20 Richest Tech Guys in Nigeria

Picture a busy Lagos market, the air thick with the sounds of haggling and the aroma of spices. Now, picture that same market, but instead of physical goods, the currency is data, and the traders are brilliant young minds, coding the future of Nigeria.

This is the reality of the Nigerian tech landscape today – a dynamic and rapidly evolving ecosystem fueled by the ingenuity and ambition of its people.

You see, Nigeria is more than just oil and agriculture. It’s a nation teeming with untapped potential, a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.

And at the forefront of this technological revolution are the richest tech guys in Nigeria, visionaries who are not only amassing significant wealth but also transforming the very fabric of Nigerian society.

These richest men in tech in Nigeria are more than just businessmen; they are pioneers, trailblazers who are challenging the status quo and building a brighter future for millions.

They are the ones who saw the potential in connecting Africa through digital platforms, who dared to dream of a cashless society, and who are now leveraging technology to solve some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges – from healthcare to education, from agriculture to finance.

This article seeks to shine a light on these remarkable individuals, to tell their stories of success, and to inspire the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

We will explore their journeys, their innovations, and the profound impact they are having on the Nigerian tech landscape.

By understanding the achievements of these richest tech guys in Nigeria, we can gain valuable insights into the forces driving the country’s digital transformation and the immense potential that lies ahead.

So, join me as we talk about the richest tech guys in Nigeria, the visionaries who are shaping the future of this dynamic nation.

Criteria for Selection
20 Richest Tech Guys in Nigeria
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Recommendations

Criteria for Selection

To identify the richest tech guys in Nigeria, several criteria were considered:

Net Worth: The estimated financial worth of each individual based on their business ventures and investments.

Impact on the Industry: The significance of their contributions to the Nigerian tech landscape and beyond.

Innovation: Their role in pioneering new technologies or business models that have reshaped industries.

In this section, we will explore brief profiles of each entrepreneur, highlighting their net worth and impacts to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

1. Mike Adenuga

Founded: Globacom

Mike Adenuga is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and one of the richest men in tech in Nigeria. He founded Globacom, which is Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, boasting over 60 million subscribers.

Adenuga’s vision has revolutionized communication in Nigeria, making mobile services more accessible and affordable. His business interests also extend to oil production and banking.

Impact: Adenuga’s work has significantly improved connectivity in Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economic growth and digital transformation.

Estimated Net Worth: As of January 2025, Mike Adenuga’s net worth is approximately $6.8 billion, having increased by $700 million in 2024 due to the success of his ventures.

2. Olugbenga Agboola

Founded: Flutterwave

Olugbenga Agboola, often referred to as GB, co-founded Flutterwave in 2016. The company specializes in payment technology and has become a key player in facilitating online transactions across Africa. Flutterwave operates in over 33 countries and partners with global payment providers like PayPal.

Impact: Agboola’s leadership has transformed the payment landscape in Africa, making it easier for businesses to accept payments online and enhancing cross-border transactions.

Estimated Net Worth: While specific figures for Agboola’s net worth are not publicly available, Flutterwave has raised over $225 million and is valued at over $1 billion. It is estimated that his personal net worth exceeds $2 million.

3. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji

Founded: Andela and Flutterwave

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji co-founded Andela, which trains software developers across Africa, and Flutterwave, where he served as CEO for a time. His efforts have helped create a robust tech talent pool in Africa.

Impact: Aboyeji has played a crucial role in connecting African talent with global opportunities, significantly impacting the tech ecosystem by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Estimated Net Worth: As one of the richest Nigerian tech guys, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji’s estimated net worth is currently between $200 million and $300 million as of January 2025. His ventures have attracted substantial investment, indicating significant wealth.

4. Sola Akinlade

Founded: Paystack

Shola Akinlade co-founded Paystack in 2016 to address payment challenges faced by businesses in Africa. In 2020, Paystack was acquired by Stripe for $200 million, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian fintech.

Impact: Akinlade’s work has streamlined online payments for businesses across Nigeria and beyond, enhancing financial transactions’ efficiency.

Estimated Net Worth: Shola Akinlade’s net worth is estimated at around $100 million as of 2025.

5. Tayo Oviosu

Founded: Paga

Tayo Oviosu is the founder of Paga, a mobile payments company focused on digitizing cash transactions in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2009, Paga has expanded access to financial services for millions of Nigerians.

