Nigeria is experiencing an entrepreneurial shift, with a new generation of creative minds leading transformations in numerous industries. These creative entrepreneurs are addressing pressing issues in the real world with original ideas that advance social as well as economic advancement. Their endeavors are quite innovative; changing the way business is conducted in Nigeria, from e-commerce businesses to amazing discoveries in healthcare and tech. Ten significant businesspeople are highlighted in this article as they are leading this change and influencing Nigeria’s future through their audacious concepts and profitable ventures.
1. Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho – Founder, Futuresoft
Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho is the CEO of Futuresoft, a digital solutions company dedicated to empowering businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. With over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, Nkemdilim has focused on driving digital transformation for organizations looking to enhance their operations, customer experiences, and workforce capabilities. Her expertise in technology and business strategy has helped countless enterprises overcome challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by digital innovation.
Under her leadership, Futuresoft has served over 200 clients, impacting numerous industries while training more than 1,500 executives and business leaders. Nkemdilim is not just transforming businesses but also advocating for the role of technology in shaping Africa’s future.
Through her efforts, she is paving the way for more African businesses to thrive in the global digital economy.
2. Henry Nwajei – Founder/CEO, GreenLand
Henry is a visionary entrepreneur and a key player in Nigeria’s agritech sector. With an extensive business background , he founded Greenland, a pioneering company focused on leveraging technology to provide sustainable and innovative solutions. Under his leadership, Greenland has introduced ingenious technologies that help businesses enhance crop yields and reduce waste, making significant strides in food security.
His commitment to empowering individuals through connecting them with tailored and accessible investment, training and resources has earned him recognition as a champion for rural development. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by resilience and a passion for creating impact, positioning him as a driving force in Nigeria’s economic landscape. He has been awarded the Business Innovation Excellence Award, a testament to his influence and success. Through his work, Henry continues to inspire the next generation of innovators.
3. David Orok- Founder, Nocode Africa
David Orok is the founder of Nocode Africa, an initiative that is opening up opportunities for African entrepreneurs by making technology accessible to everyone. Nocode Africa is dedicated to equipping early-stage founders with the skills to build mobile and web apps without the need for coding. Through this platform, David is breaking down traditional barriers to tech entrepreneurship, providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to launch minimum viable products (MVPs) quickly and cost-effectively.
With Nocode Africa, David has created an empowering environment where aspiring founders can bring their ideas to life, regardless of their technical background. His work is fostering a new generation of African entrepreneurs who are using technology to innovate and create impactful businesses. By providing training, mentorship, and the essential resources to develop tech solutions, Nocode Africa has become a driving force in Africa’s startup ecosystem, making David Orok a key figure in reshaping the future of tech on the continent.
4. Ayuk Tarhbey – Founder, Viteza
Ayuk Tarhbey is the innovative mind behind Viteza, a company that is redefining logistics operations through cutting-edge technology solutions. Viteza has revolutionized industries by providing advanced tools for logistics process automation, supply chain management, and fleet optimization, empowering businesses to increase efficiency and productivity. Through his leadership, Ayuk has positioned the company as a leader in logistics technology, making him a key figure in the business innovation landscape both in Nigeria and beyond.
Beyond his role at Viteza, Ayuk is a thought leader in business innovation, offering strategic insights to help companies navigate the complexities of digital transformation. His expertise as a mentor and advisor has been invaluable to startups and established businesses alike, enabling them to harness technology for growth.
5. Olwatobi Asehinde- Co-founder, Zero Code Initiative
Oluwatobi Asehinde is the co-founder of Zero Code Institute, an EdTech company that empowers non-technical individuals to become tech founders and software engineers without writing code. Through the use of a no-code tool called Bubble, his institute helps learners easily launch digital products and businesses, transforming how technology is accessed and utilized by aspiring entrepreneurs.
