Business Lessons from Nigerian Entrepreneurs Breaking Global Grounds

What we can learn from founders taking their Nigerian businesses beyond borders.

It’s easy to feel like your dreams are too big, especially when you’re building from Nigeria. But look closer, and you’ll see it’s already happening—Nigerian entrepreneurs are not just surviving; they’re building brands the world is watching.

From fintech to fashion, from tech apps to media, these founders are turning bold ideas into businesses that speak to the world. They remind us that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about staying the course, trusting your vision, and leading with purpose.

Let’s dive into real stories and simple but powerful lessons you can apply to your own journey.

1. Start Local, Think Global – Paystack

When Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi started Paystack, they weren’t trying to conquer the world. They were solving a Nigerian problem—how to make online payments easier for businesses.

But here’s the lesson: when you solve a real problem well, the world pays attention.

In 2020, Stripe acquired Paystack for over $200 million. That wasn’t luck. It was a mix of vision, clean execution, and staying focused on value.

Lesson for founders: You don’t need to wait until you “go international.” Solve one problem excellently, build trust, and opportunities will come.

2. Own Your Story – Temie Giwa-Tubosun (LifeBank)

Temie didn’t just start LifeBank because it was a “cool” idea. She started it because she saw a life-or-death need. Hospitals in Nigeria were losing patients due to blood shortages.

So, she created a simple logistics solution that connects blood banks with hospitals. Today, LifeBank is a health tech company that has expanded across Africa and received attention from CNN, the WHO, and global investors.

Lesson for founders: Start with a personal “why.” When your story is rooted in purpose, it speaks louder than fancy branding. Investors and users alike are drawn to founders who are mission-driven.

3. Don’t Wait for Perfect – Flutterwave

When Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and his team launched Flutterwave, they knew the African payment space was messy. But instead of sitting around planning for years, they built quickly, tested fast, and kept improving.

Today, Flutterwave processes billions in payments and partners with companies like Uber and Shopify.

Lesson for founders: Progress beats perfection. Your MVP (minimum viable product) doesn’t need to be flawless—it just needs to work. Show traction, then build on it.

4. Invest in People – PiggyVest

PiggyVest didn’t rise to fame just because of a cool app. It grew because of a strong team that believed in financial freedom for young Nigerians.

The founders understood their audience deeply and created savings tools people actually use. They spoke their users’ language and built trust, one feature at a time.

Lesson for founders: You’re not just building a product. You’re building a community. When you lead with empathy and invest in your team, your brand becomes something people want to be part of.

5. Be Consistent – Ade Hassan (Nubian Skin)

Let’s shift gears to fashion. Ade Hassan, a Nigerian-British entrepreneur, started Nubian Skin to solve a simple problem—nude underwear didn’t exist for women of color.

Her idea was bold, but her growth was slow and steady. She stayed consistent, showed up, and built a loyal following. Eventually, her brand caught the attention of major fashion houses and media outlets.

Lesson for founders: Big breaks don’t come overnight. They come when you show up, stay in your lane, and keep delivering quality.

Final Thoughts: Greatness Grows in Steps

These Nigerian founders didn’t follow the same path. But they share something in common: they dared to start, they stayed resilient, and they didn’t let their environment limit their impact.

You don’t need permission to dream global. You just need purpose, a clear problem to solve, and the courage to start where you are.

And if you’re ready to move with that kind of clarity—we’re here to help.

If You Are Ready to go global, one bold step at a time?

At Mercy Elroi, we help purpose-led founders like you gain clarity, plan strategically, and build brands that last.

Let’s work together. [Book a strategy session today] and start building a business that speaks across borders.