Impact: Oviosu’s efforts have promoted financial inclusion by providing easy access to mobile payment solutions.

Estimated Net Worth: Oviosu’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million as of early 2025.

6. Ezra Olubi

Founded: Paystack

Ezra Olubi is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Paystack. His expertise in software development has been instrumental in building Paystack into one of Africa’s leading payment platforms.

Impact: Olubi’s contributions have enabled countless businesses to accept payments seamlessly online, significantly impacting the fintech sector.

Estimated Net Worth: Ezra Olubi’s net worth is estimated at over $35 million as of January 2025.

7. Ebun Okubanjo

Founded: Bento Africa

Ebun Okubanjo is the co-founder of Bento Africa, a payroll and HR management platform designed to simplify employee management for businesses in Nigeria. Bento aims to streamline payroll processes and improve workplace efficiency.

Impact: Okubanjo’s work has introduced innovative solutions for managing payroll and HR functions, making it easier for companies to handle employee-related tasks. However, his leadership faced scrutiny due to allegations of a toxic workplace culture. After a series of accusations regarding management practices, he stepped back from people-related decisions to allow for an internal review of the company’s culture.

Estimated Net Worth: As of January 2025, Ebun Okubanjo’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million, making him one of the richest Nigerian tech guys.

8. Mitchell Elegbe

Founded: Interswitch

Mitchell Elegbe founded Interswitch Group, which has become a leader in integrated payments and digital commerce across Africa. His vision has paved the way for innovative payment solutions that facilitate commerce throughout the continent.

Impact: Elegbe’s work has transformed how Nigerians conduct transactions, making digital payments more accessible and efficient.

Estimated Net Worth: Elegbe’s net worth is estimated at around $150 million as of early 2025.

9. Chijioke Dozie

Founded: Carbon (formerly Paylater)

Chijioke Dozie co-founded Carbon, a digital bank that offers loans and financial services through its app. The platform aims to provide accessible banking solutions to Nigerians.

Impact: Dozie’s efforts have enhanced financial access for many individuals who previously lacked banking services.

Estimated Net Worth: Dozie’s net worth is estimated at approximately $30 million as of January 2025.

10. Tunde Kehinde

Founded: Jumia Nigeria

Tunde Kehinde co-founded Jumia Nigeria, one of Africa’s leading e-commerce platforms. Jumia has made online shopping more accessible to millions of Nigerians by offering various products and services.

Impact: Kehinde’s work has contributed significantly to the growth of e-commerce in Nigeria, changing consumer habits and promoting digital retailing.

Estimated Net Worth: Kehinde’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million as of early 2025.

11. Kola Aina

Founded: Ventures Platform

Kola Aina founded Ventures Platform, an early-stage investment firm that supports startups across Africa. His firm focuses on nurturing innovative ideas that can transform industries.

Impact: Aina’s investments have helped numerous startups gain traction and scale their operations within the competitive tech landscape.

Estimated Net Worth: Aina’s net worth is estimated at approximately $25 million as of January 2025, making him one of the richest men in tech in Nigeria.

12. Bosun Tijani

Founded: Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB)

Bosun Tijani is the co-founder and CEO of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), Nigeria’s first innovation hub established in 2010. CcHUB serves as a community space for tech enthusiasts, providing resources and support for startups to develop innovative solutions.

Impact: Tijani has significantly influenced Nigeria’s tech ecosystem by fostering collaboration and innovation. CcHUB has trained thousands of tech talents and supported numerous startups, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Estimated Net Worth: Bosun Tijani’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million as of January 2025.

13. Ngozi Dozie

Founded: Carbon (formerly Paylater)

Ngozi Dozie is the co-founder of Carbon, a digital bank that offers loans and financial services through its mobile app. The platform aims to provide accessible banking solutions to Nigerians who may not have access to traditional banking.

Impact: Dozie’s work has enhanced financial inclusion in Nigeria, allowing millions to access credit and banking services easily. Carbon has become one of Nigeria’s leading fintech companies.

Estimated Net Worth: As one of the richest men in tech in Nigeria, Ngozi Dozie’s net worth is estimated at approximately $30 million as of January 2025.

14. Mark Essien

Founded: Hotels.ng

Mark Essien is the founder and CEO of Hotels.ng, an online hotel booking platform launched in 2013. The platform allows users to search for and book hotels across Nigeria easily.

Impact: Essien’s work has transformed how Nigerians book accommodations, making travel planning more convenient. Hotels.ng has become a trusted resource for travelers in Nigeria.

