It’s one thing to dream about starting something new, but it takes a special kind of courage to actually do it — to build something from scratch with little more than vision, grit, and passion.
Across Nigeria (and Africa as a whole), a new generation of inspiring women is doing exactly that. They’re creating companies, movements, and platforms that are reshaping industries and inspiring millions. These women didn’t start with big bank accounts or fancy networks — they started with belief. And that, it turns out, was enough.
Here are some of the inspiring women proving that greatness truly can start small. 🌟
1. Odunayo Eweniyi — Building Financial Freedom, One Saving at a Time
Back in 2016, Odunayo Eweniyi and her friends Somto Ifezue and Joshua Chibueze decided to solve a problem nearly every young Nigerian could relate to: saving money. Banks weren’t making it easy, and traditional saving methods weren’t reliable.
So, they launched Piggybank.ng, which later became PiggyVest — a simple, digital way to save and invest.
Odunayo, a computer engineering graduate, used her tech background to bring the idea to life, but it was her persistence that made it thrive.
Today, PiggyVest is one of Nigeria’s most trusted fintech platforms, with millions of users and billions of naira saved.
Her advice? “Embrace failure and be ready for it — it will happen at some point. What matters is what you do next.”
Beyond PiggyVest, she co-founded FirstCheck Africa, a fund investing in women-led start-ups, cementing her place as one of Africa’s leading voices in tech.
2. Damilola Odufuwa — From Tech Executive to Feminist Coalition Leader
Damilola Odufuwa is proof that women can lead in any space they choose.
Before co-founding the Feminist Coalition in 2020, she had already carved a name for herself at global companies like CNN, Bloomberg, MTV, and Binance Africa.
Then came the #EndSARS protests — a defining moment in Nigeria’s history. Damilola and a group of young women formed the Feminist Coalition to organize donations, logistics, and support for protesters across the country.
They started with nothing but conviction, digital skills, and a mission to help. Within days, they became the movement’s backbone.
As Damilola puts it, “I didn’t plan to work in tech, but when I saw the impact blockchain could have on women’s rights and freedom, I was sold.”
3. Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin — Coding for Change
When Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin founded the Pearls Africa Foundation in 2012, she wanted to open doors for young girls who’d never even seen a computer before.
Her flagship program, GirlsCoding, teaches girls from underserved communities how to build apps and solve real-life problems through tech.
Many of her students have gone on to develop impactful projects tackling issues like gender inequality and child marriage.
In 2018, Abisoye’s work earned her global recognition as one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes — proof that her passion for empowering girls through education was changing lives.
4. Oluwatosin Olaseinde — Making Money Make Sense
When Oluwatosin (“Tosin”) Olaseinde looked around, she saw a major problem — people were earning money but didn’t know how to manage it.
So, in 2018, she launched Money Africa, a platform simplifying financial education for everyday Africans. What began as Instagram posts and online classes has evolved into a full learning platform and app.
Tosin later founded Ladda, an investment platform that helps users start investing with small amounts.
Through her work, Tosin has shown that financial literacy isn’t reserved for finance experts — it’s for everyone. Her brand now empowers thousands to budget, save, and invest confidently.
5. Bolanle Banwo — Designing a Movement
In 2016, Bolanle Banwo noticed that very few women were breaking into design — an industry full of opportunity. So, she decided to change that.
She launched The Female Designer Movement, a platform that trains women in graphic design and helps them find their creative voice.
Bolanle’s goal was simple: equip women with skills to earn and express themselves.
From small workshops to nationwide programs, she’s helped thousands of women turn creativity into careers — one design at a time.
6. Asisat Oshoala — From Ikorodu Streets to Global Stardom
Asisat Oshoala’s story reads like a sports movie. From the dusty fields of Ikorodu to the grand stadiums of Barcelona, she’s shown that dreams know no boundaries.
Despite early resistance from her family, she pursued football relentlessly. Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she led Nigeria to victory at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.
Now playing for FC Barcelona Femení, she’s a multiple UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and the most decorated African Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Her journey is a masterclass in perseverance and passion. ⚽
7. Veekee James — Stitching Her Dreams Into Reality
Growing up in Ajegunle, Veekee James learned to sew from her mother. Without formal fashion training or big investors, she began making dresses for friends — and never stopped.
By 2019, her unique designs and craftsmanship had caught attention online. Fast-forward to today, and Veekee James is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated fashion designers, dressing celebrities and brides across the world.
She’s living proof that creativity and consistency can turn humble beginnings into a global brand.
8. Tems — The Voice That Broke Boundaries
Before she was a Grammy-winning artist, Temilade Openiyi (Tems) was working a regular 9–5 job in Lagos.
In 2018, she quit her job to chase music full-time, producing songs from her bedroom. Her breakout hit “Try Me” in 2019 catapulted her into the spotlight.
Then came “Essence” with Wizkid — a global hit that opened doors to collaborations with Drake and Beyoncé. In 2023, she made history by winning a Grammy Award for her work on Future’s “Wait For U.”
From a bedroom studio to the global stage, Tems built her career on authenticity and self-belief.
Why Their Stories Matter
These women remind us that you don’t need perfect conditions to start — just courage and vision. From fintech and activism to fashion, tech, and sports, they’re reshaping what success looks like for African women.
Their stories prove one thing: starting small is not a setback — it’s a launchpad.
So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start that dream, this is it. The women who built something from nothing did it — and so can you. 💛
