Damilola Odufuwa is a distinguished Nigerian business executive and activist recognised for her significant contributions to media, technology, and women’s rights advocacy. Her work has firmly established her as a leading figure in Africa’s technology and feminist movements.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in January 1991, Odufuwa spent her formative years in the city. Her academic background has been the cornerstone of her multifaceted career. In 2012, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics from the University of Kent. She continued her studies at the same institution, earning a Master’s in International Finance and Economic Development in 2013.
Odufuwa began her media career with MTV Shuga, where she played a pivotal role in multimedia campaigns addressing critical public health issues such as sexual and reproductive health education, gender-based violence, and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Between 2018 and 2019, she served as Editor-in-Chief at ZUMI, a digital content platform catering to African women, particularly in East Africa, offering lifestyle content on fashion, beauty, relationships, health, and careers. She also held the position of Editor-in-Chief for renowned brands like Konbini and Zikoko, further solidifying her impact in the media industry.
Konbini is a media company and an advertising agency renowned for crafting innovative and engaging digital content. Meanwhile, Zikoko, a media platform under The Big Cabal, is celebrated for producing entertaining yet informative content that explores relationships, politics, and Nigerian culture, captivating and educating its audience equally.
Again, she served as a Social Producer for CNN Africa, where she played a crucial role in reshaping how African stories are portrayed in international media, challenging conventional and stereotypical narratives.
A passionate advocate for women’s rights, Odufuwa co-founded Feminist Coalition in 2020, a famous advocacy group that gained international attention during the EndSARS protests. The organisation focused on women’s rights, safety, and economic empowerment and encouraged greater political participation among women. Her advocacy work continually challenges societal norms, promoting gender equality in Nigeria and internationally.
The same year, she co-founded Backdrop, a social networking and photo-sharing app that enables users to discover and share remarkable places across the globe. As CEO, she concentrated on promoting female leadership within the tech industry.
Odufuwa has a strong passion for financial literacy and freedom, which inspired her role at Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and blockchain ecosystem. As Head of Product Communications for Africa, she drives public relations efforts, championing cryptocurrency and advocating for financial empowerment on a global scale. She promotes alternative financial solutions while fostering economic growth worldwide through her work. Her influence extends to the media and technology sectors, where she amplifies African narratives, bridging cultural gaps and advancing the digital landscape.
Damilola Odufuwa has received numerous accolades, including The Future Awards Africa Prize for Leading Conversations (2020), British Vogue’s 12 Women Leaders Who Changed the World (2020), Bloomberg’s 50 People Who Changed Global Business (2020), and TIME’s Next 100 List (2021), among others.
Damilola consistently capitalises on every opportunity to apply her expertise, advancing her personal brand and building systems that create a positive, global impact on people’s lives.
