Nigerian tech entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji has attracted widespread attention after sharing his views on building wealth and creating successful businesses during an interview with U.S.-based content creator James on The School of Hard Knocks.
Speaking about his entrepreneurial journey, Aboyeji explained that lasting financial success comes from creating value for others rather than focusing solely on personal gain.
When asked how he became wealthy, he introduced the concept of a unicorn company, describing it as a business that reaches a valuation of at least one billion dollars. He went on to reveal that he co-founded two companies that achieved that milestone.
Aboyeji, 35, is the co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave, two African technology companies that have each grown into billion-dollar businesses. He co-founded Andela in 2014 at the age of 23 before launching Flutterwave two years later.
Sharing one of the key lessons from his career, he advised aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on helping others succeed financially.
According to him, people who consistently create opportunities and value for others are more likely to build lasting wealth themselves.
He also stressed that billion-dollar companies are rarely built by one individual, noting that they are the result of talented people working together toward a common goal instead of pursuing separate ventures.
Aboyeji encouraged young entrepreneurs to approach networking with a mindset of service, saying the most powerful question anyone can ask is, “How can I help?” He explained that genuine relationships are built by giving value before expecting anything in return.
Speaking on entrepreneurship in both Nigeria and the United States, he noted that although his companies are incorporated in Delaware, the core principles of building a successful business remain the same everywhere.
He emphasised that businesses grow by solving real problems and creating value for customers, adding that entrepreneurs who fail to help others generate value are unlikely to achieve lasting success.
Aboyeji also urged young Africans to continue pursuing innovation despite existing challenges, saying the emergence of billion-dollar technology companies from Nigeria proves that global success is possible with determination and execution.
The interview formed part of James’ tour across Nigeria, where he has been speaking with some of the country’s leading entrepreneurs and business figures about their journeys and the lessons behind their success.
The video has since generated widespread reactions online, with many social media users praising Aboyeji for his humility, practical business advice and commitment to supporting the growth of African entrepreneurs.
