Bola Adeeko

Pioneering fintech innovator driving financial inclusion across Africa through Flutterwave

Bola Adeeko is a Nigerian entrepreneur and co-founder of Flutterwave, a financial technology company that has revolutionized cross-border payments and digital financial services in Africa. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Adeeko's work has made significant contributions to economic empowerment by creating accessible payment solutions for businesses and individuals in regions often underserved by traditional banking systems.

Flutterwave, launched in 2016, now operates in over 30 African countries and processes billions of dollars annually. The platform enables merchants to accept payments in multiple currencies while reducing transaction costs, directly addressing the continent's fragmented payment infrastructure. Adeeko's vision aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting financial inclusion (SDG 8) and fostering innovation (SDG 9).

Her advocacy extends beyond business operations into policy advocacy. Adeeko frequently speaks at global forums like the World Economic Forum, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks that support fintech growth. In 2020, she co-authored a whitepaper with the African Development Bank titled Accelerating Financial Inclusion in Africa, proposing actionable strategies for governments and private sectors.

Adeeko's innovations have empowered over 200,000 businesses across Africa, enabling small-scale entrepreneurs to access global markets. Notable partnerships include collaborations with Uber, Airbnb, and Flutterwave's acquisition of Paga in 2021, creating Africa's largest digital payments network. Her work has been featured in Forbes Africa and Wired magazine, highlighting her role in transforming Africa's digital economy.

Through initiatives like the Flutterwave Academy, she provides training programs for young Africans in fintech development. This educational outreach has graduated over 5,000 developers since 2018, fostering a new generation of tech innovators. Adeeko's impact is measurable: Nigeria's digital payment volume increased by 47% between 2019-2022, with Flutterwave accounting for 30% of this growth.