Adebayo Ogunlesi, a Nigerian-born financier and co-founder of New York-based private equity powerhouse Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), has emerged as a leading figure in global investment. GIP, recently acquired by BlackRock in 2024 in a deal valued at $12.5 billion, managed over $100 billion in assets across energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water and waste management prior to the acquisition.
Ogunlesi’s career trajectory reflects a rare blend of legal and financial expertise. Before establishing GIP, he spent 23 years in the investment banking division of Credit Suisse, advising on major infrastructure and energy deals worldwide. Earlier, he honed his legal skills as an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, a prestigious law firm in New York.
Born in Nigeria, Ogunlesi received his early education at King’s College, Lagos, one of the country’s most prominent boarding schools, before pursuing higher studies abroad. His deep understanding of both Nigerian and global markets has positioned him as a bridge between international capital and Africa’s emerging economies.
In a recent high-level meeting with President Tunibu, Ogunlesi expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s investment potential. “I just had an excellent meeting with Mr. President, where we discussed the fundamental transformation that has happened in the last two years—removal of subsidies, tax reforms, a refinery exporting aviation fuel, and the unification of the road ownership system,” he said. “Nigeria is now genuinely exciting to invest in, and the President’s support for international investments has been very encouraging.”
Ogunlesi highlighted opportunities across energy, aviation, ports, and renewable energy, emphasizing Nigeria’s untapped potential in gas reserves and infrastructure development. He hinted at upcoming investments in the country, saying, “We’re exploring additional opportunities. I can’t reveal them yet—watch this space.”
Business leaders and global investor, including Hakeem Bello Osagie, praised the rising investor confidence, noting that domestic and diaspora investments could catalyze broader international engagement. Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, called the President’s reforms “pivotal,” signaling a shift toward an export-led economy with growing global interest.
With his extensive background in law, banking, and private equity, Ogunlesi embodies the kind of leadership and vision that could help Nigeria capitalize on its reform-driven momentum, attracting global capital and driving transformative economic growth.
