•Being honoured with MBE by King Charles means a lot to me
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
Bolaji Sofoluwe, a British-Nigerian business leader, has been recognised with the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her outstanding contributions to sustainable business growth, female entrepreneurship, and international trade. This honour, announced in His Majesty, King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours List, underscores her tireless efforts in connecting businesses across the UK and Africa. In this interview, Bolaji says she draws inspiration from figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a renowned leader in international trade, whose dedication to economic empowerment resonates deeply with her own mission.
As the co-founder and Managing Director of ETK Group, Bolaji has championed innovative market expansion strategies, fostering growth across Africa and empowering women in business. Her work embodies a commitment to creating equitable opportunities and driving global economic integration.
Can you share more about your upbringing in Birmingham and your family’s move to Nigeria? How did these experiences shape your identity and worldview?
I was born in Birmingham at the time when my parents had come from Nigeria to study in England. My dad was working towards his PhD and my mum was studying Engineering Technology. We moved back to Nigeria when they had completed their studies. I have great memories of Birmingham, with great family friends and my beloved godmother, who has since passed away. I am very proud of both my British and Nigerian heritage, which is steeped in hard work and intellectual excellence.
What motivated you to study languages and linguistics, and how did your education at the University of Calabar and University of York influence your career trajectory?
I studied languages and linguistics when I had made up my mind that I wanted to do something international – I wasn’t quite sure what it was at the time, but the fact that I could learn French and German at such a high level seemed attractive enough to me. My MSc came at a time when I had a fully established career, and it was to cement all my experience and learning over time. It’s helpful to study and I have always been intrigued by the bridge between the theory and the practical, everyday business environment. Studying really did this for me.
What led you to transition from banking to management consulting? And what inspired you to co-found ETK Group?
I left banking when I got married. I moved back to Nigeria to start a life with my husband and needed some flexibility. I started working with entrepreneurs who didn’t have the structure or know-how, to develop risk mitigation strategies. I returned to England permanently (having lived between countries for some time). I started working with the diaspora who were setting up businesses in different African countries for various reasons. This improved my knowledge and nuanced expertise and ETK was born.
What prompted your return to the UK in 2010, and how has that move impacted both your personal and professional life?
I moved back to England as I had a lot of family here and I really missed my second home. My husband was open to change even though we’d just completed our dream home (which was very hard to leave)! I guess destiny brought me back!
As a career woman, wife and mother, how do you manage to balance these roles? What strategies or practices do you find most effective in juggling these responsibilities?
People always ask me this question and my response remains the same: determine your priorities early. I have always wanted to be a present mother, and I am there whenever the girls need me, even when I am not physically present. I have been to every play, every presentation and every parents’ evening. I’ve been married to my husband for 20 years now – we keep it fresh and exciting because we are both busy and we need to make sure we prioritise each other too. It’s not always easy but you have to be kind to yourself and manage everybody’s expectations.
How does receiving the MBE recognition influence your work in sustainable business growth and female entrepreneurship? What does this honour mean to you personally?
The MBE is a huge honour. I have never put myself forward for a personal award. I just put my head down and get stuff done without expecting recognition. The thing is, people notice – the impact speaks for itself and the awards just keep coming. For someone like me who is quite an ‘engine room’ (behind the scenes) person, I feel deeply honoured that people do watch and reward! I believe I will continue to have a prominent voice in the areas I was honoured for, as these are deep passions for me, and I pursue them rigorously. The award just creates that additional layer of credibility.
Can you elaborate on the communities or organisations you’ve worked with that have been particularly impactful in your journey?
I put my hand up for community work whenever I can. I am active in my local church in Colchester which is engaged in several community initiatives. I volunteer as a fundraiser for various causes. I am privileged to be able to do this at work as well. At ETK’s Nigeria office, we are working on three projects across 11 states, providing much needed support on a project which impacts over 400,000 farmers. It’s very important to me that I remain focused on the things that really matter.
In your opinion, what are the most critical steps needed to empower women in business, particularly in Africa?
The answer to this is always going to be financial support as well as the technical skills and knowledge on how to manage this finance and create operational structures that are built to last in their businesses.
What role do you see international trade playing in driving economic change in Africa, and how can British businesses contribute to this?
International trade is already playing a huge role in building businesses and industry in Africa. The AfCFTA is going to enhance this once the effects of this agreement trickle down to businesses. Of course, there is a need for significant investment in infrastructure – both soft and hard, to facilitate this. I’m encouraged by payment systems such as PAPSS – Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and the advancements in finance technology by the private sector, which is enabling this robust trade that we are predicting will grow by up to 38 per cent and raise the continent’s GDP by around 7 per cent. This could bring millions of people out of poverty. Governments need to focus on creating a conducive environment for industrialisation and innovation.
Who have been your biggest inspirations or mentors throughout your career, and how have they influenced your approach to leadership?
I have been greatly inspired by the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is a colossal figure in trade. I am also influenced by some of my female CEO friends and by the entrepreneurs I get to meet through my work at Oxford University. They keep me going and inspire me to think differently as well as see the world from different perspectives. My biggest inspiration would always be my mum, who taught me the value of hard work, grit and determination.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, both personally and professionally? How do you hope to continue making an impact?
I am looking forward to finishing my book, continuing to invest in female-led businesses and to championing international trade, which I believe also keeps the world spinning. No nation can isolate themselves as there is always something they need – I’ve always believed trade is an agent of peace and cooperation, that breaks down barriers. At ETK, we are working on what would be one of the world’s most complex but easiest to use trade solutions software (watch this space). I would also like to find some other challenging NED roles. I look forward to what the future holds!