Olugbenga Agboola, OON

Olugbenga Agboola (born 1985) is a Nigerian software engineer, entrepreneur, and business leader. He is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company. Agboola is also Vice Chairman of the U.S.-Africa Business Center Board and an active member of global business councils including the Milken Institute Africa Business Leaders Council, the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, and the Fast Company Impact Council.

Educational Background

• Electrical Engineering Degree – Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

• MBA – University of Oxford, Said Business School

• MBA Program Graduate – MIT Sloan School of Management

His blend of technical and business education has equipped him with the skills to bridge engineering expertise with strategic leadership in fintech.

Career Journey

• Early Career:

  • Application Engineer at PayPal

  • Product Management roles at Google

  • Founded an earlier fintech venture focused on alternative payment methods, later acquired by a major Nigerian bank.

• Flutterwave (2016–Present): Co-founded Flutterwave with Iyinoluwa Aboyeji in 2016. Under Agboola’s leadership, Flutterwave has grown into a pan-African payments powerhouse, enabling seamless transactions for businesses and individuals across the continent and globally. The company has become a key driver of Africa’s digital economy, powering merchants, SMEs, and large enterprises with secure and scalable payment solutions.

National Honours

• Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON): Conferred by President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of Agboola’s contributions to technology, innovation, and economic development in Nigeria. He received the honour alongside notable figures such as Ameyo Adadevoh, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, and others.

Recognition & Awards

• Fortune 40 Under 40 (2020): Recognized among the world’s most influential young leaders.

• Time’s Next 100 (2021): Listed as one of the emerging leaders shaping the future.

• Tech Investor of the Year (2022): Awarded by Business Insider Africa.

• National Honour (2022): Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Leadership & Vision

Agboola is widely regarded as a visionary in African fintech, driving innovation that connects Africa to the global digital economy. His leadership at Flutterwave has positioned the company as a bridge between African businesses and international markets, fostering financial inclusion and empowering entrepreneurs.

Quick Facts