Nigeria, which currently records a GDP growth of less than 5%, has housed some of the most resilient business minds on the African continent.
In spite of a depreciating naira, forex instability, inflationary surges, and the knock-on effects of global economic and political tensions, Nigerian entrepreneurs continue to build, adapt, and scale.
Their stories are not just found in boardrooms or earnings reports they are also documented in the books they write.
This list examines ten books written by Nigerian business owners whose companies have contributed meaningfully to the nation’s multibillion -dollar economy across industries, from fintech and transport to manufacturing, trade, and enterprise development.
These works are not just memoirs or motivational texts; they are grounded playbooks, written amidst economic turbulence and growth spurts, offering deep insight into navigating Nigeria’s business terrain.
In no order of ranking, and with a methodology anchored in business impact and sectoral contribution over the last decade, this selection celebrates books that merge storytelling with strategy.
They serve as blueprints for aspirants and reflections for peers, capturing what it truly means to build and thrive in Nigeria’s volatile, vibrant economy.
- Author: Abimbola Balogun, Co-founder So Fresh
- Published: 2023
Abimbola Balogun is a seasoned entrepreneur, HR consultant, and business coach who has made a remarkable impact in Nigeria’s retail and SME ecosystem.
She is the co-founder alongside her husband(Goke Balogun) and Chief People Officer at So Fresh Neighbourhood Market, Nigeria’s pioneer and leading healthy food chain, which has grown from a single outlet in 2010 to over 15 locations nationwide.
In 2023, she authored the book Start Small, Scale Big, a practical business guide tailored for African entrepreneurs. The book draws on her real-life experience growing So Fresh into a multi-million dollar business and offers actionable insights on structuring and scaling sustainable ventures. Within its first 10 days, it sold over 500 copies.
With a workforce of 150+ and over 500 direct and indirect jobs created, Abimbola has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s human capital strategy and brand culture. She is also the Principal Consultant at AB Moore Consulting, where she helps African SMEs build efficient teams and scalable business structures.
A member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Abimbola has trained over 2,000 entrepreneurs and built a community of 25,000+ founders. Her work continues to empower leaders to build visionary, high-performing teams.
