NRTC Spotlight: Top 10 Nigerian Tech CEOs driving innovation

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, has emerged as the new technology innovation hotbed, bearing visionary CEOs who are not only remodelling the country’s technology industry but are also having increasing influence on the international stage. Hear from ten Nigerian tech CEOs—Moniepoint MFB as well as Blord Group, among others—who are driving this renaissance.

1. Iyin Aboyeji – Future Africa and Andela

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, often called the “Mark Zuckerberg of Africa,” has an entrepreneurial journey that epitomizes the Nigerian tech success story. After co-founding Andela, which trains African software developers and connects them with global opportunities, he went on to co-found Flutterwave, a payment platform now valued at over $1 billion. His latest venture, Future Africa, aims to invest in and support African entrepreneurs, focusing on sustainable growth and impact. Aboyeji’s influence extends beyond business, as he advocates for policy changes to support tech growth in Nigeria.

2. Mitchell Elegbe – Interswitch

Mitchell Elegbe has been at the helm of Interswitch since its inception in 2002. Under his leadership, Interswitch has grown from a payment processing company to a comprehensive financial technology conglomerate, offering services like Verve, Nigeria’s first domestic payment card scheme. Elegbe’s vision has seen Interswitch expand across Africa, handling billions in transactions and pioneering solutions like Quickteller, which has become synonymous with online bill payments in Nigeria.

3. Bosun Tijani – Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB)

Bosun Tijani’s CcHUB is more than just an incubator; it’s a catalyst for innovation across Africa. Since its launch in 2010, CcHUB has nurtured over 600 startups, providing workspace, mentorship, and access to funding. Tijani’s approach includes social impact projects, like health tech solutions, showcasing how technology can address societal challenges. His work has significantly contributed to the democratization of tech education and startup culture in Nigeria.

4. Tunde Kehinde – Lidya

Tunde Kehinde co-founded Lidya to tackle the credit gap for small businesses in Africa. Leveraging AI for credit assessment, Lidya offers loans to businesses that traditional banks might overlook. Operating in Nigeria and Poland, Kehinde’s vision for Lidya is to become a global credit platform for SMEs, promoting economic growth by empowering entrepreneurs with access to capital.

5. Odun Eweniyi – PiggyVest

Odun Eweniyi, through PiggyVest, has revolutionized how young Nigerians save and invest. PiggyVest’s automated saving plans have made financial planning more accessible, encouraging a culture of saving among the youth. Eweniyi, also known for her activism, co-founded the Feminist Coalition, showing her commitment extends beyond tech into societal improvement.

Read more on NRTC

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• Flutterwave wins Fintech of the Year of African Bankers awards

6. Tope Awotona – Calendly

While based in the US, Tope Awotona’s Nigerian roots and his founding of Calendly have made him a notable figure in the tech world. Calendly simplifies scheduling, supporting millions of users in managing their time efficiently. Awotona’s journey from Lagos to creating a unicorn startup illustrates the global impact Nigerian entrepreneurs can have.

7. Shola Akinlade – Paystack

Shola Akinlade co-founded Paystack, which became a cornerstone in Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape by simplifying online payments. Before its acquisition by Stripe for $200 million, Paystack was pivotal in processing billions in transactions, proving the viability of tech startups in Africa. Adegoke’s legacy at Paystack has inspired countless entrepreneurs to aim for global impact.

8. Olugbenga Agboola – Flutterwave

Taking the helm after Iyin Aboyeji, Olugbenga Agboola has continued to grow Flutterwave’s influence, expanding its payment services across Africa and beyond. Under his leadership, Flutterwave has secured partnerships with international giants, enhancing its role in facilitating cross-border trade and digital payments. Agboola’s vision is to make Flutterwave a backbone for Africa’s digital economy.

9. Tosin Eniolorunda – Moniepoint MFB

Tosin Eniolorunda’s journey from an Interswitch employee to founding TeamApt later rebranded as Moniepoint, is one of remarkable growth. Moniepoint, now a microfinance bank, has become a significant player in Nigeria’s fintech space, offering banking, payment, and credit services to businesses and individuals. With transactions exceeding $182 billion in 2023, Eniolorunda is pushing for financial inclusion, particularly in underserved markets.

10. Linus Williams (Blord) – Blord Group

Linus Williams, known as Blord, has carved a niche in Nigeria’s tech and luxury sector with the Blord Group. His ventures span real estate, hospitality, and tech, focusing on integrating technology to enhance luxury experiences. Blord Group’s approach has redefined luxury in Nigeria and demonstrated how tech can elevate traditional industries, contributing to the diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

These CEOs are not just leading companies; they are pioneering a movement that’s changing perceptions about African tech, proving that innovation, when combined with a deep understanding of local needs, can lead to global success. Their stories are a testament to Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, offering inspiration and a blueprint for future tech leaders across the continent and beyond.