In 2021, I made the exciting yet challenging decision to move back to Nigeria. Fresh from completing my MBA in London, where I had gained valuable global business insights, the pandemic led me to reevaluate my next steps.
The decision to return wasn’t just about coming back home—it was about contributing to the burgeoning Nigerian tech ecosystem, which had been experiencing tremendous growth.
By Q2 2021, I joined Klasha, a fintech company that was still in its early days, having just been founded that year.
Klasha’s mission was to build infrastructure to enable cross-border payments from Africa to the world, and I was thrilled to be part of a startup working on something so impactful.
Having lived in the UK and been exposed to seamless payment systems, I knew how transformative this product could be for Nigerian businesses, empowering them to access global markets with ease.
Joining Klasha was more than just taking up a new role—it was a chance to bring my UK experience and education to bear on a problem that had significant implications for African entrepreneurs.
Cross-border payments are crucial for any business looking to scale beyond its local borders, and being part of this solution meant I could directly contribute to the financial inclusion and global expansion of African businesses.
Before Klasha, I had already been active in the digital transformation space through my work with ImpactHER, a non-profit organization focused on empowering women digitally.
The effects of COVID-19 had devastated many businesses, particularly women-owned enterprises, and at ImpactHER, we helped these businesses pivot to e-commerce by building free websites.
I was in charge of marketing and partnerships, and it was fulfilling to see how going digital helped these entrepreneurs navigate a difficult time and keep their businesses afloat.
Moving back home was not without its hurdles. The Nigerian job market is competitive, and the infrastructure can be challenging, but the opportunities for growth and innovation far outweigh the obstacles.
My time in London had prepared me well—whether through the structured thinking I honed during my MBA or the exposure to global business practices. But what I’ve found in Nigeria is a different kind of energy—a hunger for innovation and a drive to create lasting change.
Being part of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, particularly the fintech space at Klasha, has been an exciting journey. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to create impact, not just for the company but for businesses across the continent. My role in building and validating Klasha’s product in Nigeria is a testament to how much the knowledge and skills I gained abroad can contribute to the homegrown tech revolution.
For those in the Diaspora considering a return to Nigeria, my advice is simple: come back and be part of the growth. The Nigerian tech scene is thriving, and there’s no better time to leverage your global experience to make an impact.