Every once in a while, a story emerges that captures the essence of perseverance, vision, and impact. Ayokunle Bankole’s journey is one such story.
From humble beginnings in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, to leading African Market Entry Consulting Ltd, one of Nigeria’s premier market entry consultancies, Ayokunle has not just built a business, he has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs and organizations across Africa to dream bigger, expand confidently, and operate sustainably.
His path is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities where none seemed to exist.
Along the way, he has learned lessons about trust, cultural sensitivity, compliance, and the transformative power of knowledge, lessons he now channels into guiding the next generation of African business leaders.
In this interview, Ayokunle shares the story of how a simple idea grew into a powerhouse consultancy, the challenges he overcame, the principles that drive his work, and the vision he has for the future of entrepreneurship across Africa.
CA: Ayokunle, your journey from a humble beginning in 2008 to leading one of Nigeria’s top market entry consultancies is truly inspiring. Can you take us back to how it all began? What inspired you to start building what is now African Market Entry Consulting Ltd?
Ayokunle: Thank you! Honestly, when I look back, it’s been quite a journey. My story with African Market Entry Consulting really started around 2008, long before the company had a name.
It was more like a side hustle then. I was basically offering the service under a media company I had registered then.
At the time, I just had an eye for opportunities. I noticed how difficult it was for people in smaller towns like Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State to register their companies, many had to travel all the way to Ibadan or even Lagos just to get it done.
Seeing how simple the process could actually be, I figured I could bridge that gap and make it easier for business-minded people around me.
It wasn’t about structure or regulatory frameworks at that point, it was about providing value and earning an extra income. But a few years later, after I relocated to Lagos, it began to dawn on me that I could actually build a career out of this.
I became more intentional and even built a website called MyIncorporation.com.ng, where I started promoting my services.
That simple idea planted a seed. Over time, my focus shifted from just helping people register businesses to helping them understand the business environment, stay compliant, and expand sustainably.
And that’s how what started as a side hustle evolved into African Market Entry Consulting Limited, a firm that now helps both local and foreign companies establish and operate successfully in Nigeria with confidence and clarity.
CA: That’s incredible. Building resilient, compliant businesses in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa requires vision, persistence, and deep local insight. I imagine the road wasn’t always smooth. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on, and how did you overcome them?
Ayokunle: Building a business is never easy, and doing it in Nigeria or any jurisdiction in Africa comes with its own unique challenges. You really have to look out for yourself because, truthfully, the system doesn’t always support entrepreneurs.
In the early days, it was just me trying to get people to know what I did. I used to promote my services by sending bulk SMS messages using what we called “GSM numbers” back then to hundreds of people. Whenever someone responded positively, I’d jump on public transport to go meet them in person. Some of those early clients are still with us today, which is something I’m really proud of.
Another challenge was trust. Even till today, online transactions are viewed with a lot of suspicion, people are scared of transactions over the internet. So, convincing clients to pay for a service online takes real effort. I had to build credibility the hard way through consistency, transparency, and word of mouth.
Unlike many small businesses, I made sure to have a functional website that gave people little confidence in our service. That decision changed everything. In 2014, I got my first international brief, and that marked a real turning point for me.
Then, of course, there were the structural challenges: no team, no office, no mentor, just me doing everything, from client communication to filings and delivery. It was draining, but it taught me resilience.
What helped me overcome these challenges was persistence and adaptability. I kept learning, kept improving our processes, and invested heavily in understanding the regulatory environment.
Over time, clients began to see our difference, we weren’t just filling forms; we were building compliant, sustainable businesses. That trust became our strongest asset, and that’s really how we grew.
CA: Absolutely. And with over 7,000 entrepreneurs and organizations you’ve worked with, from startups to global firms, you must have gained deep insights. What key lessons have you learned from helping such a diverse range of businesses succeed?
Ayokunle: There’s really no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to serving clients. Working with over 7,000 entrepreneurs and organizations across different industries and countries has taught me that every client, every business, and every market is unique.
What works for a fintech startup in Lagos may not work for an agritech company in Kaduna or a European firm expanding into West Africa.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of knowledge. As a consultant, you have to be deeply informed, not just about business registration or compliance, but about the broader economic, cultural, and regulatory landscape.
