Olugbenga Agboola: Pioneering Fintech Innovator and CEO of Flutterwave


Olugbenga Agboola, born in 1985 in Lagos, Nigeria, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and software engineer known for his outstanding contributions to the fintech industry. As the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, a post-Series A payments technology company, Agboola has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital payments landscape in Africa and beyond.


Early Years and Education

Agboola's journey in the tech world began with his academic pursuits. He graduated from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management with an MBA, specializing in Technology Operations & Value Chain Management. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his completion of the Advanced Management Program at Columbia Business School, where he engaged in activities like fencing, showcasing his diverse interests and skills.


Professional Journey

Before co-founding Flutterwave in 2016 alongside Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Agboola gained valuable experience as an application engineer at PayPal and contributed to product management at Google. His multifaceted background in software engineering and business laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures.


Flutterwave's Rise

As the Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, Agboola spearheaded the company's mission to build digital payments infrastructure for Africa, facilitating seamless transactions globally. Under his leadership, Flutterwave achieved significant milestones, processing over $2 billion across all product platforms within two years of operation. The company's success has been acknowledged with prestigious awards, such as the "Best Technology Platform" by The Asian Banker and inclusion in the "Top 100 Fintech Firms."


Entrepreneurial Spirit

Agboola's entrepreneurial journey extends beyond Flutterwave. He has served as a Senior Entrepreneur In Residence at the Royal Bank of Scotland Business in London, showcasing his global impact. His role as Head of Digital Factory & Innovation at Access Bank Plc in Nigeria further highlights his dedication to fostering innovation within the financial sector.


National Honours and Recognition

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Olugbenga Agboola was decorated with Nigeria's National Honour Medal of the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) by President Muhammadu Buhari. This prestigious honor was conferred in acknowledgment of his advancements in technology, innovations, and economic development. Agboola's achievements have also earned him a place on Fortune's 40 Under 40 list in 2020 and Time's Next 100 list in 2021.


Tech Investor of the Year

Agboola's impact in the tech and business community was further solidified in April 2022 when he received the Tech Investor of the Year award in the Business Insider Africa awards. This recognition underscores his strategic vision and influence in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and investments.



Olugbenga Agboola's journey from a software engineer to the CEO of Flutterwave is a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. His leadership in advancing digital payments infrastructure in Africa has not only transformed the fintech industry but has also garnered national and international acclaim. As a visionary entrepreneur and recipient of numerous accolades, Agboola continues to inspire the next generation of tech leaders and remains a driving force in shaping the future of financial technology.

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