Shola Akinlade

**Shola Akinlade** is a Nigerian entrepreneur, software engineer, and technology executive best known as the co-founder and CEO of Paystack, a technology company that provides modern payment solutions for businesses in Africa. His work in financial technology has significantly impacted the digital economy across the continent, making him a key figure in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.Early Life and Education Shola Akinlade was born and raised in Nigeria. He developed an early passion for problem-solving, which naturally steered him toward a career in software development and technology. Akinlade pursued his tertiary education at Babcock University in Nigeria, where he graduated with a degree in Computer Science. His academic foundation equipped him with the technical expertise and entrepreneurial mindset necessary for his future ventures.Career Progression and Major Achievements Akinlade began his career focusing on developing software solutions for Nigerian businesses. Prior to founding Paystack, he co-founded a software company named Precurio, an open-source collaboration software for small and medium-sized businesses. This experience provided him with crucial insights into the technological needs and operational challenges facing local enterprises. In 2016, Akinlade co-founded Paystack alongside Ezra Olubi. The company was conceived to address the complex and fragmented nature of digital payments in Africa, offering a simple, secure, and developer-friendly platform for accepting online payments. Paystack quickly became a success, simplifying transactions for thousands of Nigerian businesses and facilitating their access to the global digital economy. Paystack’s rapid growth and influence culminated in a major achievement in October 2020 when it was acquired by Stripe, an American financial services and software company, for over $200 million. This acquisition was one of the largest in Nigeria’s technology history, solidifying Paystack’s position as a market leader and generating global interest in the African fintech sector. Akinlade continued to lead the company as CEO following the acquisition.Notable Works and Current Status Akinlade's primary notable work is the creation and scaling of Paystack, which has been instrumental in the growth of e-commerce and digital services in Nigeria and beyond. He is recognized not only for his technical acumen but also for his commitment to using technology for social good and community empowerment. He has reportedly expressed a desire to use his platform and success to bring about broader positive change, a commitment deepened following the passing of his father in 2021. As of his current status, Shola Akinlade remains the Chief Executive Officer of Paystack, focusing on expanding the platform’s reach and services across the African continent while continuing to mentor and invest in the next generation of African entrepreneurs. He is also actively involved in other projects aimed at leveraging technology for community and financial development in Nigeria.