Razaq Ahmed

Buckle up, cause I’m bout to tell you about Razaq Ahmed, this guy’s a straight-up powerhouse in the African fintech scene. So, he jumped into his career back in the day, kicking things off with Sart Partners in 2013, a boutique investment and advisory firm. That’s where he started flexing his business muscles, showing he’s got that entrepreneur DNA. He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University, which is a solid school, and was involved with OAU SIFE, basically, he was already into the whole community and enterprise hustle from early on.

Fast forward, he’s done a bunch of stuff in Nigeria’s finance world, Shell Petroleum, Vetiva Capital, Meristem Nigeria, all big names, right? But what really sets him apart is how he took all that experience and decided to build something that could actually change lives. That’s how Cowrywise was born in 2017, and man, it’s not just any startup, it’s one of Nigeria’s leading fintech platforms, making savings and investing accessible to everyone. No fancy bullshit, just real stuff that helps everyday folks grow their money. And get this, Cowrywise jumped into Y Combinator’s Summer 2018 batch, so they’re legit, globally recognized, and backed by heavy hitters like JP Morgan, UK Aid, and the Cause Fund. That’s a big deal, it shows he’s got the skills and vision to compete on the world stage.

But wait, it gets even better. Razaq isn’t just in it for the business, he’s all about community and making a real difference. In March 2025, he was elected President of CFA Society Nigeria, basically the top dog in Nigeria’s financial scene now. That’s a huge vote of confidence, showing he’s respected for his leadership and his drive to push financial inclusion across Africa. He’s focused on tearing down the barriers that keep people out of the system, and that’s what fuels him, having an effect, not just chasing the money.

So, what’s his story telling us? It’s about someone who started small but had big dreams, who’s been grinding through different roles and sectors, and then decided to build something that could actually democratize wealth in Africa. His process shows that starting something isn’t just about tech or finance, it’s about having the guts to see a problem, believe you can fix it, and then go all in. Razaq’s path is proof that with the right mix of experience, grit, and vision, you can build something that’s not just successful but also meaningful.

Bottom line? Razaq Ahmed is the real deal, a tech entrepreneur who’s crushing it in fintech, leading the financial community in Nigeria, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for Africa’s future. No Cap.