In boardrooms, marketplaces, and digital spaces across Nigeria, a new class of entrepreneurs is rewriting the rules of business. These founders are not just building companies; they are pioneering industries, shaping economies, and redefining Nigeria’s place in the global market.
From fintech disruptors redefining financial access to fashion innovators bringing Nigerian textiles to the world, from e-commerce giants reshaping digital trade to business strategists engineering sustainable growth, these leaders share one thing in common, a relentless drive to create, innovate, and scale.
Their stories are not just about profits but about purpose, driving financial inclusion, empowering communities, creating jobs, and ensuring Nigerian businesses compete on a global scale. Through resilience, strategy, and vision, these founders have turned challenges into opportunities, making their brands household names and industry leaders.
Who are the names behind Nigeria’s most exciting businesses?
This feature takes a deep dive into the entrepreneurs steering the continent toward a future of innovation, prosperity, and limitless potential.
1. Adedeji Sunmola
Adedeji Sunmola is an entrepreneur and fintech leader committed to redefining financial services through technology and innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Cashlink, he is at the forefront of driving financial inclusion, enhancing digital transactions, and reshaping the fintech landscape with cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern consumer needs.
With a deep understanding of finance, technology, and business strategy, Adedeji has built a company that not only addresses gaps in the financial ecosystem but also empowers individuals and businesses with seamless, efficient, and secure financial solutions. His leadership is defined by innovation, strategic foresight, and a commitment to customer-centric solutions, ensuring that Cashlink remains a key player in the ever-evolving fintech space. In recognition of his contributions to business innovation and financial technology, Adedeji was honored with the Business Innovation Excellence Award by Business and Enterprise.
2. Yomi Odutola
With over 20 years of diverse experience, Yomi Odutola is a dynamic entrepreneur whose career spans banking, consulting, fashion, business development, and philanthropy. As the Founder of Joela Leathers, Yomi has successfully built a premium brand specializing in handcrafted ladies’ leather bags and accessories, blending artistry with business acumen to create timeless fashion pieces. Her deep understanding of brand positioning and market dynamics has fueled her ability to scale businesses and create sustainable impact.
Beyond business, Yomi is passionate about philanthropy and social impact. Through Foot Farm, a charity initiative she champions, she has provided new school shoes to underprivileged children, ensuring that fashion serves not just aesthetics but also a greater purpose. With an entrepreneurial spirit that merges creativity, strategy, and social responsibility, she continues to redefine the landscape of African luxury fashion while making a difference in the lives of many.
3. Ismail Ahmed
Ismail Ahmed is a trailblazer in the e-commerce industry, reshaping the way businesses and consumers engage in the digital marketplace. As the Founder and CEO of Ogashop, he has built an innovative platform that not only simplifies online transactions but also creates growth opportunities for small and large businesses alike. His leadership is rooted in strategic innovation, adaptability, and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, driving Ogashop to stand out in an increasingly competitive space.
With a keen understanding of market trends, digital logistics, and consumer behavior, Ismail has positioned Ogashop as a go-to platform for online shopping, ensuring that both buyers and sellers benefit from an intuitive and efficient ecosystem. His contributions to the evolution of e-commerce and digital business solutions has been recognized and applauded. Through Ogashop, he is not just selling products, he is building a dynamic marketplace that empowers people and businesses to thrive.
4. Ademola Akinlabi
Owing to his entrepreneurial expertise, Ademola Akinlabi is a seasoned business leader with a track record of establishing and scaling successful ventures across telecommunications, construction, and agriculture. His business philosophy is deeply rooted in solving real-world problems and creating meaningful value for society, ensuring that every venture he leads contributes to innovation and societal progress.
As a serial entrepreneur, Ademola has founded multiple companies, each playing a pivotal role in advancing their respective industries. His ability to identify opportunities, drive strategic growth, and foster innovation has positioned him as a key figure in Nigeria’s business landscape. At the helm of Demmy Global Resources Limited, where he serves as Founder and Chairman, he has transformed the company into a leading force in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. Under his leadership, Demmy Global has not only expanded its market presence but also played a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and infrastructure within the sector.