In addition to Zero Code Institute, Tobi is the Founder and CEO of Digital Marketing Skill Institute (DMSI), a global EdTech company that has impacted over 115,384 learners across 37 countries. DMSI is focused on using digital technologies to develop digital talents, matching them with global opportunities as employees or entrepreneurs, leveraging artificial intelligence to facilitate these connections. His influence as a tech entrepreneur has earned him recognition, including being named an “entrepreneur to watch in Africa” by The Portsmouth Enterprise.
6. Fidelia Agwuncha – Co-founder, PrimeLink
Fidelia Agwuncha, as the co-founder of PrimeLink, has exemplified entrepreneurial vision and leadership in the e-commerce space. Her strategic approach to building an accessible and customer-centric online shopping platform has been a key driver of PrimeLink’s growth and market presence. Under her leadership, the company has not only transformed the logistics landscape but also paved the way for new standards in customer experience and service delivery in Nigeria.
Fidelia’s dedication to innovation and excellence was recognized with the Business Innovation Excellence Award by Business & Enterprise. This accolade highlights her ability to anticipate market needs and continuously innovate to stay ahead of industry trends. Beyond her achievements in business, Fidelia plays an active role in mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of resilience and creativity within her team, and guiding PrimeLink towards long-term growth and sustainability. Her commitment to driving value for stakeholders and shaping the future of logistics makes her a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial landscape.
7. Yewande Jinadu- Founder, CareerLife Nigeria
Yewande Jinadu is a seasoned HR leader who has made significant strides in both the corporate and social sectors. As the Founder of CareerLife Nigeria, she has helped numerous professionals and graduates enhance their employability and career growth. CareerLife Foundation, her social initiative, addresses UN SDG Goal 8 by working to reduce unemployment in Nigeria.
Yewande is also the People and Culture Leader at a leading tech startup, where she leverages over eight years of HR experience to shape organizational culture, boost productivity, and improve the employee experience. Her commitment to career development extends beyond the corporate world, as evidenced by her creation of the Employability Fitness Program, designed to help graduates overcome recruitment challenges. Recognized globally, Yewande’s impact has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 20 Disruptive Leaders in Nigeria in 2023.
8. Seni Sulyman- Founder, Talstack
Seni Sulyman is the founder of Talstack, a corporate learning platform that is transforming how businesses across Africa enhance employee capabilities. By curating courses and content from top African professionals, experts, and entrepreneurs, Talstack empowers organizations to build stronger, more capable teams.
As a leader with vast experience spanning early-stage startups to Fortune 100 companies, Seni has built high-performance teams across Africa and North America. His approach to leadership combines operational excellence with a thriving company culture where people are inspired to do their best work. Through Talstack, he is not only fostering growth for businesses but also contributing to the development of African talent on a global scale.
9. Taiwo (James-Yakub) Obasan – Founder, Fundall
Taiwo (James-Yakub) Obasan is best known for his role as the founding CEO of Fundall, where he led the company’s growth strategy and execution from its inception to a successful acquisition in just two years. Taiwo’s vision for Fundall was centered around creating a platform that simplified financial processes, empowering users to take control of their financial futures.
Taiwo’s strategic approach to product development and operations at Fundall enabled the company to scale rapidly, capturing a significant market share and driving revenue growth. His ability to navigate the complexities of the African fintech landscape while fostering innovation was key to Fundall’s success. The success of Fundall highlights Taiwo’s expertise in scaling startups, executing business strategies, and driving growth, making him a standout leader in Africa’s fintech ecosystem.
10. Onyeka Akumah, Founder, Treepz
Onyeka Akumah is a passionate technology entrepreneur focused on improving the lives of Africans through impactful solutions in key sectors like transportation, housing, and agriculture. With over 12 years of experience leading fast-growth startups, Onyeka has successfully built and scaled businesses that have served more than 6 million customers. His leadership has driven innovation and growth, enabling these startups to become transformative forces across various industries in Africa.
Onyeka’s expertise spans across marketing communications, growth strategies, investor relations, and strategic partnerships. He has led teams of over 500 employees and successfully navigated two startup exits, showcasing his capability in scaling businesses and delivering value to both customers and investors. As the CEO of Treepz, a leading mobility company, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation in transportation across Africa.
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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