Ferri Omitaomu

Pioneered fintech solutions in Africa, enabling millions through accessible financial services.

Ferri Omitaomu is a Nigerian entrepreneur and co-founder of Flutterwave, a financial technology company that has revolutionized payments in Africa. Born in 1989 in Lagos, Nigeria, Omitaomu's vision centered on addressing the continent's fragmented payment infrastructure. Prior to Flutterwave, cross-border transactions were notoriously complex and costly, limiting economic growth for businesses and individuals alike.

Launched in 2012, Flutterwave streamlined payment processing across 30+ African countries, reducing transaction costs by up to 70%. The platform supports multiple currencies, mobile money systems, and integrates with global platforms like Stripe and PayPal. By 2023, Flutterwave had processed over $20 billion in transactions and served 500,000 businesses, directly impacting 20 million users. Omitaomu's innovation earned Flutterwave a $3.6 billion valuation, making it one of Africa's most valuable fintech startups.

His work extends beyond commerce: Flutterwave's "Tech for Good" initiative funds startups addressing education, healthcare, and gender equality. Omitaomu also co-founded the African Fintech Alliance to advocate for regulatory frameworks supporting digital finance. In 2021, he was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People for his role in "democratizing financial access."

Despite success, Omitaomu emphasizes inclusivity: "Africa's potential isn't limited by geography—it's limited by access to tools," he stated in a 2022 CNBC interview. His efforts have inspired a new generation of African fintech innovators, proving that solving local challenges can create global impact.