Nigerian tech leaders are at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, revolutionising mobile technology, e-commerce, and fintech. Over two decades, the nation has evolved from a follower to a leader in the global tech space, with its vibrant startup ecosystem reshaping key sectors like finance and telecommunications.

Strategic managers are driving this leap to a digital economy, with Nigerian startups now recognised as a structural force across multiple industries. From pioneering mobile innovation to setting benchmarks in tech development, these CEOs are redefining Africa’s digital future and global potential.

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Here are the top 10 tech founders accelerating Nigeria’s digital space, compiled by The Nigeria Inquirer.

Mike Adenuga – Founder of Globacom

Mike Adenuga, Nigeria’s second-richest man with a net worth of $6.8 billion according to Forbes, is a prominent figure in Africa’s tech space. In 2003, he founded Globacom, now Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator with over 60 million subscribers in Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin. Globacom has significantly advanced technological infrastructure with projects like the Glo-1 submarine cable, a 6,100-mile connection between Africa and the UK. Under Adenuga’s leadership, the company has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Champion Newspapers Telecommunication Company of the Year award. Beyond telecoms, Adenuga’s diversified investments span oil, real estate, banking, and shipping. In 2025, Globacom plans to focus on expansion, 5G rollout, and digital innovation.

Gbenga Agboola – Founder of Flutterwave

Gbenga Agboola established Flutterwave in 2016, transforming Africa’s fintech landscape. Flutterwave facilitates seamless cross-border transactions, making it one of Africa’s largest tech unicorns. The company’s valuation exceeds $3 billion, backed by over $475 million in funding. Agboola’s prior experience at Google, PayPal, and Standard Bank of South Africa has been instrumental in forging partnerships with Visa and Mastercard. Recognised by Forbes and Bloomberg, Agboola’s work is reshaping financial inclusion across Africa. In 2025, Flutterwave plans to drive expansion, introduce innovative products, and strengthen its position in Africa’s fintech market.

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Jeremy Johnson – Co-founder of Andela

Jeremy Johnson co-founded Andela in 2014 to connect top African developers with global companies. Andela has placed and trained thousands of engineers for leading organisations like Microsoft and GitHub, raising its valuation to over $1.5 billion. Johnson has overseen the company’s expansion to over 100 countries, supporting workforce diversity and digital education. Recognised by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Time magazine, Johnson aims to scale Andela’s global reach, expand AI capabilities, and enhance innovation in emerging markets in 2025.

Mark Essien – Founder of Hotels.ng

Mark Essien launched Hotels.ng in 2013, revolutionising hotel bookings in Nigeria. The platform has significantly impacted Africa’s travel tech ecosystem. Essien’s HNG internship programme trains software developers across the continent. Recognised by Forbes as one of Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs, Essien plans to expand Hotels.ng regionally and upgrade its technology to support growth in Nigeria’s hospitality sector in 2025.

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Mitchell Elegbe – Founder of Interswitch

Mitchell Elegbe founded Interswitch in 2002, which has become a key player in Africa’s digital payments market. The company fosters innovation in credit and digital payments, earning recognition from Deloitte as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology businesses. Elegbe, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, has driven Interswitch’s expansion into various African markets. In 2025, the company aims to broaden its digital payments reach, innovate in fintech, and penetrate regional markets further.

Tayo Oviosu – Founder of Paga

Tayo Oviosu launched Paga in 2009 as Africa’s first mobile money operator. With over 20 million users and 140,000 agents, Paga provides digital banking and merchant solutions while promoting financial inclusion. Oviosu’s previous roles at Cisco inspired him to address Africa’s cash-based economy. Under his leadership, Paga has raised over $34 million, cementing its role in Africa’s digital finance industry. In 2025, Paga plans to expand mobile payments and strengthen its leadership in Africa’s digital economy.

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Naadiya Moosajee – Co-founder of WomEng

Naadiya Moosajee co-founded WomEng to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields, particularly engineering and technology. Through initiatives like WomHub, she has supported thousands of women engineers in Africa. Recognised by Forbes among Africa’s Top 20 Young Power Women, Moosajee continues to champion diversity in engineering and tech fields.

Tope Awotona – Founder of Calendly

Tope Awotona founded Calendly in 2013, revolutionising scheduling and virtual communication. Valued at $3 billion, Calendly serves over 10 million users, including companies like Lyft and La-Z-Boy. Awotona’s perseverance has positioned him as a leading figure in Africa’s tech ecosystem. In 2025, Calendly aims to enhance its global footprint and introduce new features to streamline business communications.

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Shola Akinlade – Co-founder of Paystack

Shola Akinlade co-founded Paystack, simplifying online payments for African businesses. Acquired by Stripe in 2020 for over $200 million, Paystack has become a leading payment processor across Africa. Akinlade’s efforts have helped thousands of businesses streamline transactions. In 2025, Paystack plans to further support Africa’s tech ecosystem through innovation and capacity building.

Sim Shagaya – Founder of uLesson

Sim Shagaya founded uLesson in 2019 to address educational gaps in Africa. The edtech platform provides video lessons and interactive quizzes for students across West Africa. A Harvard Business School graduate, Shagaya’s previous ventures include Konga and E-Motion Advertising. uLesson aims to expand its reach and continue addressing education challenges in Africa in 2025.