Kofo Akinkugbe’s name resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders. She is globally recognised for her exceptional entrepreneurial journey and her strong, consistent track record in building one of Africa’s most innovative technology enterprises. As the Founder and Group CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd, Akinkugbe has established a company that not only leads in smartcard technology and digital security but has also positioned Africa on the global map of advanced manufacturing.
SecureID stands as a world-class facility and is the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the only one of its kind in West Africa and one of just six across the entire continent. With full certifications from VISA, MasterCard, and Verve, the company produces a wide range of smartcards, including complex polycarbonate cards—and currently exports its products to over 20 African countries. This pan-African reach is a testament to the bold vision and strategic foresight that has guided SecureID since its inception.
Akinkugbe’s entrepreneurial prowess was acknowledged in 2012 when she won the prestigious Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship in the Mature Business category. But beyond accolades, it is her deep thought leadership in technology, innovation, and enterprise development that continues to inspire many. She is widely respected as one of Africa’s leading voices on entrepreneurship, and her views are frequently sought on how to grow sustainable, tech-driven businesses on the continent.
Her influence was once again on full display at the 13th edition of BusinessDay’s CEO Forum, where she shared compelling insights on the principles that have shaped her success. At the heart of her message was the power of mindset. She explained that a transformative and resilient mindset is one of the most essential tools any CEO must possess to navigate uncertainty and lead an organization into long-term relevance.
Recounting the early days of SecureID, Akinkugbe described a challenging but opportunity-filled landscape. “At the time, Nigeria’s banking sector was heavily reliant on cash transactions, and the few cards in use were based on outdated technology. There was a clear gap, and nobody locally to benchmark against, so it truly felt like navigating uncharted waters,” she said. Despite the unfamiliar terrain, she leaned into the challenge, driven by conviction and a sense of purpose. That decision to step into the unknown laid the foundation for what would later become one of Africa’s most respected indigenous tech manufacturing firms.
A key pillar of SecureID’s success, Akinkugbe explained, was the company’s early decision to pursue global certifications. This move was not just to meet local compliance but to position the company for international trade and competitiveness. Today, that foresight has paid dividends. SecureID competes on quality, scale, and standards—head-to-head with global counterparts.
Throughout her presentation at the CEO Forum, Akinkugbe returned time and again to the importance of values-driven leadership. She stressed that while financial capital is critical, what truly sustains a business is deep market understanding, adaptability, and the courage to take calculated risks based on long-term value. “Funding helps, but it’s not everything,” she said. “You must commit to constant reinvention. Be prepared to disrupt yourself before someone else does.”
She encouraged entrepreneurs to think globally, stay informed about international trends, and develop strong internal systems and cultures that align with their long-term vision. According to her, the most resilient businesses are those with motivated teams, clearly defined values, and a leadership that is unafraid to evolve.
Akinkugbe also advised founders to be deliberate in choosing investors and partners. Misaligned shareholders, she warned, can derail the mission of a company. For her, the most strategic partnerships are those grounded in shared purpose, trust, and commitment to the same vision.
Her core message was clear and consistent: mindset is everything. It is the foundation upon which strategy, innovation, and sustainable growth are built. Her own journey reflects this truth. From identifying a critical gap in Nigeria’s financial services sector to establishing a business that now serves much of Africa, Kofo Akinkugbe has demonstrated what is possible when courage meets clarity and innovation meets discipline.
As Africa continues to advance in digital technology and manufacturing, her work with SecureID serves not only as a case study in business excellence but also as a beacon of what’s possible for homegrown solutions on a global stage. Through her leadership, she continues to prove that African entrepreneurs can build world-class institutions that create value, transform industries, and drive the continent’s future.
