Nakupenda: A Human-First Social Platform for Real Connection
In a digital world dominated by algorithms, noise, and endless scrolling, one founder is reimagining what social media could be if love, purpose, and humanity were at its core. Nakupenda: a human-first platform created by David Ekanem, is positioning itself as more than just another app; it’s a movement for meaningful connection, fair creator rewards, and community-driven growth.
For Ekanem, the inspiration behind Nakupenda came from observing how modern media, from television to today’s social platforms, has reshaped lives while simultaneously breaking down real human connection. Families, friendships, and relationships often suffer in the wake of hyper-curated feeds and monetisation models that reward only the biggest influencers. “I wanted to create a space where people could talk about life, relationships, and even their hurts, while also building genuine connections,” he explains. “But beyond that, I realised young people are searching for honest ways to make money, and too many fall into scams. Nakupenda is about offering a sustainable, authentic alternative.”
The name itself carries the mission. “Nakupenda” means “I love you” in Swahili, a language spoken across 10 African countries. For Ekanem, it’s not just symbolic but the very identity of the platform. “In a world filled with hate and misuse of words like I love you, we wanted to reclaim its true meaning. This single word can unite Africans and the world, reminding us that at the core of humanity is love.”
This belief in love as the foundation of human connection is why Nakupenda presents itself as a movement rather than just another app. With millions of online followers, many people still feel unseen and unsupported. Nakupenda challenges that reality by sparking a cultural shift: one where care, authenticity, and humanity come before vanity metrics. The goal is to add warmth to an increasingly cold digital world.
At the heart of Nakupenda’s model is a rethinking of monetisation and participation. Unlike other platforms where only influencers with millions of followers can earn, Nakupenda treats everyone as a creator. Every post, comment, and interaction earns points that can be converted into cash. To expand its reach, the platform also offers an affiliate system that rewards users with 10% to 21% commissions for bringing in new members, creating not just engagement but also jobs. The revenue model is supported by affordable subscription plans, ranging from a $2 trial to annual tiers of $10, $20, and $75.
Nakupenda also hands moderation back to its community. Harmful or inappropriate content isn’t policed by a centralised authority but by users themselves. If a post is flagged, the community votes on whether it stays visible. If most disapprove, it isn’t deleted but made private so only the original poster can see it. This model gives users responsibility while avoiding the heavy-handed censorship many complain about on other platforms.
Choice is central to the platform’s design. A feature called Currents allows users to decide exactly what they want to see, from entertainment to learning to personal development. This means the power of choice remains with the individual, reducing the addictive, time-draining design common on other platforms. “One of the things that keeps people addicted is when their power of choice is taken away,” Ekanem explains. “If they can control what they see, they can control their time and be more productive.”
Other features push Nakupenda further into new territory. It is the first social platform to introduce voice comments, adding intimacy to online conversations. Users can also run blogs directly on their timelines and monetise their writing, with Nakupenda taking a small fee from the earnings. A planned feature called Ubuntu, inspired by the African philosophy of community and care, will allow users to support one another financially in times of need, similar to crowdfunding platforms but woven directly into Nakupenda’s ecosystem.
Privacy and trust are equally important. Unlike many competitors, Nakupenda does not monetise through user data. Its revenue is driven by subscriptions, platform fees, and ads, ensuring growth without compromising user privacy.
From day one, Nakupenda aims to be global, but its core focus is on young people who crave authentic connections and honest opportunities to thrive online. Ekanem’s vision is ambitious: “In five years, Nakupenda will be one of the top social platforms in the world. But more than that, it will be a community that promotes peace, productivity, and the betterment of humanity.”
Ultimately, Nakupenda isn’t trying to be another Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. It is reimagining social networking as a calm, intentional space where love, creativity, and commerce coexist. For everyday users, it means being seen, heard, and rewarded. For creators, it means fairness. For businesses, it means engaging with audiences that value authenticity. And for humanity, it represents a chance to reclaim technology as a tool for connection rather than disconnection.
As Ekanem sums it up: “We’re not just building an app, we’re building a movement. A future where technology strengthens humanity, and every click brings you closer to real connection, deeper joy, and lasting opportunity.”