Dr. Olasupo Olusi

Dr. Olasupo Olusi, a seasoned economist and development finance expert, is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI), where he is driving an ambitious transformation of development finance and expanding the institution's role in Nigeria's industrial and economic development.

With more than two decades of international experience spanning the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Finance and academia, Dr. Olusi brings extensive expertise in macroeconomic management, MSME development, public-sector reform, debt and fiscal management, private-sector development and financial inclusion.

Under his leadership, BOI has delivered significant outcomes for Nigeria's industrial economy. He led the mobilisation of nearly €2 billion (approximately ₦3.4 trillion) from global financial institutions, described as the largest single transaction executed by a development finance institution in Africa's history.

He has also championed the Rural Areas Program on Investment for Development (RAPID) to promote rural enterprise and unlock economic opportunities in underserved communities, while leading the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) to de-risk lending and expand access to credit.

Another significant milestone under his leadership is BOI becoming the first Nigerian institution accredited by the United Nations Adaptation Fund for climate adaptation finance.

The Bank's expanding influence has been recognised through a number of continental and international honours, including Sustainable Bank of the Year in Africa at the 2026 African Bankers Awards, African Deal of the Year at the 2025 Global Banking & Markets Africa Awards, and Transaction of the Year at the 2025 THISDAY Awards. BOI was also recognised as Africa's Most Innovative National Bank at the 2025 African Heritage Concert and Awards in Morocco.

Dr. Olusi's leadership has further contributed to BOI's focus on MSMEs, digital transformation, youth empowerment, rural development, climate finance and inclusive economic growth — areas that are critical to expanding productive capacity and creating sustainable opportunities across Nigeria.

His contributions to economic development have also earned him recognition including the 2025 President's Gold Medal Award for Meritorious Service from the Nigerian Economic Society, the 2025 Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Leader in Development Finance and Financial Inclusion Award, and the 2025 Global Excellence Emerging Business Leader of the Year Award.

With his combination of global development-finance experience and an increasingly ambitious mandate for BOI, Dr. Olusi is helping position the institution not simply as a financier of industry, but as a strategic engine for enterprise development, investment and economic transformation.

The Times Heroes Awards recognises Dr. Olasupo Olusi and the Bank of Industry with the National Development Award for advancing development finance, expanding access to capital, supporting enterprise and industrial growth, and strengthening Nigeria's capacity for inclusive and sustainable economic development.