In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership and innovation in Africa, few individuals embody the essence of transformative change and visionary stewardship like Olaniyi Yusuf. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Yusuf’s journey from a young computer enthusiast to a trailblazing Managing Partner at Verraki Partners is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and a relentless commitment to advancing Africa’s potential.
Olaniyi Yusuf’s professional journey began in 1991 at Joint Komputer Kompany, where he honed his technical expertise before joining Arthur Andersen’s Management Consulting Division in 1995. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would later see him ascend to the role of Country Managing Director of Accenture Nigeria from 2010 to 2019. During his tenure, Yusuf played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s technological and economic landscape, contributing to critical initiatives such as Interswitch, the Cash-less Lagos project, and Tier 3 Data Centre outsourcing—cornerstones of Nigeria’s modern financial ecosystem. After 24 years at Accenture, Olaniyi Yusuf took a bold step, teaming up with like-minded professionals to establish Verraki Partners in 2019. A proudly African company, Verraki is dedicated to accelerating the development and transformation of Africa by offering business solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges. Under Yusuf’s leadership, Verraki has become a beacon of innovation, crafting technology-driven solutions and providing strategic advisory services that empower enterprises and governments to unlock new growth opportunities.
Born on April 1, 1970, in Oyo State, Nigeria, Yusuf’s roots instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and dedication. An alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University with a Combined Honours degree in Computer Science and Economics, he also holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Wales. A dynamic public speaker and thinker, he has graced numerous conferences, sharing insights on governance, digital transformation, and strategic leadership. His mastery in change management, process reengineering, and enterprise architecture positions him as a go-to expert for C-level executives navigating complex transformations.
Beyond the boardroom, Yusuf’s passion for societal development is unparalleled. As the 7th President of NASFAT Society, with over 360 locations across Nigeria, he has championed initiatives that uplift communities through education, empowerment, and spiritual guidance. His roles as Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Chairman of Junior Achievement Nigeria, and pioneer chairman of HAVEK Leadership Academy further highlight his commitment to shaping the next generation of African leaders. An advocate for education, Yusuf serves on the Governing Council of Corona Schools Trust Council and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Fountain University, Osogbo.
Yusuf’s dedication to Africa extends to his work with the African Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA) and the Aspen Global Leadership Network, where he collaborates with global leaders to drive sustainable development across the continent. As an Expert in Residence at Lagos Business School, he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the dynamic world of business.
