A wave of dynamic entrepreneurs is sweeping across Nigeria, bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the country’s business landscape. These forward-thinking individuals are not just solving problems but creating opportunities that drive economic growth and societal change.
From tech to finance, health, and beyond, they are building ventures that are set to leave a lasting mark.
In this feature, we highlight ten remarkable entrepreneurs and innovators who are paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for Nigeria.
1. Khadijat Alade- Co-Founder, Parvax Africa
Khadijat Alade is the driving force behind Parvax Africa, a dynamic e-commerce platform based in Nigeria. With a diverse background in entrepreneurship and business development, Khadijat has established it as a cornerstone for businesses, consumers, and emerging entrepreneurs. The platform offers a seamless shopping experience designed to connect high-quality products with a growing customer base and to promote business growth for vendors.
Her vision for Parvax Africa goes beyond just being an online marketplace; it’s a thriving ecosystem where local businesses can expand their reach, secure funding, and receive mentorship to scale their operations. This commitment to driving meaningful change was recently recognized when she was awarded the Business Innovation Excellence Award by the Business & Enterprise Awards, further solidifying her influence and impact in Nigeria’s business landscape.
2. Seun Awojobi – Co-Founder, The Nest Innovation Technology Park Ltd
Seun Awojobi is an outstanding leader and co-founder of The Nest Innovation Technology Park Ltd, a transformative hub where technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship intersect. Known for his visionary leadership, Seun has played a pivotal role in establishing The Nest as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s tech and startup ecosystem. His exceptional ability to connect stakeholders from policymakers to startups and industry talent has made The Nest a vital force in driving innovation and collaboration.
What sets him apart is his dedication to ensuring that the technologies and products developed within The Nest prioritize sustainability and safety. His hands-on approach, strategic vision, and ability to inspire his team have earned him a reputation as a thought leader in the Nigerian tech space. Under his guidance, The Nest is not just a workplace but a beacon of excellence, shaping the future of technology and innovation in Nigeria.
3. Oluebube Okafor – Founder, CLOFoundation
Oluebube Okafor is the founder of CLOFoundation, a transformative organization dedicated to fostering leadership and management excellence for over seven years. Under Oluebube’s visionary leadership, it has empowered countless individuals with the skills and tools necessary to excel in leadership roles across various sectors.
With a focus on driving meaningful change, Oluebube has built the platform that not only nurtures talent but also cultivates impactful leaders equipped to address challenges in their communities and beyond. Her expertise in leadership and management has enabled the foundation to deliver programs and initiatives that inspire, educate, and empower. Her unwavering commitment to building a culture of leadership has cemented her reputation as a trailblazer in creating pathways for personal and professional development.
4. Oladolapo Hamed Bello – Co-Founder, Primelink
As a distinguished entrepreneur, Oladolapo, has redefined logistics in Nigeria. Under his leadership, Primelink has introduced innovative solutions to optimize supply chain operations, enhancing efficiency and providing cost-effective services across various sectors. His commitment to innovation was rewarded when he earned the prestigious Business Innovation Excellence Award at the annual Business & Enterprise Awards. This accolade highlights his remarkable contributions to the business sector and the transformative impact of his work in supply chain management.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Bello is dedicated to fostering growth through innovation ecosystems. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and collaboration in driving business growth and economic prosperity, advocating for environments that promote experimentation and interdisciplinary cooperation.
5. Mercy Anih-Bello – Founder and Executive Director, DreamCode Foundation
Mercy Anih-Bello is the visionary founder and executive director of the DreamCode Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering children and youth. With over six years of experience in designing programs and executing projects that offer sustainable solutions in early-stage education, youth employment, and personal and enterprise development, Mercy has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young people to develop relevant job and life skills.
Under her leadership, the company has reached numerous children and youth through afterschool programs and mentorship initiatives, investing in high school students to become leaders and role models within their communities. The foundation’s mission is to inspire a generation by creating environments where children can grow into their full potential and lead the change their communities need. Through DreamCode, she continues to make a significant impact by equipping young minds with the skills and confidence to pursue entrepreneurship, employment, leadership, and purposeful lives.
