ByAdo Adeboye Philip
FOR many, the decision to leave home in pursuit of better opportunities is a hopeful one, filled with dreams of prosperity and progress.
Yet for Sodiq Aminu, a Nigerian entrepreneur, migration often feels like a detour away from those very aspirations.
“Those who leave the shores of our country to seek greener pastures abroad end up getting confined to the occupational provisions of the system, which are mostly the kind of jobs we consider menial in our own country,” he says, voicing a sentiment that resonates with many young Nigerians.
Sodiq’s perspective is grounded in a reality many migrants know too well. In a focus group of Nigerian youth reflecting on the diaspora experience, around 70% believed that relocating to Western countries often suppresses entrepreneurial ambitions.
The drive to survive in unfamiliar terrain, they argue, eclipses the will to build businesses.
Indeed, many migrants do gravitate toward sectors like healthcare, construction, and logistics — areas that promise stability but are physically demanding. And while such jobs offer financial rewards, they often come at the cost of entrepreneurial dreams deferred.
Yet, this perspective, though widespread, is not absolute.
Data from the UK government’s annual Small Business Survey reveals that 7–12% of small and medium-sized businesses with employees are led by minority ethnic groups, with Black entrepreneurs forming a significant portion.
Across the Atlantic, the Pew Research Centre reports that Black-owned businesses accounted for about 3% of all U.S. firms in 2022.
These statistics tell an important story: migration doesn’t necessarily kill entrepreneurship; it reshapes it. While the journey may be tougher and the path steeper, Black and by extension, Nigerian entrepreneurs, are building businesses, creating jobs, and contributing billions to the economies of their adopted countries.
In fact, according to a British Business Bank-supported study by Richard Hyde of the Social Market Foundation, ethnic minority businesses, including African-owned ventures, contribute between £25 billion and £74 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy annually.
One powerful example of resilience and determination is Adejoke Bakare, the first Black female chef in the UK to win a Michelin Star.
“You need resilience to start your own business, and you need resilience as a migrant – so being a migrant business owner is especially demanding,” she told Diaspora NG.
“Also, fearlessness – I should have made the leap much earlier than I did!”
This fearless entrepreneurial spirit is echoed by Dami and Ify Odugbemi, former oil and gas professionals who founded Succulento, an award-winning sauce and seasoning brand in Scotland. What started as a response to bland lunchtime meals has evolved into a celebrated culinary enterprise.
Similarly, Mo Adeniyi and Eniola Odejayi, founders of Gidi Grill, saw a gap in Scotland’s food scene and filled it with the bold, vibrant flavours of African-inspired cuisine.
“Once the vision became reality, our business had instant popularity,” they shared in an interview with The Courier.
Dr. Sunday Olorunsheyi, a Canadian-based Nigerian entrepreneur, in offering a perspective on the entrepreneurial journey for Africans in diaspora, said: “First, the greatest obstacle lies within our minds; once we break free from self-imposed limitations, we unlock endless opportunities in the diaspora.
“Second, collaboration remains a challenge, but it’s one that’s gradually being overcome. Many Nigerians in the diaspora are excelling in entrepreneurship, and now it’s time to aim for even greater achievements. This next phase demands collaboration, enabling us to gain traction, access more opportunities, and negotiate better deals collectively.”, he said
Dr Olorunsheyi, while acknowledging the attendant challenges entrepreneurs face away from homeland, also gave some advisories on how to get a foot in the door.
He continued: “I’ll begin by emphasising the importance of gathering information; knowledge is indeed power. Without it, you risk being ill-prepared. Before diving into any business venture, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research. Consider the type of business you intend to start and its relevance to your location.
“In Canada, several sectors such as healthcare, construction, technology, and agriculture offer significant opportunities. Partnering with individuals already operating in your desired field can provide invaluable insights and support your journey.”, Dr Olorunsheyi added.
Away from perspectives and advisories, Dr Olorunsheyi shared his own personal journey, while speaking with Diaspora NG, adding that: “Regarding establishing businesses in Canada, I noticed a significant underrepresentation of Nigerians in governance, politics, and entrepreneurship within the Canadian Nigerian community.
“Understanding the adage that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, I was motivated to change this narrative, driven by a desire to represent beyond mere financial gain. Surprisingly, I discovered that it is easier to start a business in Canada than securing employment, yet many Nigerians were not capitalising on this opportunity.
“Canada offers ample support to business owners, particularly those with a good personal credit score, as it significantly influences business credit and facilitates access to funding and licenses, provided compliance standards are met.”, he added.
For many African entrepreneurs in the diaspora, business is more than commerce — it’s cultural preservation.
Take Omolara Teshola, for example. Through her Luxembourg-based fashion brand MADE Lagos, she blends tradition with modernity, championing Nigerian fabrics like Adire and Aso Oke.
“Our distinctive style at MADE Lagos is a reflection of our commitment to celebrating African craftsmanship and identity while embracing global influences,” she explained during a 2024 interview.
Similarly, Ayomide Babadele, founder of Anthillbyenitan, rekindled her entrepreneurial fire after moving to the UK in 2023. Her dream of taking indigenous Nigerian textiles to the global stage is now a flourishing reality.
“All our fabrics are designed by me and sourced from Lagos,” she told Naijapreneur. “It’s always been a dream to bring the richness of Adire, Aso Oke, and other indigenous textiles to the global market.”
Dubai-based Goodluck Igwe, whose company Goodluck Bespoke produces suits, shirts, trousers, perfumes, socks, and other accessories and supplies globally, emphasized the need for focus and discipline for those who seek to explore entrepreneurship.
“You can do great wherever you are. But if you must japa, make sure you know what you’re going to do. Don’t just travel because others are doing so. Many people, even here in Dubai, have no job and now regret leaving home.