Femi Otedola’s Memoir Shortlisted for Major African Business Book Award

Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola is drawing renewed international attention after his memoir, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, was shortlisted for the 2026 BCA African Business Book of the Year award.

The nomination places him among leading economists, business thinkers, and corporate storytellers at a time when global interest in African business leadership continues to grow.

A Competitive and Influential Prize

The shortlist was announced by the Business Council for Africa, which organises the annual prize in partnership with Africa Finance Corporation, African Business, and BrandComms.

Now in its fourth year, the award has quickly become one of the continent’s most respected recognitions for books examining Africa’s economic transformation, business climate, and investment opportunities.

The winner will be announced on July 3 in London, with a top prize of 10,000 dollars. Second and third place winners will receive 5,000 dollars and 2,500 dollars, respectively.

Inside “Making It Big”

Published in 2025, the memoir traces Otedola’s rise through Nigeria’s oil, banking, and power sectors.

It revisits key moments in his career, including the growth of Zenon Petroleum into a major fuel supply company and the eventual sale of Forte Oil.

The book also explores his return to the financial sector through his growing stake in FirstHoldCo, where he currently serves as chairman.

A Window Into Nigeria’s Business Landscape

Beyond personal milestones, the memoir provides insight into operating within Nigeria’s complex economic environment.

It details how major businesses navigate currency instability, policy reversals, fuel subsidy disruptions, and political pressure in Africa’s largest economy.

This perspective has contributed to rising global demand for African executive memoirs, as investors and readers seek firsthand accounts of doing business on the continent.

Shortly after its release, the book reached the number one position in its Amazon category, reflecting strong commercial interest in African entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

Strong Field of African Voices

Otedola’s work is competing alongside several notable titles exploring Africa’s development and business environment.

These include works by Jarco Martiz, Joe Studwell, Allete Vonk, Adeolu Adewumi Zer, Adrian Saville, Bruce Whitfield, Professor David Luke, and Landry Signé.

The judging panel is chaired by former Ecobank chief executive Arnold Ekpe and includes prominent figures such as Arunma Oteh, Chris Ogbechie, Moky Makura, and Omar Ben Yedder.

Growing Global Interest in African Narratives

The recognition of Otedola’s memoir reflects a broader shift in how African business stories are perceived globally.

There is increasing demand for narratives that explain how African entrepreneurs build and sustain enterprises within complex and rapidly evolving markets.

Institutions like the Business Council for Africa continue to play a role in bridging African markets with international investors while promoting a deeper understanding of the continent’s economic trajectory.

As more African voices enter global conversations through books, investment forums, and leadership platforms, the continent’s business story is becoming more defined by those who are actively shaping it.

And while challenges remain, the growing visibility of African entrepreneurs and thinkers signals a broader shift toward ownership of the continent’s narrative.

Africa’s economic journey is still unfolding, driven by resilience, innovation, and a new generation willing to document, challenge, and redefine what success looks like on the continent.