Clients come to you because they expect clarity and direction. The last thing any client wants to hear from a consultant is “I don’t know.” So, continuous learning isn’t optional; it’s the backbone of credibility.
Because we also work with clients from diverse cultural and national backgrounds, I’ve learned the importance of cultural sensitivity. A lot of misunderstandings in cross-border business aren’t about laws or language, they’re about culture.
How people interpret time, value, negotiation, and even trust differs from one region to another. Being able to navigate those nuances is what turns a consultant into a trusted advisor.
Another lesson is that trust and communication are everything. You can have the best knowledge in the world, but if clients don’t trust your judgment or feel heard, you’ll lose them.
The clients we’ve retained the longest are those who not only value our expertise but also feel we genuinely care about their success.
And finally, I’ve learned that impact scales with integrity. When you do right by one client, they become your loudest marketing channel. Some of our international clients came through referrals from satisfied clients who experienced our commitment first-hand, while others as a result of our professionalism and prompt communication.
Working with thousands of businesses has taught me to listen more, learn faster, adapt better, and always lead with integrity because at the end of the day, consulting isn’t just about business formation; it’s about building relationships that last.
CA: That’s powerful. The business environment in Nigeria can be complex and ever-evolving. How has your background and experience shaped the way you approach regulatory challenges and guide your clients through them?
Ayokunle: That’s a great question and one that really speaks to the heart of what we do.
I think my background and years of hands-on experience have shaped the way I approach regulatory challenges in a very practical way. You can’t work in Nigeria’s business space for long without realizing that regulations here are not static, they change, sometimes without warning, and often with layers of interpretation depending on who you’re dealing with.
Early in my journey, I learned that succeeding in this environment isn’t about memorizing laws; it’s about understanding systems, people, and timing.
Because I started from the ground up, literally handling filings, interacting with government offices, and dealing with the realities entrepreneurs face, I gained a front-row understanding of how regulations work in practice, not just on paper.
That experience helps me guide clients with confidence, not just quoting the law but interpreting how it plays out in real-life situations.
At African Market Entry Consulting, we take a proactive approach to regulation. We don’t just help clients react to policies; we anticipate them.
We spend a lot of time studying trends, engaging with regulatory institutions, and staying informed about upcoming policy shifts. This foresight allows us to help clients adapt quickly and stay compliant even in uncertain conditions.
My philosophy has always been: compliance shouldn’t be seen as a burden, it’s a growth strategy. When you understand the rules, you can innovate within them. When you build right from day one, you save yourself from future headaches.
So, my approach is a blend of deep local insight, hands-on experience, and a bit of foresight. We don’t just tell clients what the law says; we show them how to operate safely, profitably, and sustainably within it.
That’s what gives our clients confidence, they know we’re not just consultants behind desks; we’re partners who have walked the terrain ourselves.
CA: And recognitions like “Best Market Entry Consultancy 2024” and “Company Formation Experts of the Year 2023” must feel validating. What do these awards mean to you personally and professionally?
Ayokunle Bankole: Honestly, it means a lot, both personally and professionally. Recognition like that doesn’t just validate what we do; it validates why we do it.
When I started, the goal wasn’t to win awards, it was just me trying to be valuable and earn some honest living. I never imagined a day would come when we would be recognized for providing business setup services.
So, being named Best Market Entry Consultancy 2024 and Company Formation Experts of the Year 2023 feels like an acknowledgment that we’re doing something right.
For me personally, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come. From those early days of sending bulk messages and meeting clients on public transport, to now being recognised as a trusted name in corporate compliance and market entry, it’s humbling.
But it’s also motivating, because it tells me the market sees value in integrity, excellence, and consistency.
Professionally, it reinforces our credibility. Clients feel more confident when they see those recognitions. They know they’re working with an agency that doesn’t just talk about standards but lives by them.
But beyond the titles, it’s really about the people, our team, our clients, and everyone who has believed in what we’re building. That collective trust is what truly defines success for me.
CA: With clients from over 30 countries and more than 1,000 company formations annually, it must be incredible to see the ripple effect of your work. How does it feel knowing you’ve inspired the next generation of business leaders?
Ayokunle: Honestly, I have not seen any work that is as fulfilling as what I do at African Market Entry Consulting Limited. It is as though I was born for it.
