy. He found the constant 24/7 demands of entrepreneurship to be the most challenging aspect, especially when balanced with other aspects of his life.
“I push through by staying focused on the bigger picture—knowing that Nexavue is filling a critical gap in mental health support for young people,” Abubakar said. “I also prioritize self-care, lean on my team, and set clear boundaries to manage my time and energy. Staying connected to the mission and receiving feedback from users who benefit from the platform keeps me motivated.”
His sister, a doctor in a behavioral care facility in the UK, was Abubakar’s source of inspiration and support, as well as a shared point of understanding in both of their struggles in mental health.
“Her dedication to helping others and her firsthand experience with mental health care have deeply influenced my perspective on the importance of accessible and culturally sensitive support,” Abubakar said. “She’s been a constant source of encouragement and insight throughout this journey.”
Through the help of the Yunus & Youth fellowship program in developing social entrepreneurs, Abubakar transitioned Nexavue from a traditional business idea to a social business. With this change, he solidified his commitment to providing culturally sensitive mental health support and making a meaningful impact.
“Yunus & Youth has provided invaluable support by offering mentorship, resources, and a platform for networking with like-minded changemakers,” Abubakar said. “Their guidance has helped refine my approach, enhance my business strategy, and expand my impact, empowering me to advance Nexavue’s mission more effectively.”
Nexavue has since raised $10,000 in funding from Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and Amazon Web Services Accelerate Founders Program. For the future, Abubakar plans to continue his work in mental health. Through entrepreneurship, he hopes to expand Nexavue and similar ventures to reach more communities globally.
Reflecting on his journey, Abubakar offered advice that he wished he knew as a budding social entrepreneur: “Embrace the challenges and uncertainties of the journey. Focus on your mission, stay adaptable, and seek support from mentors and peers who share your vision. Most importantly, don’t wait for everything to be perfect—start small, learn as you go, and keep pushing forward.”
As a leader and developer in the social impact space, Azeez Abubakar is committed to sustainability development, innovation, and technology. Through ventures like Nexavue, Abubakar will continue to contribute to a global movement of positive social change.
