The Nigerian tech industry continues to be a major driver of economic growth, contributing 17% to the national GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). As the sector expands, a select group of leaders is driving innovation, shaping policy, and building solutions that transform industries. Here are some of the top figures leading change in fintech, digital payments, and product innovation.
1. Olugbenga Agboola
Olugbenga Agboola, co-founder and CEO of Flutterwave, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing digital payments across Africa. Under his leadership, Flutterwave has built scalable payment infrastructure, enabling businesses to seamlessly transact across borders. His influence extends beyond fintech, serving as Vice-Chairman of the U.S.-Africa Business Center Board and a member of prestigious councils like the Milken Institute Africa Business Leaders Council and The Wall Street Journal CEO Council.
2. Ezra Olubi
Ezra Olubi, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Paystack, was instrumental in developing one of Africa’s most robust payment processing platforms. His technical expertise in product design and software development helped Paystack achieve rapid growth, leading to its $200 million acquisition by Stripe in 2020. Prior to Paystack, Ezra held key technical leadership roles at Delivery Science and Jobberman, cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s top engineering minds in fintech.
3. Ayomide Olupitan
Ayomide Olupitan, a recognized fintech leader, is co-founder of Loma Bank, where he has driven digital payment solutions for businesses and individuals. His leadership has helped process billions in transactions, fostering financial inclusion and SME growth. Ayomide also serves as a board member of top tech companies, contributing to fintech expansion across Africa. His impact has earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s Top Product Voices and an Africa Technology Expert, solidifying his status as a key player in digital banking and product innovation.
4. Babatunde Akin-Moses
As co-founder and CEO of Sycamore, Babatunde Akin-Moses is redefining peer-to-peer lending in Nigeria. His platform connects borrowers with lenders, providing seamless access to credit for individuals and SMEs. Since launching in 2019, Sycamore has disbursed nine-figure loans, supporting business growth through technology-driven lending models. Babatunde, an LBS MBA graduate, is committed to financial empowerment, making credit more accessible in Nigeria’s fintech space.
5. Femi Aluko
Femi Aluko, co-founder and CEO of Chowdeck, has transformed Nigeria’s food delivery landscape. Before launching Chowdeck, he was a Principal Engineer at Paystack, gaining deep expertise in scalable digital solutions. Chowdeck has rapidly grown, processing over $500,000 in GMV and completing 60,000+ deliveries within six months. By securing partnerships with major restaurant chains like Chicken Republic, Aluko is bridging the gap between technology and consumer convenience, making him a rising force in Nigeria’s digital economy.
These visionary leaders are shaping the future of fintech, digital commerce, and product innovation in Nigeria, solidifying the country’s status as a leading hub for technology-driven transformation in Africa.