When I look back and realise that our work at African Market Entry Consulting Limited has contributed to the birth of thousands of businesses, each one employing people, paying taxes, and driving innovation, it feels deeply rewarding.
We’re not just filling forms or submitting filings; we’re helping people bring their ideas to life in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.
Knowing that some of those businesses have grown into major players and that we played a small role in their journey is humbling. It’s also proof that entrepreneurship in Africa is alive and powerful.
Every company we register or compliance structure we set up has a ripple effect. It creates jobs, supports families, and strengthens the economy.
But perhaps what excites me the most is seeing young entrepreneurs who once reached out for guidance now leading successful ventures and mentoring others.
That’s when you realise it’s not just about consultancy; it’s about legacy. We’re helping to build a generation of business leaders who understand that compliance, structure, and governance are not barriers, they’re the foundation for growth.
For me, that’s impact. That’s purpose. And that’s what keeps us going every day.
CA: And that philosophy really shines through. What inspired you to share your expertise and help others navigate the African business environment with confidence?
Ayokunle: I’m a strong believer in sharing knowledge to build trust as a consultant. It reminds me of the biblical verse that says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.”
In our line of work, you can’t hide behind expertise, you have to project it. You have to let people see that you truly understand what you’re doing. That’s how confidence and trust are built.
I’ve always believed that knowledge only becomes powerful when it’s shared. Over the years, I’ve seen so many brilliant ideas fail to take off, not because they weren’t viable, but because their founders didn’t understand how to navigate the system.
That gap between ambition and execution is what inspired me to start sharing my expertise and helping people find their footing.
For me, it’s more than just consultancy, it’s empowerment. Every time we guide a client through the right channels, we’re helping them build something sustainable and credible.
The more compliant, well-structured businesses we have across Africa, the stronger our economies become. So, sharing knowledge isn’t just good for business, it’s my way of contributing to a more transparent, confident, and prosperous African business landscape.
CA: Looking ahead, what’s next for you and African Market Entry Consulting? Are there any new projects or milestones you’re particularly excited about?
Ayokunle: There’s so much I’m excited about. For us at African Market Entry Consulting, the next phase is all about scale and impact. We’ve built a strong foundation over the years, now, it’s time to leverage that to reach even more entrepreneurs and organizations across Africa.
We’re expanding our market entry footprint beyond Nigeria. We’ve already begun forming strategic partnerships in East and Southern Africa, because we know many of our clients are looking at regional growth, not just one-country setups.
Personally, I’m also focused on capacity building, mentoring a new generation of consultants who can carry the vision forward. There’s a huge need for professionals who understand both the local regulatory environment and the global compliance mindset, and that’s something we’re committed to developing.
So, yes, the future looks exciting. We’re building not just a company, but a movement that’s shaping how business is done in Africa, legally, confidently, and sustainably.
CA: As someone shaping the future of business development in Africa, what do you see as the next big opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors in the region?
Ayokunle: The next big opportunity in Africa lies in infrastructure for scalability, not just physical infrastructure like logistics and power, but regulatory, digital, and operational infrastructure that helps businesses grow sustainably across borders.
We’re seeing a new wave of entrepreneurs who aren’t just building for one city or one country, but for the entire continent. The real opportunity lies in creating systems, in compliance, technology, payments, supply chains, that make regional trade and expansion seamless.
For investors, this is an exciting time. Africa’s growth story is no longer about raw potential; it’s about execution. The entrepreneurs who understand structure, governance, and compliance will outlast those chasing quick wins.
And the investors who back businesses that solve fundamental bottlenecks—in regulation, technology, and market connectivity, will define the next decade of African enterprise.
CA: Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to entrepreneurs or investors looking to launch or expand in Africa, what would it be?
Ayokunle: My advice would be simple, build on knowledge, not assumptions. Africa is full of opportunity, but each market has its own rhythm, regulations, and realities. The biggest mistake I see entrepreneurs and investors make is trying to apply a one-size-fits-all approach.
Take the time to understand the environment, the laws, the culture, and the people. Work with credible local partners. Compliance is not a burden; it’s a foundation for sustainability.
When you do business the right way from the start, you build trust, and trust is the true currency of doing business in Africa.
So, don’t just enter the market, understand it, respect it, and build within it. That’s how you create something that lasts.
