Nigeria’s business landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution; fueled by founders who are building with precision, resilience, and purpose. In a market where challenges often outpace support, these entrepreneurs are proving that systems, strategy, and execution are the real currency of innovation.

From supply chain disruption to beauty tech, edtech to financial infrastructure, they are crafting solutions rooted in local realities and designed for long-term impact. They’re not waiting for the right conditions, they’re creating them.

Meet 10 visionaries reshaping industries, communities, and the future of enterprise in Nigeria.

1. Dr. Emmanuel Okeleji

Dr. Emmanuel Okeleji is the CEO of SeamlessHR, a leading end-to-end HR and payroll software built for emerging markets. Often described as “Workday for Africa,” the platform helps businesses manage recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance, and workforce planning from a single portal.

As a tech entrepreneur, Emmanuel leads a team of talented African professionals building what he calls the “productivity machine of the continent.” With operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and East Africa, SeamlessHR continues to expand, empowering organizations with tools designed for scale, efficiency, and talent optimization across frontier markets.

2. Lawretta Egba

Lawretta Egba is the Founder of Mustard Insights, a data-tech startup helping core industries make smarter decisions through research, technology, and innovation. With over a decade of experience spanning financial analysis, communications, and market research, she brings a rare blend of analytical depth and storytelling clarity to data-driven problem-solving.

Her professional journey includes roles at Vine Capital Partners, Nairametrics, and Oando Plc; shaping her expertise in business intelligence. At Mustard Insights, Lawretta is building the tools and frameworks that equip organizations to act on insight, not instinct, across Africa’s evolving business landscape.

3. Nurudeen Akande

As a trailblazer in entrepreneurship and leadership, Nurudeen Akande is the driving force behind Depot, a supply-chain company for storage and logistics that is redefining how businesses manage supply and distribution. As a co-founder, he has guided the company with strategic foresight, identifying growth opportunities, navigating operational challenges, and delivering sustainable results.

His leadership reflects disciplined execution and a deep commitment to systems thinking. In recognition of his enterprise development efforts, he received the Technology Venture Innovation Award from Business & Enterprise, cementing his role in shaping efficient, forward-looking infrastructure for Nigeria’s evolving commerce landscape.

4. Victory Osezua-Ewanlen

Victory Osezua-Ewanlen is the Founder of Safe Haven for Counselling Initiative (SHCI) and a tech innovator committed to using technology to solve meaningful, real-world problems. At the intersection of mental health and innovation, she is redefining access to emotional wellness through digital tools and forward-thinking solutions.

Known for staying ahead of emerging tech trends, Victory brings bold vision and execution to every project she leads. Her work continues to inspire a new wave of entrepreneurs, especially women, who see technology not just as a tool, but as a pathway to healing, empowerment, and impact.

5. Toba Adeyanju

Toba Adeyanju is the Founder of Thodd, a creative management company redefining how brands and talents connect with audiences across music, film, and global culture. At the heart of Thodd’s mission is a commitment to building authentic experiences that resonate and endure.

He leads the company’s efforts in co-managing rising creatives while crafting bold, immersive brand activations for clients worldwide. His work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling, culture, and execution, making him a key player in shaping the next era of creative influence and experiential brand building across industries and borders.

6. Adebisi Odeleye

Adebisi Odeleye is the Founder of Moore Organics and President of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Alumnae Association in Nigeria. A passionate advocate for women’s financial inclusion and youth empowerment, she has spent over a decade driving initiatives that support entrepreneurship, economic equity, and gender development.

Through strategic collaborations with government, nonprofits, and private partners, Adebisi advances programs that uplift women and young girls across Nigeria. Her leadership at AWE reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunity, equipping women with the tools, networks, and confidence to build thriving, scalable businesses.

7. Isaac Success Omoyele

Isaac Success Omoyele is the Founder of Dreams From The Slum Empowerment Initiative, a social enterprise focused on restoring hope and dignity to children and families living in underserved communities. Through education, empowerment, and mentorship, he has helped hundreds of children return to school and guided families toward self-sufficiency.

His work centers on breaking cycles of poverty by building confidence, opportunity, and access at the grassroots. His mission is clear: to ensure that where a child is born doesn’t determine how far they can dream, or how far they can go.

8. David Utulor

David Utulor is the Founder of LUE Initiative (Let’s Use Entrepreneurship), a startup dedicated to nurturing a new generation of problem-solvers and value creators across Africa. Focused on entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development, David leads programs that equip young people with the skills, mindset, and leadership capacity to drive real economic change.

Under his guidance, LUE has become a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, empowering emerging entrepreneurs to tackle local challenges, build scalable ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s growth narrative through purpose-driven enterprise.

9. Oluwatunmise Alademerin

Oluwatunmise Alademerin is the Founder of Comela Beautiluxe, a beauty and lifestyle brand redefining elegance, self-expression, and confidence for the modern African woman. With a strong eye for detail and a passion for premium experiences, she curates high-quality beauty products that celebrate individuality and empower personal style.

Oluwatunmise leads the brand with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and authenticity, building a beauty ecosystem that inspires confidence and elevates the everyday rituals of women across diverse communities.

10. Vanessa Ineh

Vanessa Ineh is the Founder of Amore Foundation, a purpose-driven organization dedicated to designing and implementing programs that uplift vulnerable communities. With a strong background in program management and development, she builds initiatives that address critical social challenges with clarity, compassion, and structure.

From education to empowerment, her work is rooted in creating systems that deliver measurable impact and long-term change. Vanessa leads with intention, blending strategy and empathy to ensure every project under Amore Foundation moves people from survival to stability, and ultimately, to self-sustaining growth.