Tosin Faniro-Dada has emerged as a formidable force in Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, leveraging her expertise as an ecosystem builder and investor to propel founders across Nigeria and the continent toward success.
Her relentless dedication to fostering innovation, creating societal change and championing economic growth has made her a pivotal figure in Africa’s tech scene.
Through strategic leadership roles and impactful initiatives, Tosin has continually demonstrated her commitment to transforming ideas into scalable solutions that address pressing social and economic challenges.
Empowering Nigerian Startups Through Lagos Innovates
Tosin’s journey in ecosystem building took a significant leap when she became the inaugural Executive of Lagos Innovates, a groundbreaking incubator powered by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
Her leadership was instrumental in unlocking vital resources for over 200 tech startups in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. Under her guidance, Lagos Innovates became a catalyst for innovation, providing startups with access to infrastructure, financing, talent development and vital networks.
Her strategic approach not only accelerated the growth of these startups but also fostered a culture of collaboration and resilience within Nigeria’s tech community.
This initiative laid a solid foundation for many entrepreneurs to scale their solutions and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.
Driving Scale and Impact in Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
Following her success with Lagos Innovates, Tosin took on the role of Managing Director & CEO at Endeavor Nigeria, where she further amplified her influence.
In this capacity, she focused on scaling Nigeria’s most notable tech scaleups, helping them navigate challenges related to funding, market access and talent acquisition.
Her leadership catalyzed growth trajectories for several startups, positioning Nigeria as a hub for innovative solutions addressing local and regional issues.
Her efforts have not only helped individual companies thrive but have also contributed to positioning Nigeria as an influential player in Africa’s tech economy.
Investing in the Future as a Partner at Breega
Currently, Tosin serves as a Partner at Breega, one of Europe and Africa’s fastest-growing early-stage venture capital funds. Her role involves deploying capital and scaling opportunities for startups that tackle significant economic and social issues.
By investing in early-stage ventures, Tosin actively supports entrepreneurs who are developing solutions with the potential to transform industries and improve societal well-being.
Her involvement at Breega exemplifies her commitment to fostering innovation not just within Nigeria but across Africa, with an eye toward sustainable development and social impact.
Building Bridges and Unlocking Opportunities
Beyond her direct involvement with startups, Tosin has been a key architect in building a thriving ecosystem through strategic partnerships. She has brokered collaborations between the public sector, private enterprises, and international development agencies to unlock opportunities for growth.
Her work at the LSETF involved mobilizing private sector financing, facilitating financial access for MSMEs, and creating employment opportunities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
These initiatives helped over 2,000 entrepreneurs weather the economic storm, demonstrating her ability to align diverse stakeholders toward common goals of development and innovation.
Global Recognition and Thought Leadership
Tosin Faniro-Dada’s insights into Africa’s tech ecosystem have earned her recognition in prominent media outlets such as Techcrunch, Rest of World, The Guardian and Quartz.
She is frequently interviewed by major platforms like BBC Africa, CNBC West Africa, and Arise TV, where she shares her perspectives on ecosystem development and entrepreneurial support.
Her thought leadership continues to inspire many aspiring founders and ecosystem builders, positioning her as a leading voice in Africa’s digital transformation.
Tosin Faniro-Dada’s work has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s tech landscapes. Her multifaceted approach, combining strategic leadership, investment and ecosystem facilitation, has helped countless founders scale their solutions, address societal challenges, and contribute to the continent’s economic growth.
Her ongoing efforts promise to accelerate Africa’s journey toward innovation-driven development.