5. Morenike Molehin
She is a brilliant entrepreneur and media personality renowned for her impactful contributions to business and women empowerment. She is the founder of Oak and Teak, a thriving interior design enterprise, and the convener of the GWR Conference, which inspires and equips women for excellence. A graduate of Covenant University with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Mathematics, she furthered her education with a Master’s in Financial Mathematics and Computation from the University of Leicester, UK. In 2023, Molehin was celebrated as the ELOY Awards Entrepreneur of the Year and recognized by Leading Ladies Africa as one of Nigeria’s Top 100 Most Inspiring Women. Her influence transcended borders in 2024, earning her a spot in Gabi Magazine’s Top 100 Career Women Africa. Driven by a passion for innovation and mentorship, she continues to redefine entrepreneurship while empowering the next generation of leaders.
6. Piriye Isokrari
Piriye Isokrari is a pioneering force in the African music industry, known for his ability to identify, develop, and elevate African talent onto the global stage. As the Founder & CEO of Aristokrat Group, he has built a powerhouse that seamlessly blends music, media, and entertainment business strategy, positioning Aristokrat as a catalyst for Africa’s creative economy.
At the heart of the group is Aristokrat Records, a label dedicated to discovering and nurturing contemporary African artists, amplifying their voices through world-class production, strategic partnerships, and global distribution networks. In 2020, Aristokrat Records took a major step forward by entering into a strategic partnership with Universal Music France, a move that has further cemented its reputation as a leading force in artist development across Africa. With a commitment to building a sustainable creative industry, Piriye Isokrari remains at the forefront of shaping the future of African music and entertainment, bridging the gap between homegrown talent and global opportunities
7. Tonye Mackintosh
Tonye Mackintosh is a passionate entrepreneur and the CEO and Founder of Enuffood, an organization focused on addressing real-world food industry difficulties. He is driven by innovation and impact, and he is dedicated to providing practical solutions that improve people’s quality of life, particularly access to high-quality food and efficient supply chains. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer needs, he has positioned Enuffood as a brand that not only delivers quality but also fosters a seamless food experience for customers.
Recognized as a sales expert, he has mastered the art of client relationship management, analytical thinking, and team building, ensuring Enuffood’s success in a competitive environment. Outside of business, he is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses by giving insights into efficient sales strategies and relationship management. With a results-driven approach and a flair for creating solid business networks, Tonye continues to be a driving force in shaping dynamic, people-centered business solutions.
8. Oyindamola Akerele
As a young entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for African textiles, Oyindamola Akerele has built Hoydasplace into a brand that celebrates the richness and versatility of African fabrics. From Ankara to Adire, Kente, and beyond, she has transformed the way these prints are styled, ensuring they remain timeless yet contemporary in today’s fashion landscape.
With a keen eye for curation and styling, she goes beyond selling fabrics, she guides fashion enthusiasts on how to incorporate African prints seamlessly into their everyday wardrobes. Through the creation of fashion lookbooks, she has redefined the way people engage with traditional textiles, offering fresh and innovative ways to wear them. Driven by a passion for storytelling through fabric, she is on a mission to modernize the perception of African prints, proving that they are not just relics of tradition but bold statements of style, identity, and cultural pride.
9. Akinkunbi Martins
Akinkunbi Martins doesn’t just trade, he reshapes industries. As the Founder and CEO of Mart Trading Company Limited, he is leading the charge in agriculture and solid minerals, proving that Africa is not just a supplier of raw materials but a key player in global commerce.
Under Akinkunbi’s leadership, the company cultivates, processes, and exports high-quality agricultural produce while also mining and refining solid minerals and precious stones for the international market. Unlike traditional commodity businesses that focus solely on exports, Akinkunbi is committed to value addition and industrial-scale processing. His goal is clear: Africa must not just provide resources, it must control its wealth. His expertise extends beyond business; he is a champion for sustainable mining, ethical sourcing, and trade policies that empower African entrepreneurs.
10. Zumah Yahaya
As a business strategist and growth architect, Zumah Yahaya has spent the last decade helping organizations scale, structure, and sustain success. In 2016, she founded Boubid Africa, a consulting firm designed to equip businesses with the tools they need to develop and implement growth strategies that align with their organizational goals.
Under her leadership, Boubid Africa has become a trusted partner for companies navigating expansion, fundraising, and corporate governance. Whether it’s structuring management teams, securing funding, or facilitating strategic partnerships, she ensures that businesses are not just growing, but growing sustainably. With expertise in Strategy Development, Growth Partnerships, Management Consulting, Capacity Development, and Relationship Management, she has worked with industry leaders such as Power Porte, Golden Peerless West Africa, ePoultry.ng, Gladar, and 1008 Angels, helping them optimize their operations and unlock new opportunities.
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