In Nigeria’s fast-growing gig economy, trust is not just a nice-to-have; it’s the currency that keeps your business moving. But how do you earn it in an environment where skepticism is high and platforms come and go?

I sat down with Ifeanyi and Blessing Anoka, founders of Jundaro, the Nigerian freelance and contract talent marketplace, to talk about building trust, surviving early mistakes, and shaping the future of hiring in Africa.

Their answers were so practical, real, and refreshingly candid.

I break down all the highlights of our discussion in this post.

1. Trust is Earned, Not Announced¶

“We’re not asking people to trust us just because we say so,” Ifeanyi explains.
The Anokas believe the only way to win trust is through consistent value: connecting freelancers to paying clients, making hiring easier for businesses, and always following through.

For clients, that means knowing Jundaro will be here in 10 years, not just 2. For freelancers, it’s about access to projects that actually pay, plus learning resources to help them run their freelance careers as real businesses.

2. Listening is a Growth Strategy¶

Blessing shares a key lesson:

“We take time to talk to our users, not just about our platform, but about their businesses, their pain points, and what they wish existed.”

This constant loop of feedback ensures Jundaro solves real problems and not just what the founders assume people need.

3. From GigHub to Jundaro: A Naming Mistake?¶

Their first brand name, Gighub, was short-lived after people kept confusing it with GitHub.

The setback forced them to pause and reimagine what they were building.
This led them to the name “Jundaro,” which is a fusion of words from multiple African languages, reflecting their vision for a Pan-African hiring solution.

4. Their Advice for Freelancers¶

• Be reliable: Match or exceed the quality you promise.
• Polish your portfolio: Keep it updated and accessible.
• Always Upskill: Stay relevant to market trends; it’s a value point to whoever you work with.
• Think long-term: Treat every gig as a chance to build a client base, not just make a quick buck.

5. Advice for Clients & Hiring Managers¶

Communication is non-negotiable.

The Anokas hire freelancers repeatedly when communication is clear, respectful, and consistent, and simply avoid them when it’s not.

6. The Big Vision¶

With Nigeria’s young, English-fluent population and growing freelancer base, Jundaro aims to become:

• The go-to hiring platform for quality talent in Nigeria
• The go-to podcast for hiring insights (Outsourced by Jundaro)
• The must-join platform for any serious Nigerian freelancer

There’s even an interesting new product in the works called “Jundaro Workforce,” a vetted talent marketplace for permanent hires.

Want to hear the full story — including behind-the-scenes lessons and their vision for Africa’s hiring future?

Listen to the full podcast episode on Substack here.

If this resonates with you, hit “Subscribe” — and join the conversation in the comments: What’s the #1 thing that’s helped you build trust in your work?