Across the world’s major financial and innovation hubs, a quiet but profound shift is underway. From New York to London, Lagos to Los Angeles, Nigerian-born entrepreneurs in the diaspora are building multimillion-dollar companies that rival global competitors and, in doing so, rebranding the country’s image abroad.
These founders are part of a growing network of business leaders who have leveraged international exposure, education, and capital to build enterprises spanning fintech, fashion, infrastructure, and consumer goods. Their ventures are not only contributing to foreign economies but also projecting Nigeria’s soft power and technical acumen on the global stage.
For decades, migration narratives have often centered on remittances and brain drain. Today, that story has evolved. What was once seen as lost potential has become one of Nigeria’s greatest exports, intellectual and entrepreneurial capital. These innovators have turned ambition into industry, marrying Western systems with African ingenuity to create scalable, competitive businesses.
Their rise shows a deeper truth about Nigeria’s economic evolution: while structural challenges persist at home, the country’s global diaspora continues to expand its influence, proving that the Nigerian enterprise spirit knows no borders.
In this regard, Nairametrics spotlights some 10 Nigerians in the diaspora who have successfully built multimillion-dollar businesses.
Abbey Wemimo is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu Financial, a U.S.-based fintech company changing financial inclusion through credit-building solutions for renters.
- In 2022, the company received $130 million in a Series B fundraising round. This led to its has growth into a unicorn valued at $1 billion, partnering with some of America’s largest property management firms to report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, helping millions of renters build and improve their credit scores.
- A graduate of the University of Minnesota (BSc, Business Management) and New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service (Master of Public Administration), Wemimo’s professional background spans roles at PwC, Goldman Sachs, Accenture, and the European Commission.
Beyond Esusu, he is a passionate advocate for inclusive finance and data-driven social innovation. His work has earned recognition on Forbes 30 Under 30, TIME100 Next, and Fortune 40 Under 40, cementing his reputation as one of the leading Nigerian voices driving fintech transformation and equitable wealth creation across the United States.
