Olasupo Olusi

Dr. Olasupo Olusi, a transformative leader, distinguished economist and seasoned development finance expert serves as the visionary MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry, where he has accomplished remarkable feats. In 2024, he spearheaded the unprecedented raising of nearly €2 billion (approximately ₦3.4 trillion) from global financial institutions. This is the largest amount of funds ever raised by a Development Finance Institution (DFI) in a single transaction in Africa’s history. It is an historic achievement that positions Nigerian private enterprises to access low-interest, long-tenured funding—essential for creating millions of jobs amid economic challenges. 

As a gamechanger in Nigeria’s enterprise development and job creation landscape, Dr. Olusi spearheaded several initiatives including the Rural Areas Program on Investment for Development (RAPID) to support rural enterprises. He led the design and implementation of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ₦200 billion loans and grants program. This program is designed to empower 1 million nano enterprises, 15,000 MSMEs, and several large manufacturing enterprises. In addition, between 2011 to 2015, Dr. Olusi also developed and led the implementation of the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWin) program, which created 5,000 youth-owned enterprises. 

Dr. Olusi has nearly two decades of extensive global experience with the World Bank Group and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance. He led numerous country macroeconomic and private sector development projects across several Eastern European, Middle Eastern and African countries. His work also included pivotal research in drivers of economic growth and financial markets.  

His contributions to the various fields of expertise have been recognized with multiple awards and honorary fellowships from prestigious global and local institutions, including Honorary Fellowships from the Chartered Institute of Risk Management of Nigeria, the Nigerian Economic Society, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. He is also a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Directors.

Dr. Olusi holds a PhD in Economics and Finance, along with an MSc in Money, Finance, and Investment from the prestigious Durham University in the UK.