In the ever-evolving world of technology entrepreneurship, there are individuals who stand out for their exceptional vision, determination, and impact. Babatunde Elijah Kelani, popularly known as Tunde Elijah Kelani, is one such figure who has not only made a name for himself but has also left an indelible mark on the financial technology (fintech) landscape.
Born and raised in the slums of Lagos, Tunde’s journey to success was not an easy one. Growing up in a disconnected community, he learned early on the power of resilience and the importance of leveraging technology to bridge the gap in underserved areas. This early exposure to adversity fueled his determination to create innovative solutions that could transform lives.
After completing his education at the Polytechnic in 2012, Tunde embarked on a career path that would lead him to become a seasoned entrepreneur and growth expert. His first step was as an Associate Consultant for Remoik Consulting, where he honed his skills in the technology and consulting sectors. Tunde’s passion for technology’s potential to drive entrepreneurship and innovation led him to realise that Nigeria’s development required the infusion of technology into various sectors.
In 2017, Tunde joined crowdForce, a US-based startup, as the Business Development Lead. Little did he know that this experience would shape his trajectory in the fintech industry. Demonstrating his exceptional capabilities, Tunde rose through the ranks to become the Product Growth Manager in 2019. It was during his tenure at crowdforce that he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing several tech products and programs, including executing the Tradermoni project on behalf of crowdforce. In just one year, GEEP granted over 2 million loans worth $50 million, making it the largest lending scheme in Africa.
In his role as the first Product Growth Manager, Tunde played a pivotal role in the development of Payforce, an innovative agency banking solution aimed at serving underserved and excluded markets. The success of Payforce eventually led to its acquisition by Fairmoney. Tunde demonstrated exceptional leadership by forging strategic partnerships, with one notable example being the collaboration with the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN). This partnership resulted in the establishment of cash points throughout Nigeria, empowering Payforce to facilitate daily transactions exceeding $2 million. These achievements underscore Tunde’s proficiency in leveraging technology and collaborative ventures to foster financial inclusion and drive sustainable economic growth.
Continuing his journey of impact, Tunde joined OkHi Limited in 2021 as the Country Business Lead. OkHi, a UK-based company, focuses on identity and smart address verification in emerging countries. Through his leadership and strategic iterations, Tunde successfully aligned OkHi’s product with the Nigerian and Kenyan markets. Under his guidance, OkHi signed agreements with about three banks and about ten top fintech companies to enable smart addressing systems on their digital channels, with a customer base exceeding 20 million in total.
In 2022, Tunde took on a new challenge as the Vice President of Growth at Crust Africa. At Crust Africa, our primary goal is to establish inclusive digital payment solutions that cater to all stakeholders in the Agriculture value chain. Our vision encompasses a world where farmers, commodity traders, food processors, exporters, and all other participants in the agricultural industry can seamlessly interact within a tailored financial ecosystem designed to address their specific needs. As the Vice President of Growth, I have successfully spearheaded customer acquisition efforts and bolstered profitability. Our ultimate objective is to empower farmers by providing them with accessible financial services and fostering sustainable growth within their communities. This year, we have ambitious plans to expand our operations across Africa, thereby enhancing financial inclusion and making a positive impact on the lives of millions of people.
While building his career, Tunde recognized a crucial gap in the fintech space – the need for data aggregation. In response, he co-founded Hadada in 2021. Hadada is a platform that powers the Open Banking initiative in Africa, aggregating financial data into a single platform. This innovation enables financial institutions to make informed credit decisions, ultimately benefiting individuals and businesses seeking financial services. Tunde’s leadership has driven successful partnerships with traditional banking institutions and fintech companies, granting them access to aggregated financial data.
With his wealth of experience and expertise, Tunde has become a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his journey, he persevered and built resilience, ultimately founding his own financial technology company. His story is a testament to the transformative power of technology entrepreneurship and the impact it can have on individuals, communities, and nations.
Through his journey from humble beginnings to revolutionising the fintech landscape, Tunde Elijah Kelani has emerged as an inspirational figure, demonstrating the transformative potential of tech sales in the different organisations he has worked with. As he continues to make strides in the financial technology space, we can only anticipate the positive impact he will create in empowering individuals, fostering economic growth, and shaping the future of technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Akan Imoh
A dynamic Personal Branding Consultant and avid writer, inspiring individuals in Africa to take charge of their lives and make a significant impact. His thought-provoking insights empower readers to embrace their uniqueness and become catalysts for positive change.
