ACKWEST Group, the consumer insights and marketing services acquisition holding company, has acquired Safiyo for an undisclosed sum. The move aims to extend the group’s reach in emerging markets and enhance its modern data creation capabilities. The transaction marks the fourth acquisition since the group was established last year.
Founded in 2020 by Stephan Eyeson and Dr. Samuel Chinenyeze, Safiyo (formerly Survey 54) has carved a niche by solving a critical problem for global brands: gathering reliable, at-scale customer data in emerging markets. The company’s mobile-first platform and proprietary consumer panels operate across over 15 African countries, including key markets like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt.
This acquisition will integrate Safiyo’s robust technology and extensive reach into ACKWEST’s growing portfolio, enhancing its modern, first-party data creation capabilities.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Stephan Eyeson and the incredibly talented Safiyo team to the ACKWEST family,” said Hugh Davis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ACKWEST Group. “Stephan’s leadership across product, data, and technology is world-class. More importantly, Safiyo has built a platform that doesn’t just collect data, but understands the nuances of the African consumer. Their mobile-first solution strengthens how we connect with consumers and is a powerful addition to our integrated tech stack as we prioritize growth in these vital markets.”
For Safiyo, the acquisition provides a launchpad to scale its mission globally. The company has been instrumental in helping businesses move beyond assumptions and engage directly with consumers, providing rich, context-aware insights that drive strategy.
Stephan Eyeson, Co-Founder and CEO of Safiyo, commented on the journey and the future. “From the very beginning, our focus has been on making local insights accessible and actionable, building a bridge of understanding between companies and consumers. Having worked in tech and product roles globally, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of trustworthy, context-rich data can lead to failure. Joining ACKWEST Group gives us the resources and shared vision to amplify our mission, and we are incredibly excited to build the future of consumer intelligence together.”
