At the prestigious Art of Technology Lagos 6.0 event, Babajide Duroshola, General Manager of M-KOPA Nigeria, was honored with the “Technology Personality of the Year” award by Eko Innovations. This recognition underscores his remarkable contributions to advancing digital financial inclusion in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Driving Financial Inclusion through Innovation
Under the leadership of Babajide Duroshola, M-KOPA Nigeria has become a key player in providing accessible financing solutions for underbanked Nigerians. His work has helped redefine the role of technology in improving lives, ensuring that more people have access to essential digital tools and credit facilities.
Reflecting on the award, Babajide emphasized the collective efforts of his team at M-KOPA:
“This award isn’t just about me. It represents the incredible work of my team in transforming technology into tools for financial empowerment.”
A Career of Leadership and Impact
Before joining M-KOPA in 2021, Duroshola made waves as the Country Director for SafeBoda Nigeria, where he drove the company’s expansion and operational success in Ibadan. His ability to onboard 5,000 drivers and complete over 1.5 million rides within a year showcased his knack for building impactful businesses.
His prior roles include serving as Community Manager at Andela, where he strengthened tech talent networks across Nigeria. With a background in computer science from Bells University of Technology and over a decade of professional experience, Babajide has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation.
A Stellar Year for M-KOPA
M-KOPA has seen tremendous growth, achieving an annual revenue run rate (ARR) of $400 million by year-end. This milestone reflects its strategic expansion into higher-value markets and its success in scaling financial services for underbanked individuals across Africa.
Babajide’s work has contributed to M-KOPA’s impact, as highlighted in its 2024 Impact Report: over 5 million customers served in Kenya and more than 16,000 jobs created, reducing unemployment while driving economic inclusion.
Conclusion
In a year of significant challenges for Nigeria’s economy, Babajide Duroshola’s dedication to leveraging technology for meaningful change stands out. As the Tech Personality of the Year 2024, he symbolizes resilience, innovation, and the potential of technology to improve lives across Africa.
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