Olasupo Olusi
Olasupo Olusi is a Nigerian economist and development finance executive who has served as managing director and chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI) since October 2023.[1][2]
His appointment was approved by President Bola Tinubu, following the resignation of Olukayode Pitan.[1]
Olusi has over two decades of experience in economic policy and development finance, including nearly two decades at the World Bank Group and roles with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Between 2011 and 2015, he served as Economic Adviser to Nigeria's Coordinating Minister of the Economy.[3]
Early life and education
Olusi holds a B.Sc. in economics from Hull University, United Kingdom; an M.Sc. in International Money, Finance, and Investment from Durham University; and a Ph.D. in economics from Durham University.[4]
He is a member of the Royal Economic Society (United Kingdom) and the American Finance Association (USA).
Career
World Bank Group
Olusi spent approximately two decades at the World Bank Group in positions including World Bank Country Economist and Senior Private Sector Specialist at the International Finance Corporation.[3]
His work focused on private sector development, capital markets reform, and development finance across multiple countries.
In 2020, he led a core team that delivered the World Bank Group's inaugural comprehensive assessment of Nigeria's private sector.[5]
Federal Ministry of Finance
Between 2011 and 2015, Olusi served as Economic Adviser to Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
During this period, he oversaw the YOUWIN programme, a federal government initiative designed to promote youth entrepreneurship through grants and soft loans.[6]
Bank of Industry
Olusi was appointed managing director and CEO of the Bank of Industry in October 2023 for a four-year term.[1][2]
The Bank of Industry is Nigeria's principal development finance institution, providing financing and advisory support for business development across multiple sectors.[7]
Under his leadership, the Bank of Industry launched a ₦10 billion intervention fund aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and bridging financing gaps for female-led businesses.[8]
He has also advocated for vocational and technical skills development as a strategy for economic growth and industrial productivity in Nigeria.[9]
In 2025, Olusi reaffirmed the Bank of Industry's commitment to sustainable industrial growth and regional economic development across Africa.[10]
In an interview with African Business, Olusi stated that demand for the Bank of Industry's services had reached unprecedented levels amid increasing financing needs among Nigerian businesses.[11]
References
- 1 2 3 "President Tinubu Appoints Olusi MD, Bank of Industry". Punch Nigeria. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- 1 2 "President Tinubu Appoints New BOI Chief, Olusi". Channels Television. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Meet Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Newly Appointed MD/CEO Bank of Industry". TechEconomy. 4 September 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "A Country Private Sector Diagnostic: Creating Markets in Nigeria". World Bank. 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "YOUWIN Beneficiaries Hail Appointment of New BOI Boss, Olusi, Laud Tinubu". This Day. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "President Tinubu Appoints Olasupo Olusi as CEO of Bank of Industry". Nairametrics. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "BOI Launches N10bn Intervention Fund, Commits to Bridging Funding Gap for Women Entrepreneurs". This Day. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Olusi Canvasses Skills Devt for Economic Growth, Reaffirms Support for Artisans". This Day. 19 June 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "BOI Reaffirms Drive for Sustainable Industrial Growth Across Africa". This Day. 12 October 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ "Demand for BOI's services has never been higher". African Business. 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2026.