Executive Director of Empowerment
Abiola Oyebanjo is a development sociologist, social innovator, and design thinker with over ten years of experience in the development sector. His work focuses on the intersection of technology and research, particularly in developing scalable, cost-effective solutions for small firms to enhance learning and business growth. He holds a PhD in Development Sociology from Humboldt University in Berlin.
Abiola has led numerous research projects aimed at improving governance, economic outcomes, and policy influence in Nigeria. He has work with organizations such as International Institute for Local Development, Bridge International Academies (now New Globe), Reboot, and consultancies for DFID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on how technology and media can drive accountability and influence public policy. He has also worked as a Project Manager for American University, Washington, DC, contributing to large scale RCT in Lagos.
In addition, Abiola served as Project Manager for the Data Science for Social Good Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University, where he applied data-driven solutions to complex social issues, further strengthening his expertise in using technology for social impact.
As Executive Director of Empowerment for Local People Foundation, Abiola leads efforts to support local businesses through mentorship, training, and access to finance. He also spearheads EmpowerFarmers, a project focused on providing small-scale farmers with asset financing and flexible payment models, helping them overcome systemic barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
His current research explores the use of digital tools for small firms, emphasizing how technology can be leveraged to deliver large-scale, low-cost learning solutions that foster economic development.
