Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (South West)
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is one of the most recognisable names in Nigeria’s tech history. As the Founding Partner at Future Africa, an early-stage venture capital firm, his relevance on the council is critical.
He is the co‑founder of two of Africa’s most successful startups, Andela and Flutterwave. His current role as a venture capitalist places him at the forefront of funding discussions and understanding the capital challenges that can make or break a startup.
Victoria Ojoagefu Manya (North Central)
Representing the North Central zone, Victoria Ojoagefu Manya brings a blend of practical experience and policy expertise. She is the Co‑founder and Executive Director at Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API).
Manya’s work focuses on bridging the gap between innovators and policymakers. Her leadership in API highlights a deep commitment to translating the needs and challenges of the startup community into actionable legislative and regulatory reforms.
Charles Uchenna Emembolu (South East)
From the South East, Charles Uchenna Emembolu embodies the spirit of grassroots ecosystem development. He is the founder of TechQuest STEM Academy and Roar Nigeria Hub, and also chairs the Innovation Support Network (ISN).
Emembolu’s leadership as the chair of the Innovation Support Network gives him a panoramic view of over 100 innovation hubs, accelerators, and incubators across Nigeria. His work at TechQuest focuses on talent development and STEM education, tackling the critical challenge of a skilled workforce.
Abba Ibrahim Gamawa (North East)
Abba Ibrahim Gamawa steps into the council as a representative from the North East, bringing a sharp focus on regional economic transformation through technology.
His experience is rooted in leveraging digital solutions to address unique challenges in his region. He has been an active contributor to the northern startup and digital innovation community, pushing for the adoption of tech‑enabled entrepreneurship as a tool for economic recovery and stability.
The election of these four founders marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s digital journey. For the first time, those with lived experience of the challenges and opportunities in the ecosystem will sit at the same table as top government and financial institutions.
Their two‑year tenure on the NCDIE is expected to catalyse the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act, transforming it from a piece of legislation into a powerful engine for a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.