6. Elvis Gbodi Ajai -Founder, Digcey Technology
Elvis Gbodi Ajai is a visionary entrepreneur and an influential leader in the technology and business sectors. As a director at Digcey Technology, he plays a pivotal role in steering the company toward delivering innovative tech solutions that address modern challenges. Beyond his work with Digcey Technology, he founded Deck Socials and launched VibezsUp, an app that transforms the dining and social experience.
His expertise spans financial technology and blockchain, where he has explored the transformative power of these technologies through thought-provoking articles. Recognized for his innovation and impact, Ajai received the Business Innovation Excellence Award, solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer. Through his leadership, he continues to champion technological progress and create meaningful solutions that drive societal growth.
7. Fred Oboh – Co-Founder, Hurri
Fred Oboh is the co-founder and project manager of Hurri, an innovative delivery platform revolutionizing the logistics space with cutting-edge technology and user-centric features. At the helm of Hurri’s operations and strategic direction, he ensures the seamless integration of technology with delivery services, providing a streamlined and efficient experience for customers.
His leadership plays a pivotal role in optimizing service efficiency, coordinating between the technology and delivery teams, and driving continual enhancements to meet the dynamic needs of users. With a clear focus on operational excellence and user experience, he has positioned Hurri as a standout in the competitive delivery market. His commitment to innovation and service quality underscores his vision of making logistics simpler, faster, and more accessible for businesses and individuals alike.
8. Ene Ochayi – Founder, Beauty of Benue
Ene Ochayi is the visionary founder of Beauty of Benue, a company dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage, vibrant lifestyle, and majestic landscapes of Benue State, Nigeria. Through innovative storytelling and creative media, Beauty of Benue aims to reshape perceptions by highlighting the true essence of the state; its diverse culture, the warmth of its people, and its unmatched natural beauty.
Under Ene’s leadership, the company is redefining how Benue is viewed, challenging long-standing misconceptions and promoting a positive narrative about the region. By blending cultural preservation with modern media techniques, Beauty of Benue is not just telling stories, it is building a platform that elevates the state’s identity and fosters pride among its people. With a strong focus on leadership and innovative business management, Ene Ochayi is positioning Beauty of Benue as a trailblazer in cultural storytelling and regional branding.
9. Miracle Wokoma – Founder, InnoXTra
Miracle Wokoma is the innovative founder of InnoXTra, a platform designed to provide real-world project experiences for individuals new to the tech industry. InnoXTra bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, enabling tech newcomers to develop essential skills and collaborate across various industries. Through this initiative, she is fostering a new generation of tech talent ready to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
Leading a dedicated team comprising a designer, two developers, and a community manager, Miracle oversees project development and ensures alignment with InnoXTra’s mission. Her efforts extend to building strategic partnerships with industry leaders, creating more opportunities for participants to gain hands-on experience and grow professionally. Her vision and leadership are driving innovation in tech education and empowering aspiring tech professionals to excel in their careers.
10. Amarachukwu Chizzy – CEO and Founder, Scoope Africa
Amarachukwu Chizzy is the visionary founder and CEO of Scoope Africa, a pioneering digital publishing company with a mission to empower content creators worldwide. Under his leadership, This company has become a platform that fosters creative liberty, enabling artists, creators, and bloggers to freely express their ideas and showcase their talents. With a focus on revolutionizing the $43 billion digital publishing industry, the platform provides an innovative suite of tools and formats designed to inspire change and unleash the creative genius within individuals.
Scoope Africa also plays a critical role in improving access to news and information across tertiary institutions in Africa, bridging the gap between students and valuable resources. His bold vision and commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity have positioned the company as a transformative force in the digital content space. His work is not just about providing a platform but about cultivating a global community of creators who are shaping the future of storytelling and self-expression.
These leaders and innovators are not only addressing critical challenges but are also reshaping their industries with impactful solutions. Through their work, they are setting new standards for what is possible in health-tech, fintech, and beyond, driving progress across the global South. As they continue to push boundaries and inspire others, their efforts underscore the immense potential of African innovation, positioning the continent as a beacon of ingenuity and transformative change. The future of entrepreneurship in Africa has never been more promising.
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