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Olusegun Enitan Dada stands as a beacon of innovation in Africa’s technology landscape, a serial entrepreneur whose vision has reshaped industries through his four groundbreaking ventures: ZojaPay, ZojaTech, Smartsend Finance, and IT Horizons.
With over 15 years of leadership in fintech, software development, and ICT solutions, Dada’s journey—rooted in a robust academic foundation, prestigious certifications, and global recognition—offers a blueprint for African tech success.
Dada’s academic journey began at the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from 2006 to 2010, building a strong foundation in technical systems and their applications. He furthered his expertise with a Master of Science in Information Technology from 2012 to 2014 at the same institution, sharpening his ability to tackle complex technological challenges. In 2024, Dada enriched his global business acumen through the prestigious Global CEO Programme at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, completing the International Business track from June to December 2024. This advanced training equipped him with strategic insights to lead his ventures in competitive global markets, reinforcing his ability to drive innovation across Africa and beyond.
Dada’s credentials extend far beyond the classroom. He holds an impressive array of certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), among others. These qualifications underscore his expertise in project management, cybersecurity, and network infrastructure—critical pillars of his tech enterprises.
As a member of prestigious organizations such as the Institute of Directors (IoD), The Project Management Institute, The Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), IEEE, and The Nigeria Computer Society, Dada remains deeply connected to global and local tech communities. These affiliations have amplified his influence, enabling him to shape industry standards and foster collaboration across Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Dada’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was named among the Top 10 Nigerian Tech Founders Building Game-Changing Products for Africa, a testament to his transformative impact. In 2023, he was honored as an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador and received the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award for his commitment to advancing Africa’s development.The following year, he received the YALI Network Tech Founder of the Year award, recognizing his leadership in driving digital innovation. His frequent appearances on television and features in various media outlets have further cemented his status as a thought leader.
Dada’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2009 with IT Horizons, a company born out of his frustration with Nigeria’s lagging ICT infrastructure. “I kept seeing the same problems everywhere,” he shared in a recent interview. “Instead of complaining, I decided to build solutions.” IT Horizons provides businesses with critical technology infrastructure, from networking to cybersecurity, serving as the backbone for enterprises across Nigeria.
ZojaTech followed, focusing on custom software solutions that transform business ideas into functional applications. Smartsend Finance addressed the pain points of Africans abroad, offering fast and affordable cross-border remittances. ZojaPay, perhaps Dada’s most impactful venture, tackles financial inclusion by delivering cash and payment solutions to underserved communities through a peer-to-peer agent network. “We had a user in Lagos who needed emergency cash at 11 PM for a medical situation,” Dada recounted. “Our network delivered within 30 minutes. That’s not just an app—it’s a lifeline.”
Building four companies across diverse sectors—fintech, software, and ICT—has not been without challenges. Dada emphasizes the unique demands of each venture: “People think you can copy and paste the same formula. That’s wrong. Each company requires understanding a different market, customer base, and regulatory environment.” Fintech, in particular, demands rigorous compliance. “Involve regulatory experts from day one,” he advises, reflecting on lessons learned navigating Nigeria’s complex financial regulations.
Dada credits Nigeria’s evolving regulatory landscape, including the Central Bank’s open banking initiatives, for creating a more supportive environment for fintech innovators. His ability to adapt to these dynamics has been key to his success. IT Horizons’ B2B model has proven the most consistently profitable, while ZojaPay’s peer-to-peer approach holds the greatest potential for exponential growth. “Consumer fintech scales faster once you achieve product-market fit,” he notes.
Looking ahead, Dada sees embedded finance, cross-border payments, and sophisticated agent banking networks as key drivers of African fintech growth. “The companies that win will combine technological innovation with a deep understanding of local financial behaviors,” he predicts. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Start by solving a problem you personally experience. Focus on financial inclusion, not just innovation.”
Dada’s story is one of resilience, vision, and impact. From his academic roots in Lagos to his global recognition as a tech pioneer, he continues to build bridges—both technological and societal—that empower Africans to thrive in the digital economy. As he puts it, “Entrepreneurship is in my DNA. Whether through technology or another industry, I’d still be solving problems.”
For more on Olusegun Enitan Dada’s work, visit the websites of IT Horizons, ZojaTech, Smartsend Finance, or ZojaPay.