Estimated Net Worth: Mark Essien’s net worth is estimated at around $15 million as of January 2025, making him one of the richest tech guys in Nigeria.

15. Obi Ozor

Founded: Kobo360

Obi Ozor co-founded Kobo360, making him one of the richest men in tech in Nigeria. Kobo360 is a logistics platform that connects shippers with truck owners. Launched in 2018, Kobo360 aims to streamline supply chain operations across Africa.

Impact: Ozor’s work has improved logistics efficiency by providing real-time tracking and transparency in shipping processes, which helps reduce costs for businesses and enhances delivery times.

Estimated Net Worth: Obi Ozor’s net worth is estimated at about $25 million as of January 2025.

16. Chika Nwosu

Founded: Andela

Chika Nwosu is a prominent figure at Andela, a company that trains software developers across Africa and connects them with global companies. His focus on building tech talent has had a significant impact on the industry.

Impact: Nwosu’s efforts have created numerous job opportunities for young developers in Africa, helping them secure positions with international firms and improving the tech landscape in Nigeria.

Estimated Net Worth: Chika Nwosu’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million as of January 2025.

17. Laurin Hainy

Founded: FairMoney

Laurin Hainy is the co-founder of FairMoney, a fintech company that offers microloans and financial services through a mobile app. Launched in 2018, FairMoney aims to provide quick access to credit for individuals and small businesses in Nigeria.

Impact: Hainy’s work has significantly impacted financial inclusion in Nigeria by making it easier for people to access loans without traditional banking barriers. FairMoney has grown rapidly, helping many Nigerians manage their finances more effectively.

Estimated Net Worth: As one of the richest Nigerian tech guys, Laurin Hainy’s net worth is estimated at approximately $15 million as of January 2025.

18. Razaq Ahmed

Founded: Flutterwave

Razaq Ahmed played a key role in establishing Flutterwave alongside Olugbenga Agboola. The company focuses on providing payment solutions that facilitate online transactions across Africa.

Impact: Ahmed’s contributions have helped simplify payment processes for businesses operating online, enhancing e-commerce growth across the continent by making transactions easier and more secure.

Estimated Net Worth: Razaq Ahmed’s net worth is estimated at approximately $12 million as of January 2025.

19. Sim Shagaya

Founded: Konga.com

Sim Shagaya founded Konga.com, one of Nigeria’s largest e-commerce platforms launched in 2012. Konga provides a marketplace for various products ranging from electronics to fashion.

Impact: Shagaya’s work has significantly influenced how Nigerians shop online, promoting digital retailing and expanding access to consumer goods across the country.

Estimated Net Worth: Sim Shagaya’s net worth is estimated at around $30 million as of January 2025, and this has positioned him as one of the richest Nigerian tech guys.

20. John Tanimola Obaro

Founded: SystemSpecs

John Tanimola Obaro is the founder of SystemSpecs, a software development company known for its financial technology solutions like Remita, which facilitates payments for government agencies and businesses.

Impact: Obaro’s innovations have streamlined payment processes for various sectors in Nigeria, enhancing efficiency and transparency in financial transactions throughout the economy.

Estimated Net Worth: John Tanimola Obaro’s net worth is estimated at approximately $20 million as of January 2025, and this promoted him to become one of the richest men in tech in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The richest tech guys in Nigeria are not just wealthy individuals; they are visionaries who are reshaping the future through technology.

Their contributions are pivotal to driving innovation and economic development within the country.

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it is clear that these entrepreneurs will continue to play a crucial role in defining Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s tech landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What factors contribute to the wealth of tech entrepreneurs in Nigeria?

The wealth of tech entrepreneurs often stems from successful startups that address local challenges through innovative solutions. Their ability to attract investment and scale operations contributes significantly to their net worth.

2. How is technology impacting job creation in Nigeria?

Technology startups are significant job creators, especially among youth. They provide diverse employment opportunities while also fostering skills development through training programs aimed at enhancing digital literacy.

3. What role do venture capitalists play in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem?

Venture capitalists provide essential funding for startups at various stages of growth. Their investment not only supports business expansion but also contributes to building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages innovation.

4. What trends are shaping Nigeria’s tech landscape as we move into 2025?

Key trends include increased investment in fintech solutions, growth in e-commerce platforms, and a focus on digital skills training programs aimed at preparing the workforce for future challenges within the tech industry.