Flutterwave, widely seen as one of Africa’s most prominent payments technology firms, has renewed its focus on youth entrepreneurship through a partnership with the Activate Success International Foundation. The initiative is tied to the National Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme, YEEP 2026, which took place over the weekend in Abuja.
The summit gathered young business founders, corporate and ecosystem leaders, and other stakeholders to examine how technology, hands-on mentorship, and practical access to resources can speed up the development of new enterprises. Discussions centered on what it takes for early-stage operators to scale beyond initial traction and build firms capable of competing in wider markets.
At the event, Flutterwave Founder and Chief Executive Officer Olugbenga Agboola underscored the need to equip young entrepreneurs with the supporting infrastructure, operational tools, and opportunities required to build businesses that can last. He argued that sustainable growth depends not only on ambition, but also on the availability of systems that help companies transact, reach customers, and operate efficiently.
During a fireside conversation with Ms Love Idoko-Uloko, Activate Success Foundation’s CEO, Agboola described the company’s origin as being rooted in a straightforward concept: developing “the infrastructure of infrastructures.” The goal, he said, is to allow businesses across Africa to connect with customers across borders and markets—spanning routes from Abuja to Nairobi and onward to London and beyond—without unnecessary friction.
Drawing on Flutterwave’s own expansion story, Agboola also revisited the company’s early phase, including the decision to present its vision in San Francisco at a time when it was still working to build global credibility. He said those formative experiences helped sharpen the company’s approach to scaling and positioning in international markets.
Agboola further pointed to humility, mentorship, and relationship-building as critical factors behind Flutterwave’s progress. He highlighted how the support and guidance of the late Herbert Wigwe helped shape opportunities that later opened doors for the firm.
Using his experience, Agboola encouraged young entrepreneurs to actively pursue the opportunities available to them now, noting that improved access to knowledge, technology, and global customer channels has expanded the range of possibilities for the next wave of African founders and builders.
“You are living in a world where you can learn anything, build anything, and become anything. The question is whether you are locking in and investing in yourself with the consistency and excellence that will carry you to where you are going,” Agboola said.
Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, Business Development at Flutterwave, added that the company’s role includes helping remove barriers that can slow emerging entrepreneurs. He linked that goal to providing access to digital payment solutions and business infrastructure designed to make it easier for startups to operate, accept payments, and grow.
“This is 2026, and the question has evolved from whether Africa is open for business to whether you are ready when that opportunity shows up for you,” Olaniyi said.
Under the YEEP 2026 programme, Flutterwave and Activate Success International Foundation awarded more than 25 grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs. The funding is intended to support business expansion and to help finance the next generation of African builders.
