Tunde Kehinde is a Nigerian entrepreneur, fintech executive, and technology investor recognized as one of Africa’s leading innovators in e-commerce and digital finance. Best known for co-founding group.jumia.com in Nigeria and later founding lidya.co, he has played a significant role in expanding online commerce and improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across emerging markets.
Born in Nigeria, Tunde Kehinde developed a passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and business from an early age. He pursued higher education abroad, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London before obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School. His education equipped him with a strong foundation in engineering, finance, and business strategy.
Kehinde began his professional career in investment banking and management consulting, working with global firms where he gained expertise in finance, corporate strategy, and operational management. Inspired by the rapid growth of digital commerce worldwide, he returned to Nigeria to help build innovative technology businesses capable of transforming everyday life.
In 2012, he co-founded Jumia Nigeria, helping establish one of Africa’s largest e-commerce platforms. As a founding executive, Kehinde played a critical role in developing the company’s operations, logistics network, customer service systems, and marketplace infrastructure. His efforts contributed to increasing consumer confidence in online shopping and accelerated the growth of Nigeria’s digital retail sector.
After leaving Jumia, Kehinde founded Lidya in 2016 with the goal of addressing one of Africa’s biggest business challenges, limited access to finance for SMEs. Lidya leverages technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to assess creditworthiness and provide fast, accessible financing to small businesses. By simplifying the lending process through digital technology, the company has helped entrepreneurs obtain the capital needed to grow and create jobs.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Tunde Kehinde is an active investor, mentor, and advocate for Africa’s startup ecosystem. He has supported early-stage founders, participated in technology conferences, and shared insights on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and venture building. His work has influenced both the e-commerce and fintech sectors, inspiring a new generation of African innovators.
Throughout his career, Kehinde has been recognized for his leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to solving real-world problems through technology. His achievements demonstrate the importance of combining innovation, business expertise, and customer-focused solutions to drive sustainable economic development.
Today, Tunde Kehinde continues to support technology-driven businesses while contributing to the advancement of Africa’s digital economy. His pioneering work in e-commerce and fintech has established him as one of the continent’s most influential entrepreneurs and business leaders.