40 Under 40: How Olufisayo Oludare is Solving One of Africa’s Biggest Problems

Olufisayo Oludare always knew he had an entrepreneurial spirit, but it wasn’t until 2014 that his true passion became crystal clear – to provide financial inclusion for Africans.

This realisation set him on a mission to tackle one of the continent’s biggest challenges, financial inclusion. Fast forward to 2017, and alongside his former colleague, Ikenna Agugua, Oludare co-founded Advansio, a fintech company dedicated to reshaping the way financial services are accessed and delivered across Africa.

“We knew financial inclusion could change lives,” Oludare says, reflecting on the early days of Advansio. “There was so much untapped potential, and we believed we could build faster, better, and more efficient solutions that could bridge the gap.”

That passion and belief in Africa’s future helped Advansio make a bold entrance into the fintech space, one that would have a ripple effect across the continent.

The Lightbulb Moment

Every entrepreneur has a turning point, and for Oludare, it came while working for a fintech company in the early days of the industry. “I quickly recognised the immense potential financial inclusion had,” he says. The idea of making financial services more accessible to individuals and businesses alike struck a chord with him and it became his driving force and the core around which Advansio was built.

But one moment in particular stood out for him, the day Advansio won the Startup Istanbul award during its very first year. “That was when I knew we were onto something big,” Oludare recalls with pride. Winning the award didn’t just validate their efforts; it catapulted Advansio into the spotlight and proved that the work they were doing had global relevance.

The recognition brought with it a wave of new opportunities. “It gave us visibility and opened doors for key partnerships,” he explains. From there, the momentum grew, allowing Advansio to continue innovating and delivering the kinds of financial solutions that would have lasting impact.

Building on Passion and Purpose

Beyond business success, what drives Oludare is the passion for building something that genuinely serves people. “My passion for African solutions in financial services is what’s kept us going,” he says. “It’s been critical to our success because it keeps us focused on the bigger picture, no matter how competitive the industry gets.”

It’s that same passion that fuels his commitment to constantly sharpen his skills and stay connected to the core mission of Advansio. “I stay ahead of industry trends, but more importantly, I’ve surrounded myself with a team that shares that same passion and drive.” Together, they push the boundaries of what’s possible, always looking for ways to innovate and improve.

That commitment to pushing boundaries has also led Oludare to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s financial sector. As an active member of Fintech Nigeria and a pioneer on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s committee on open banking, Oludare’s influence extends well beyond his company.

“These roles have allowed me to leverage my influence not just for personal success, but to create meaningful change in the industry,” he says.

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Overcoming Challenges and Breaking New Ground

Of course, breaking into Africa’s fintech market wasn’t without its challenges. Oludare and his team faced obstacles, particularly when it came to scaling and navigating the complexities of the region. But their strategy was clear: partnerships.

“Our strategy for breaking into the industry, especially in the African market, was forging strategic partnerships with individuals and organisations that had a deep understanding of the space,” he says.

These collaborations allowed Advansio to grow much faster, leveraging the expertise and networks of their partners. “Overcoming challenges came down to delivering excellence in our digital financial solutions,” he explains. This earned them referrals within the industry and helped solidify their reputation as a trusted partner.

Leadership and Resilience

Behind every successful company is strong leadership, and Oludare’s approach has always been about leading by example. “I believe in doing what I ask others to do,” he says.

As his responsibilities have grown, so has his focus on empowering his team, making sure everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. “I’ve learned that fostering an environment where people are encouraged to innovate and collaborate is key to driving success.”

Resilience has also been a cornerstone of Oludare’s journey. “Staying grounded in our core mission and values is how we maintain focus,” he says. The pressures of running a fintech company in such a dynamic industry can be intense, but Oludare credits setting clear goals, celebrating small wins, and surrounding himself with a supportive team as key factors in staying motivated.

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A Vision for Financial Inclusion

“I want to see a more inclusive and innovative financial ecosystem that empowers individuals and businesses across Africa,” Oludare says. And with Advansio at the forefront of that mission, he’s confident that the company will continue to drive financial inclusion through cutting-edge solutions.

“We’re committed to expanding our reach to underserved markets and fostering partnerships that support our goals,” he adds. The work Advansio is doing isn’t just about making financial services accessible; it’s about driving economic empowerment and creating opportunities for growth and innovation.

Redefining Wealth and Success

Oludare’s approach to wealth is shaped by a broader sense of responsibility. “Wealth, to me, is about creating value and sharing it,” he explains. “It’s not about accumulating riches for yourself; it’s about using resources to benefit others.” This philosophy influences every aspect of his life and business, guiding him to focus on making a positive impact rather than feeding personal ego.

And when it comes to advice for the next generation of African leaders, Oludare’s message is simple but powerful: “Focus on providing genuine value. Solve real problems, and the financial rewards will follow. When you prioritise people and their needs, you build trust—and that’s the foundation for lasting success.”