From commerce and technology to energy, agriculture, and social impact, a new wave of Nigerian founders is reshaping the nation’s future through innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. These entrepreneurs are not just creating companies, they are building ecosystems that solve real problems, empower communities, and open doors to new possibilities across Africa.
Their ventures span diverse sectors: from digital marketplaces that democratize trade to green energy solutions powering rural communities; from platforms connecting artisans to jobs, to tech startups nurturing the next generation of developers. Each founder’s story reflects a shared belief that progress thrives where creativity meets impact.
This collection celebrates Nigeria’s new generation of builders; visionary leaders transforming industries, bridging opportunity gaps, and proving that sustainable innovation is the true engine of national growth.
1. Ayo Amusan
With 20 years of expertise spanning retail, entertainment, and real estate, Ayo Amusan has established herself as a defining voice in Nigeria’s modern retail evolution. As the Founder and CEO of Persianas Retail Limited (PRL), she leads one of the nation’s foremost retail companies and a key distributor of global sports and lifestyle brands.
Ayo’s strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping how international fashion integrates into Nigeria’s consumer culture. Her work continues to redefine the retail experience in Africa, making luxury accessible, aspirational, and deeply attuned to the continent’s growing appetite for world-class lifestyle experiences.
2. Zainab Agboola
With a track record of excellence in fintech innovation, Zainab Agboola has become one of the defining voices shaping Nigeria’s digital finance landscape. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Taply, she is pioneering the future of SaaS-integrated finance, building intelligent systems that allow businesses to automate payments, access financing, and manage operations seamlessly.
Beyond digital convenience, her work promotes financial inclusion and resilience. By bridging gaps between traditional banking infrastructure and modern digital systems, she is empowering businesses that were once locked out of formal finance to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s growing digital economy. Her contribution reflects not just innovation, but impact, building a foundation for smarter, more accessible financial systems that support sustainable business growth.
3. Adunni Okafor
With years of proven expertise in agricultural innovation, Adunni Okafor has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s farming ecosystem. As the Founder of FreshFarms Technologies, she has redefined modern agriculture through the introduction of precision farming solutions that have significantly improved crop productivity and efficiency across the country.
Her forward-thinking leadership has also led to the development of mobile-based education platforms that equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and tools to make data-driven decisions. By promoting climate-smart practices and sustainable food systems, Adunni is addressing both productivity and environmental resilience in agriculture.
Kemi Adebayo is a transformative healthcare innovator whose work has redefined access to medical care across Nigeria. As the Founder of Health Africa, a pioneering telemedicine platform, she has bridged long-standing gaps in healthcare delivery by connecting patients in underserved communities to qualified medical professionals through technology-driven solutions.
Beyond technology, Kemi’s strategic foresight extends to the future of medical education; she has partnered with leading medical schools to integrate digital health training into their curricula, equipping future doctors with the skills needed in a tech-driven healthcare landscape.
5. Jibola Oyedele
Jibola Oyedele is the Co-Founder of The Nashvibes, a vibrant lifestyle and entertainment brand that is redefining youth culture in Nigeria through creativity, connection, and storytelling. Guided by a vision to merge art, music, and community into one dynamic ecosystem, he has built a platform that gives young Nigerians a voice and a stage, to express themselves authentically.
His leadership reflects a deep understanding of contemporary culture and the power of storytelling in driving change. By blending innovation with purpose, Jibola Oyedele is positioning The Nashvibes as a leading force in Nigeria’s growing creative economy and an inspiration for a generation defining its own narrative.
6. Kingsley Ibe
Kingsley Ibe is the Founder of Bueze Tech Limited, a fast-emerging technology company redefining digital innovation through advanced software solutions, UI/UX design, mobile applications, cybersecurity consulting, and IT training. In an impressive display of vision and execution, he scaled the company from concept to full operational launch within just three months, establishing Bueze Tech as a bold new player in Nigeria’s dynamic tech ecosystem.
Fueled by a passion for innovation, efficiency, and human capital development, Kingsley continues to drive the company’s mission of building impactful digital solutions tailored to Africa’s growing technology landscape. Beyond product creation, he is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of tech talent, empowering young professionals to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s digital transformation.
7. Stephanie Yinkere
Stephanie Yinkere is the Founder of Wumsy Cares Foundation and a devoted advocate for community development and social transformation. Her leadership is defined by a rare blend of empathy and strategic vision, ensuring that every initiative under her guidance creates measurable, lasting impact.
Her approach to leadership prioritizes collaboration and inclusivity, fostering partnerships that expand the Foundation’s reach and deepen its social impact. Through her unwavering commitment to service, Stephanie Yinkere continues to redefine what it means to build stronger, more equitable communities from the ground up.
8. Perfect Nkani
Perfect Nkani is a pioneering force in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape and the Founder of SolarBright Energy, a company established to tackle the nation’s persistent power challenges through sustainable innovation. Her passion for environmental responsibility and clean technology has driven the development of locally manufactured solar components, an initiative that enhances energy accessibility and created thousands of jobs across Nigeria’s growing green energy value chain.
Through her strategic collaborations with international development partners, Perfect has facilitated vital knowledge exchange and the adaptation of advanced solar technologies for African markets. Her investment in research and development has yielded groundbreaking improvements in energy storage systems specifically designed for Nigeria’s climate realities.
9. Victor Jibrin
Victor Jibrin is the Co-Founder and CEO of ArtisanOga Ltd, a visionary leader redefining how skilled labor connects with opportunity across West Africa. With a strategic focus on growth, operational excellence, and market expansion, he has positioned the company as a trusted bridge between artisans and employers in need of verified, high-quality talent.
Beyond technology, his impact lies in strengthening the employment ecosystem through strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders. His vision for inclusive growth continues to shape ArtisanOga into a platform that not only connects workers to jobs but also empowers a new generation of artisans to build sustainable livelihoods across the continent.
10. Olumide Johnson
Olumide Johnson is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Shop Biz, a dynamic online marketplace revolutionizing how Nigerians connect with products and services. Through his leadership, Shop Biz has become a trusted platform linking millions of consumers to both local and international brands, reshaping the e-commerce landscape with accessibility, reliability, and innovation at its core. His vision for inclusive digital trade continues to drive Shop Biz’s growth, ensuring that small businesses and large enterprises alike can thrive in a connected marketplace. Through his relentless pursuit of innovation and economic empowerment, Olumide Johnson has redefined how Nigerians buy, sell, and experience commerce in the digital era.
