Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, the co-founder and CEO of the fintech powerhouse Flutterwave, has emerged as a trailblazer in the quest to revolutionize Africa’s payments ecosystem. Drawing on his extensive experience in the global technology and finance industries, including stints at industry giants like Google and PayPal, Agboola has dedicated his career to addressing the unique challenges faced by businesses on the African continent.
One of the key insights that motivated Agboola to launch Flutterwave in 2016 was the glaring inefficiencies in cross-border transactions within Africa. “If you want to pay off a tariff, you’ll see suggestions on the platform for the best way to do that. If you want to make a payment, you see mobile money and all the popular payment methods there,” he explains, highlighting Flutterwave’s focus on offering diverse local options.
But the Flutterwave CEO’s vision extends far beyond just facilitating payments. He sees the company as a driver of broader economic empowerment, enabling businesses of all sizes to unlock new growth opportunities through digital commerce. “E-commerce is a big part of growing the ecoAfrigrowthboolAfrica’s economy. “Many things are happening, and businesses are trying to get online. And in fact, weInthis new campaiahat says ‘start anywhereto .’ What this means is that payment technologies, logistics companies, and e-commerce platforms are all joining hands together to ensure that somebody in Kigali, Rwanda, can just sit down in their room and get started on a business on their phone thanks to a combination of technologies, and begin to sell online.”
Under Agboola’s leadership, Flutterwave has achieved remarkable success, becoming the most valued startup in Africa with a valuation of over $3 billion. The company’s growth has caught the attention of global investors and industry leaders, with the Flutterwave CEO appointed Vice Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Africa Business Centre, a testament to his influence and the significance of Flutterwave’s work.
Agboola’s unwavering commitment to empowering African businesses and fostering greater economic integration has driven success. By building the foundational payments infrastructure and facilitating cross-border collaboration, the Flutterwave CEO is poised to play a pivotal role in unlocking the continent’s vast entrepreneurial potential and propelling its digital-led economic transformation.
