In a transatlantic deal that underscores rising global interest in Africa’s data economy, US-based ACKWEST Group has acquired Safiyo, a mobile-first consumer research platform with deep roots across African markets. The move is part of ACKWEST’s broader strategy to scale its first-party data creation capabilities and grow its footprint in emerging markets.
Founded in 2019 by Stephan Eyeson and formerly known as Survey54, Safiyo has developed a proprietary platform that enables fast, real-time consumer data collection via mobile. The UK- and Accra-based startup delivers human-verified insights from traditionally underrepresented populations, empowering businesses, NGOs, and researchers to make smarter, localised decisions. Safiyo’s operations span over 15 African countries — including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa — and are built around a proprietary network of mobile-first consumer panels.
“Safiyo gives our clients access to first-party data across the African continent at a time when local insights are becoming essential to growth,” said Colin Turner-Kerr, Operating Partner at ACKWEST Group and Managing Director at TestSet, one of ACKWEST’s portfolio firms. “As businesses expand into new markets, they need faster and more direct ways to engage with real people. Safiyo makes that possible.”
For ACKWEST, the acquisition represents an extension of its mission to redefine how businesses create and access actionable data. Headquartered in New York, the company operates a portfolio of tech-enabled businesses that generate first-party data across consumer, healthcare and B2B verticals. Rather than relying on traditional data brokers or outdated panels, ACKWEST’s model focuses on “modern data creation” — gathering human-centric, context-rich insights at speed and scale.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Stephan Eyeson and his team to ACKWEST,” said Hugh Davis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ACKWEST. “Safiyo’s mobile-first solution and flexible authoring engine is a powerful addition to our integrated tech platform. It strengthens how we connect with consumers, and improves how we build, manage, and deliver first-party data.”
Safiyo’s CEO and co-founder Stephan Eyeson, a former data and product leader in the UK and US tech industries, will continue to lead the company under the ACKWEST umbrella. He emphasized that the deal allows Safiyo to scale its impact while staying true to its founding mission.
“From the beginning, our focus has been on making local insights more accessible and actionable,” Eyeson said. “Having worked across tech, data, and product roles globally, I’ve seen how critical it is to have context-rich insights you can trust. Joining ACKWEST gives us the platform and shared vision to advance that mission further.”
While financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, the integration will see Safiyo operate as part of ACKWEST’s global insight engine. According to the companies, the goal is to expand Safiyo’s reach beyond Africa to additional emerging markets across Asia and Latin America.
The acquisition also highlights a growing trend among US and European firms seeking deeper, direct access to data from emerging regions. With mobile penetration rising and Africa’s population projected to hit 1.7 billion by 2030, platforms like Safiyo are increasingly viewed as critical infrastructure for data-driven decision-making.
“The future of global business growth lies in how well companies can understand and respond to underrepresented consumers,” said Davis. “This acquisition helps ensure we’re equipping our clients with the tools to do just that — with speed, depth, and integrity.”