Our #OnePerson for March 2025 is Tolulope Makinwa
Our #OnePerson for March 2025 is Tolulope Makinwa, a social entrepreneur and founder of Muazu Africa. Since launching Muazu Africa in 2022, Tolulope has been dedicated to bridging legislative, market, and social capital gaps within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She believes in the power of social enterprises to drive economic growth, create jobs, and transform communities across Africa.
Through strategic initiatives like Policy Corner and the Big Sister Project, Tolulope has built a strong support framework that fosters economic inclusion in Benin Republic, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Her impact goes beyond job creation—she has connected 5% of the serviceable market in these regions to sustainable employment opportunities and facilitated job placements for over 35 social entrepreneurs. Additionally, she has launched campus hubs in Rwanda, Kenya, Benin Republic, and Togo, serving as incubators for young entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
Tolulope holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and International Studies from Nigeria, an MBA from QSBT, USA, and a Postgraduate degree in Public Leadership and Policy, among other qualifications. She is a globally certified Management Consultant (CMC) and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria (FIMC).
She serves as a member of the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing (NABII) and the Nigeria ESO Collaborative Action Group. Additionally, she is a BiNTA Anti-Corruption Fellow with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group-Policy Innovation Centre, funded by the MacArthur Foundation. Tolulope is also a 100X Multiplier at the London School of Economics and a Vital Voices Fellow, a global fellowship co-founded by former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton. She actively volunteers with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Policy Commission on Trade, Investment, and Competitiveness.
One of Tolulope’s most groundbreaking achievements is her role in pioneering Nigeria’s first Social Enterprise Policy. This policy provides a structured framework to support sustainable businesses, making it easier for social entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change. Her work has earned her multiple global recognitions, including the ELOY Award for Social Enterprise and the Ooni of Ife’s Gold Award for Youth Development. She was also selected as a Tony Elumelu Foundation Mentor, where she provides guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa.
Beyond policy advocacy, Tolulope actively engages in capacity-building initiatives. She has designed accelerator programs that have trained over 500 entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to scale their businesses. She also leads high-level policy discussions with governments and stakeholders to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive.
Join us in celebrating Tolulope Makinwa, a true changemaker shaping the future of entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa.
