Most Successful Nigerian Entrepreneur Under 40 And What You Can Learn From Them
In recent years, Nigeria has seen an inspiring wave of young entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries, creating jobs, and solving real problems. Among them, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji stands out as one of the most successful Nigerian entrepreneurs under 40. Known for co-founding two of Africa’s most impactful tech companies—Andela and Flutterwave—Iyinoluwa has not only built world-class businesses but has also inspired a generation of tech-savvy Nigerians to dream big and build boldly.
In this blog post, we will explore who Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is, how he rose to success, and the powerful lessons that aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from his remarkable journey.
Who Is Iyinoluwa Aboyeji?
Born on March 28, 1991, in Nigeria, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, often called "E" by close friends and colleagues, has had an illustrious career by his early 30s. He is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and one of the most respected figures in Africa’s tech ecosystem. By the age of 30, he had already co-founded two unicorns—startups valued at over $1 billion.
Aboyeji studied Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo in Canada, where he became deeply involved in entrepreneurship and innovation. His passion for leveraging technology to solve Africa’s biggest challenges became evident early on.
Key Milestones in Iyinoluwa Aboyeji's Career
1. Bookneto (2010–2012)
Before becoming a household name in the African tech space, Iyin co-founded Bookneto, an online learning platform in Canada. It was a precursor to the work he would later do with Andela and proved that he was ahead of the curve when it came to online education. Bookneto was eventually acquired by the Canadian Innovation Centre.
2. Andela (2014–2016)
Andela was founded in 2014 by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Jeremy Johnson, Christina Sass, and Ian Carnevale. The idea behind Andela was simple yet powerful: train talented software developers in Africa and connect them with global companies looking for remote tech talent.
Andela became a global success. With backing from Mark Zuckerberg’s Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Andela raised over $180 million in funding and became a symbol of Africa’s untapped talent pool. Iyinoluwa served as the Director of Recruitment and later became the Managing Director.
Through Andela, thousands of young Africans have received world-class training and international employment, reshaping how global companies perceive African talent.
3. Flutterwave (2016–2018)
In 2016, Iyinoluwa co-founded Flutterwave, a fintech company designed to simplify payments in Africa. Flutterwave provides businesses with a seamless way to make and receive payments across the continent and beyond. With support for multiple currencies and payment methods, it has become a critical infrastructure in Africa’s digital economy.
By 2021, Flutterwave had reached a valuation of over $1 billion, making it one of Africa’s few unicorn startups. As the founding CEO, Iyin helped establish the company’s vision and early momentum before stepping down to pursue new ventures.
4. Future Africa (2019–present)
After his stints at Andela and Flutterwave, Iyinoluwa founded Future Africa, a platform that provides capital, coaching, and community to African innovators. The goal of Future Africa is to fund African solutions to African problems. Since its launch, the platform has invested in dozens of African startups, helping build the next generation of tech giants.
Achievements and Recognition
Forbes 30 Under 30 (2017): Iyinoluwa was listed in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 for his work in technology.
Time Magazine and CNN Features: His work with Andela and Flutterwave has received global media coverage.
Economic Impact: Through Andela and Flutterwave, thousands of jobs have been created, and businesses across Africa have been empowered to grow.
What You Can Learn from Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
1. Start Early and Stay Curious
Iyinoluwa began his entrepreneurial journey in university. He didn’t wait until he had everything figured out; he started with what he had and learned along the way. This proactive approach is crucial—success often comes to those who start early, make mistakes, and learn fast.
2. Focus on Solving Real Problems
Both Andela and Flutterwave were built around solving tangible problems: the talent gap in the tech industry and fragmented payments in Africa. Instead of copying trends, Iyin focused on providing real solutions. This is a key lesson for any entrepreneur: solve a pressing problem, and success will follow.
3. Collaborate with the Right People
Iyinoluwa didn’t build these companies alone. He worked with capable co-founders and teams who complemented his skills. Entrepreneurship is rarely a solo journey. Surrounding yourself with people who share your vision and can execute at a high level is a powerful catalyst for success.
4. Embrace Global Thinking
Although his companies were African at heart, Iyinoluwa always thought globally. Andela connected African developers to companies in the U.S., and Flutterwave enabled international payments. By thinking globally, you expand your market, attract better investors, and build more scalable businesses.
5. Step Aside When Necessary
One of the most mature decisions Iyin made was stepping down as CEO of both Andela and Flutterwave. Recognizing when your role has run its course, or when the business needs a different kind of leader, is a sign of true leadership. Many entrepreneurs hold on too long and hurt their companies as a result.
6. Give Back and Build Ecosystems
With Future Africa, Iyin is not just building companies—he’s building ecosystems. He is now funding and mentoring new founders, creating a multiplier effect. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from this: true success lies in lifting others as you climb.
7. Be Bold, Be Visionary
Iyinoluwa has consistently demonstrated bold thinking. Whether it was believing in remote work before it became mainstream or betting on Africa’s digital future, his ability to see what’s next has set him apart. Entrepreneurs must be willing to take calculated risks and envision what doesn’t yet exist.
Conclusion: The Future Is Bright for African Entrepreneurs
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji’s story is more than a tale of personal success; it is a blueprint for what’s possible when vision, innovation, and grit meet purpose. In under a decade, he co-founded two companies that not only became billion-dollar giants but also impacted the lives of millions across Africa.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, especially in Nigeria or elsewhere in Africa, Iyin’s journey offers a powerful reminder that greatness is within reach. Start with what you know, solve real problems, collaborate with others, and always think beyond borders.
As the African startup ecosystem continues to grow, we can expect many more "Iyin Aboyejis" to emerge—young visionaries daring to dream, building with purpose, and creating the future of the continent.
What’s stopping you from being the next one?
