Top 10 Nigerian Founders Setting the Pace for Africa’s Next Wave of Innovation

Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit is stronger than ever, led by founders who are not only building companies but also reshaping industries. These visionaries are harnessing technology, creativity, and social impact to solve real problems while creating opportunities for growth across communities. From fintech and agribusiness to health, education, and the creative economy, they represent the diverse faces of innovation powering the nation’s future.

This list celebrates ten outstanding Nigerian founders whose work reflects resilience, ingenuity, and purpose. Each profile showcases how bold ideas, when paired with execution and vision, can redefine markets and inspire a generation. Together, they embody the promise of Nigeria’s next wave of enterprise leaders, driving progress today and charting the path for tomorrow.

1. Abdulhafeez Bello

Abdulhafeez Bello is a tech entrepreneur shaping the future of African infrastructure through Nova, his tech company dedicated to building smart, scalable solutions for the built environment.

At the helm of Nova, he leads with clarity, technical depth, and long-term vision developing intelligent systems that streamline construction workflows, enhance structural integrity, and improve project delivery across the infrastructure value chain. His work reflects a rare blend of engineering precision and creative systems thinking, positioning him as a leading force in the evolution of technology-driven engineering in Africa.

2. Samiat Akeem

Samiat Akeem is the Founder of GoErrand, an innovative entrepreneur passionate about redefining convenience through technology-driven personal shopping and errand services. Her leadership reflects creativity, discipline, and a vision for transforming everyday challenges into structured opportunities.

At GoErrand, Samiat drives the mission of making online personal shopping and retail services accessible and stress-free. She oversees a team dedicated to delivering tailored support, from handling errands to managing purchases with precision and speed.

3. Favour Ejike

Favour Ejike is the Founder of Favour Sams Foundation, a social impact leader dedicated to improving lives through empowerment, education, and community development.. Her leadership blends empathy with structure, ensuring that every initiative under the foundation creates meaningful and lasting change.

Her work emphasizes building pathways to financial independence while promoting dignity and self-reliance. By fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources, she continues to expand the foundation’s reach, touching lives and inspiring hope across communities in Nigeria.

4. Toheeb Bisiriyu

Toheeb Bisiriyu is the Founder of Mindcrest Global, an entrepreneur who blends creativity, strategy, and client-centered service to deliver excellence. With expertise spanning operations management, coaching, and leadership, he has built a brand that meets both corporate and personal needs. His vision is to provide solutions that empower professionals, elevate brands, and create unforgettable experiences.

His approach emphasizes personalized service, ensuring each project aligns with client goals and industry standards. By combining event management with career support services, Toheeb has positioned Mindcrest Global as a trusted partner for organizations and individuals seeking to stand out in competitive spaces.

5. Blessing Acha

Blessing Acha is the Founder of Aleye’s Visionary Hub, an entrepreneur passionate about equipping individuals with the digital skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. Her vision is rooted in helping people not only monetize their talents but also build sustainable and rewarding careers. Her work reflects her belief in technology as a pathway to empowerment and independence.

At Aleye’s Visionary Hub, she leads initiatives that combine mentorship, remote work opportunities, and access to a vibrant professional network. Her mission centers on guiding people through the complexities of the digital landscape while fostering a community where growth and collaboration are prioritized.

6. Ugorji Sunday

Ugorji Sunday is the Founder of Young and Skilled Initiative, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and skills development. With a mission to unlock the potential of young people, he has built a platform that equips them with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

By providing access to education, mentorship, and practical skills, he empowers participants to pursue independence and contribute positively to society. His work continues to inspire confidence and ambition among youth, shaping a generation that is both capable and ready to lead.

7. Alma Oputa

Alma Oputa is the Founder of Belbe’s Empire, an entrepreneur with nine years of experience building sustainable businesses rooted in resilience, creativity, and vision. Over the years, she has established herself as a resourceful leader who understands the challenges of running a business in competitive markets while staying true to her values.

At Belbe’s Empire, Alma has led initiatives that focus on delivering quality products and services designed to meet evolving customer needs. Her leadership emphasizes long-term growth, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

8. Nathan Oguntuberu

Nathan Oguntuberu is the Founder of Go-Mailer Limited, a forward-thinking entrepreneur redefining customer engagement for African businesses. His work demonstrates that true growth lies not just in acquisition but in building lasting relationships.

At Go-Mailer, he leads a team dedicated to creating multi-channel engagement solutions that lower costs and drive measurable results. By positioning Go-Mailer as a strategic growth partner, Nathan continues to empower companies to scale sustainably, ensuring customer loyalty becomes a cornerstone of success across Africa’s evolving markets.

9. Joshua Theophilus, MBA, CSP

Joshua Theophilus is the Founder of Referlytics, an AI-powered influencer marketing platform designed to help brands run smarter campaigns while enabling creators to monetize effectively. With a career that combines business expertise, innovation, and community building, he is driving change in how creators and companies collaborate.

Through Referlytics, he has launched initiatives like the Creators Circle, providing early creators with paid collaborations, mentorship, and insights. The company has gained recognition by being selected for FI Core 2025 by Founder Institute, joining the AWS Startup and NVIDIA Inception programs, and securing a scholarship to Startup Campus SA.

10. Khalid Isah

Khalid Isah is the Founder of Exheal System, an entrepreneur dedicated to creating solutions that enhance health, wellness, and sustainable living. His vision is to design tools and platforms that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being while supporting healthier communities. Khalid’s leadership reflects passion, resilience, and a focus on meaningful impact.

His work emphasizes accessibility, efficiency, and long-term sustainability, ensuring the system meets both personal and community needs. By fostering partnerships and embracing innovation, Khalid continues to build a brand that is shaping the future of health solutions and improving lives across Nigeria and beyond.