In a continent bursting with creativity and potential, few names shine as brightly as Iyinoluwa Aboyeji. Known for co-founding Andela and Flutterwave, Aboyeji’s journey embodies a message that every entrepreneur in Africa needs to hear: Build for 94%. Instead of catering to the elite 6%, his philosophy pushes innovators to create for the vast majority the everyday people who shape the real economy.
Through his investment firm Future Africa, Iyinoluwa has shifted from startup founder to strategic investor, focusing on ideas that address critical needs in education, healthcare, fintech, and infrastructure. His story is not only inspiring but also a roadmap for inclusive business growth that drives genuine social transformation.
1. Understanding the “Build for 94%” Mindset
The phrase “Build for 94%” isn’t just a catchy slogan it’s a philosophy that challenges conventional thinking. In many African economies, products and services often target the wealthiest minority, leaving millions underserved. Aboyeji argues that the greatest opportunity lies in empowering the 94% the segment of the population that forms the backbone of Africa’s economy.
He believes that innovation should not be exclusive. True impact comes when entrepreneurs design affordable, scalable, and accessible solutions that touch every community. This inclusive approach doesn’t just create profits; it builds ecosystems that uplift societies from the ground up.
2. Lessons from Building Andela and Flutterwave
Iyinoluwa’s experience with Andela and Flutterwave reflects his deep understanding of how to build sustainable, tech-driven solutions for a growing continent. With Andela, he tapped into Africa’s untapped tech talent and connected it to global opportunities. With Flutterwave, he broke barriers in digital payments, enabling businesses to transact seamlessly across borders.
Both ventures were built around one idea: scale by empowering people. This mindset turned local challenges into global opportunities. It’s a lesson for emerging entrepreneurs that innovation rooted in purpose is far more powerful than innovation driven purely by profit.
3. From Founder to Investor: The Power of Future Africa
After stepping back from the day-to-day operations of his startups, Aboyeji launched Future Africa an investment platform that supports visionary founders building for the next billion Africans. His goal was to multiply his impact by backing entrepreneurs who shared his “Build for 94%” philosophy.
Through Future Africa, he has invested in over 100 companies spanning fintech, agritech, healthtech, and edtech. Each of these startups contributes to solving real African problems with global potential. His focus on long-term value and social impact makes him a pioneer of a new generation of investors redefining what success means in Africa’s business ecosystem.
4. Investing in Solutions for the Many
One of the most critical lessons from Aboyeji’s journey is the importance of investing in solutions that serve the majority. By focusing on products and services that benefit the 94%, investors can tap into a vast, often overlooked market. This approach not only maximizes social impact but also creates sustainable business opportunities with long-term growth potential.
For example, fintech solutions that simplify payments for small businesses, or edtech platforms that make quality education affordable, address real gaps in the market while generating scalable revenue streams. Entrepreneurs and investors who embrace this mindset position themselves to lead transformative change.
5. Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Growth
Technology is a powerful enabler for reaching the majority. Aboyeji emphasizes that startups should leverage digital tools to create products that are accessible, affordable, and adaptable to different African markets. Cloud platforms, mobile apps, and AI-driven solutions are not just innovations they are the vehicles for widespread social impact.
For readers interested in global innovation trends, check out this insightful article on how tech accelerates impact at World Economic Forum.
6. Building Networks and Communities
Another pillar of the “Build for 94%” philosophy is fostering networks and communities. Aboyeji believes that creating ecosystems where entrepreneurs, investors, and users collaborate is essential for scaling impact. By connecting founders with mentors, resources, and potential partners, the value of any single startup multiplies.
Startups that actively engage in local and international communities benefit from shared knowledge, reduced risk, and expanded reach. For practical examples of community-driven entrepreneurship, explore our economic-trends section.
7. Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
Aboyeji often emphasizes that failure is not the end but a critical part of the journey. In the context of Build for 94%, entrepreneurs are encouraged to experiment boldly, learn from mistakes, and iterate quickly. Each setback provides insights into user needs, operational challenges, and market gaps that can be leveraged for future success.
This mindset helps founders stay resilient and persistent. Instead of fearing failure, they use it to refine their offerings and better serve the 94% of the population who are underserved by traditional solutions.
8. Prioritizing Scalability Over Short-Term Gains
One of the key principles behind Build for 94% is focusing on long-term scalability rather than short-term profits. Aboyeji believes that businesses that plan for growth across diverse markets can create sustained impact while achieving financial success. This approach ensures that solutions reach a wider audience and truly transform communities.
By building scalable models, startups can adapt to different local contexts, handle increased demand efficiently, and maximize their social and economic impact. The focus remains on solving real problems, not chasing fleeting market trends.
9. Championing Inclusive Leadership
Leadership is at the heart of the Build for 94% philosophy. Aboyeji advocates for inclusive leadership that listens, adapts, and empowers teams to innovate. Leaders who understand the diverse needs of their user base can make better strategic decisions, foster loyalty, and create products that resonate with the majority.
Inclusive leadership also encourages knowledge sharing and mentorship, multiplying the impact of every team member and strengthening the ecosystem of African entrepreneurship.
10. Driving Impact Through Vision and Purpose
The final lesson from Build for 94% is the power of vision-driven entrepreneurship. Aboyeji stresses that every initiative should have a clear purpose: to improve lives, solve pressing challenges, and create lasting value. By keeping the 94% in mind, founders ensure their solutions are relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
Purpose-driven ventures also attract talent, investors, and partners who share the same mission. This alignment magnifies the social and economic benefits of every startup, turning small ideas into transformative movements that reach millions.
Conclusion: The Future of Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Build for 94% is more than a concept it’s a blueprint for sustainable, impactful, and inclusive entrepreneurship in Africa. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji’s journey from founder to investor shows that prioritizing the needs of the majority creates both social good and long-term business success.
Entrepreneurs who embrace this philosophy are shaping a new Africa one where innovation, technology, and inclusion converge to serve the many, not just the few. The lessons shared in this article can inspire founders everywhere to create scalable solutions that matter.
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