Joel Ajayi

Rising Nigerian policy strategist and youth advocate, Abiola Odetola, has called for a fundamental rethink of governance models and infrastructure development across Africa.

Speaking at the Olin Africa Business Forum 2025, hosted by Washington University in St. Louis, Odetola emphasized that Africa’s long-term economic and social sustainability depends on bold governance reforms that prioritize innovation, inclusion, and strategic infrastructure investments.

The two-day forum, themed “Redefining Africa’s Business Narrative: Thriving Beyond Borders with Sustainable Businesses,” brought together top African professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore key areas such as technology, health, business, and governance. Over the years, the forum has hosted former Presidents, top business executives, and Ambassadors, making it a major platform for shaping Africa’s economic and governance future.

During the Policy & Governance panel, which featured Grace Musoro, CEO of Aquiantz Consulting, and Segun Babalola, Founder/Advisor at the African Chambers of Commerce, Odetola highlighted the transformative power of infrastructure investments. He pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing Coastal Road construction project as a model for how deliberate infrastructure development can unlock economic potential, create jobs, and promote regional trade.

“We cannot build a thriving Africa without a solid infrastructure backbone. The Nigerian government’s Coastal Road project is a demonstration of how deliberate investments in road networks can enhance connectivity, boost commerce, and open up economic opportunities for millions. If replicated across the continent with proper governance oversight, such projects can be a game-changer for Africa’s development,” he stated.

Odetola also used the forum as a platform to challenge graduating MBA students of African descent at Washington University’s Olin Business School to actively contribute to Africa’s development. He urged them to leverage their knowledge, expertise, and networks to drive transformation on the continent.

“Africa’s development will not be a sudden miracle; it will be the result of conscious, strategic input from its best minds, especially in political leadership. If we do not intentionally prepare and position young leaders, we will keep recycling old governance models that no longer serve our future. I challenge every African graduate from institutions like Washington University to find ways to give back, invest in Africa, and shape the policies that will define our continent’s next century,” Odetola declared.

The forum also featured high-profile speakers, including Austin Okere, CEO of CWG PLC; Olusola Amusan, CEO of Vesti; Jimi Tewe, CEO of Jimi Tewe LLC; and Afua Appea, Director of Product Management at Mastercard. The keynote address was delivered by Mojisola Fashola, CEO of Salt Advisory and MD/General Counsel at Kuramo Capital Management.

The Olin Africa Business Forum 2025 once again proved to be a pivotal platform for driving conversations that shape Africa’s business, technology, and governance landscape. With young, dynamic voices like Odetola championing innovative governance and sustainable infrastructure, the forum underscored the urgent need for African leaders to embrace forward-thinking policies that ensure long-term prosperity for the continent.

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