Ayeni Adekunle, CEO of BHM Holdings, asserted that Africa’s next phase of economic growth will depend on its capacity to build companies capable of operating at a global scale. Speaking at the fourth edition of Africa Breakfast Convos (ABC) 2026 in New York on September 25, 2026, Ayeni highlighted the potential for Nigerian and pan-African businesses to achieve international competitiveness, arguing that Africa’s long-term economic trajectory will be shaped by enterprises that serve and expand beyond regional markets. His remarks coincided with discussions at the UNGA81 gathering, where business leaders, investors, and policymakers analyzed Africa’s role in the global economy.
Ayeni’s vision centered on the transformative power of sustained investment. “I envision building 10 or 20 global companies from Nigeria,” he said. “Despite challenges in Nigeria, South Africa, and across the continent, I focus on the power of possibility. With 5, 10, or 20 years of strategic investment, the global landscape will shift dramatically.” This perspective aligns with the growing presence of African firms like Flutterwave, Moniepoint, Interswitch, and Jumia, which have expanded operations across multiple African markets, demonstrating the continent’s capacity for regional and international reach.
The emergence of these companies raises critical questions about Africa’s ability to cultivate a pipeline of businesses capable of competing globally. Access to markets remains a key hurdle, though the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create a unified market by reducing trade barriers. This integration could enable businesses to scale beyond national borders, fostering the revenue, talent, and operational expertise needed to compete internationally. Ayeni stressed that achieving this requires founders with long-term vision, investors willing to back ambitious ventures, and institutions that facilitate expansion.
The 2026 ABC event brought together diverse stakeholders, including Hackim Abdul, Director of Citi’s Public Sector Group for Africa; Yasamin Alttahir, Director of Global Marketing at The King’s Trust International; Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director of News Central TV; Akunna Cook, CEO of Next Narrative Africa; Otunba (Dr.) Bimbola Ashiru, Chairman of Blackcod Group; and Claudine Moore, Managing Director for Africa at Allison Worldwide. Their discussions underscored the need for collaborative efforts to translate Africa’s market potential into global business success.
Ayeni’s argument shifts the focus from Africa’s perceived potential to actionable strategies for building scalable enterprises. He emphasized that the continent’s next growth story will be measured not by how often it is labeled a “market of opportunity” but by the number of companies that convert that opportunity into global enterprises. This vision aligns with the broader goal of leveraging Africa’s demographic and economic strengths to create sustainable, internationally competitive businesses.
The conversation also highlighted the role of policy and infrastructure in enabling growth. While the AfCFTA provides a framework for intra-African trade, challenges such as inconsistent regulatory environments, limited access to capital, and underdeveloped logistics networks persist. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts between governments, private sector actors, and international partners to create an ecosystem conducive to scaling African businesses.
As Africa’s business landscape evolves, the emphasis on global ambition reflects a growing recognition of the continent’s capacity to drive innovation and economic transformation. Ayeni’s call for long-term investment and institutional support resonates with the aspirations of a new generation of African entrepreneurs seeking to redefine the continent’s role in the global economy. The success of this vision will depend on sustained collaboration across sectors and a commitment to building enterprises that transcend regional boundaries.
The article was written by Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha, Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, and Deputy Editor of BusinessDay Weekender Magazine. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Masters in Marketing from the University of Lagos. Her work focuses on aviation and business journalism, with accolades including the 2025 Eloy Award for Print Media Journalist and fellowships at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.