Odunayo Eweniyi is a Nigerian business executive and activist. This inspiring co-founder of PiggyVest, Feminist Coalition, and FirstCheck Africa is one of the continent’s preeminent feminist entrepreneurs.

  • 1993

    Born (Nigeria)

  • 2016

    Co-founded PiggyVest

  • 2020

    Founded Feminist Coalition and named to Vogue's "12 Women Leaders that Changed the World in 2020"

  • 2021

    Launched FirstCheck Africa and profiled by the UN's Africa Renewal magazine and The New York Times

  • 2024

    Inducted into the Global Business Hall of Fame

Tech-industry trailblazer Odunayo Eweniyi is renowned for her role as the co-founder of PiggyVest, the first online savings and investment app in West Africa. With a background in computer engineering, she has become an entrepreneurial powerhouse, inspiring many with her innovative approach to technology and finance.

Odunayo co-founded PiggyVest in 2016 to empower individuals to manage and save money effectively. The platform’s Piggybank feature allows users to save and earn interest while investing in pre-vetted opportunities. This initiative has garnered a user base of over 5 million, reflecting its significant impact on personal finance management in the region.

Odunayo’s influence extends beyond the tech and finance sectors. In 2020, Odunayo launched the Feminist Coalition, a group for young Nigerian feminists with a mission to champion equality for women in Nigerian society with a core focus on education, financial freedom, and representation in public office.

In 2021, Odunayo launched FirstCheck Africa, an angel fund with a mission to support women entrepreneurs. This platform is a testament to her commitment to social change, as it strives to create a supportive environment for women in the tech space, addressing the challenges of raising capital for African women in technology.

Numerous prestigious publications have interviewed, profiled, and celebrated Odunayo, including Time, British Vogue, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, and The New York Times.

“Embrace failure and be ready for it. It will happen at some point, so it just depends on what you do with it.”
— Odunayo Eweniyi

A Global Force for Good

Odunayo’s initiatives have advanced financial literacy and championed Global Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through PiggyVest, she has created opportunities for individuals to advance their rights and access career opportunities, particularly in the fields where women are underrepresented. For example, PiggyVest enables Nigerians to accumulate savings safely and encourage a savings mindset. According to PiggyVest research, 80% of Nigerians must save at least 40% of their monthly income to survive and pay everyday expenses. However, Nigeria has few credit options, so payments are generally made in cash, making it harder to save for goals. PiggyVest enables users to build their savings and prepare for their future. Users can touch their savings only after they reach an agreed withdrawal date. An early withdrawal faces a 5% early-withdrawal fee, while the savings balance accrues around 6% interest annually. So far, PiggyVest has helped users save over US$250 million.

As a visionary leader, Odunayo Eweniyi continues to work toward a more equitable society, empowering women to succeed as entrepreneurs in technology and beyond. Her efforts have been instrumental in shaping a future where financial security and gender equality are within reach for all. Her story is one of determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of many.