Cosmos Maduka

Cosmas Maduka CON (born December 24, 1958) is a highly prominent Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and evangelist. He is best known as the founder, president, and chairman of the Coscharis Group, a large Nigerian conglomerate with diverse interests spanning automobiles, agriculture, information and communication technology, and property. He is recognized as one of Nigeria's leading self-made entrepreneurs. Early Life and Education Maduka was born in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, into the family of Mr. Peter and Mrs. Rose Maduka. His early life was marked by extreme poverty; his father died when he was four, and he began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of six to support his mother. He dropped out of primary school early and started hawking Akara (a Nigerian food staple) before being apprenticed to an uncle at age seven. Maduka is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program and holds an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (PhD) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (awarded in 2003). Career Progression and Major Achievements Maduka established the Coscharis Group in 1977, combining his first name, Cosmas, with his wife's first name, Charity (Cos-Charis). The company started as a spare parts business and quickly grew. A significant early success occurred when he capitalized on a scarcity of motorcycle crash bars, amassing his first million by the age of 24. Today, the Coscharis Group holds sole dealership rights for major automotive brands in Nigeria, including BMW, Ford, and Jaguar Land Rover. Maduka also served as a Director at Access Bank Plc., one of Nigeria's leading banks, for 12 years (2000 to 2012). Beyond business, he served as the President/Chairman of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation for 16 years, leading the Nigerian team to multiple Olympic Games. Notable Works and Recognition In 2015, Maduka was estimated to be worth $500 million USD by Forbes Africa TV Series. His success story of overcoming adversity has made him a prominent motivational speaker and mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs. He was conferred with the Nigerian national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He has been featured in international media outlets, including CNN Marketplace Africa. Current Status Cosmas Maduka continues to lead the Coscharis Group and is active as a philanthropist and evangelist. He resides in Lagos, Nigeria. He was married to Charity Maduka, who died in 2021.