In Nigeria’s ever-evolving retail ecosystem, one woman is standing out—not just for her business acumen but for her bold mission to solve real problems for thousands of underserved small businesses.
Meet Opeyemi Kehinde, a mother of two and a born entrepreneur, whose journey from childhood shopkeeper to tech-enabled retail trailblazer is transforming how small retailers operate and thrive.
A Childhood Rooted in Commerce
Opeyemi didn’t stumble into business—she grew up in it. Raised in a family that ran a local retail shop, she learned the ropes early. From customer interaction to understanding pricing, sourcing, and trade dynamics, her childhood experiences shaped her natural instincts for entrepreneurship.
By the time she was in college, she had already turned her passion into a profitable venture. She built a fashion supply business from the ground up, sourcing goods directly from Aba Market—the “China of Africa”—and distributing to retailers across South-West Nigeria. With no external support or startup capital, she made it work with sheer drive and determination.
The Roadblocks Most Entrepreneurs Face
Like many Nigerian entrepreneurs, Opeyemi faced structural barriers that hindered growth. She struggled with consistently sourcing inventory, battling high costs, and inefficient supply chains. Access to funding was nearly impossible—part of a broader issue where only 12% of SMEs in Nigeria can secure bank loans, leaving a staggering $236 billion credit gap.
These experiences birthed a bigger vision that extended beyond her success.
In response to these challenges, Opeyemi founded Supplya, a retail-tech platform with a bold mission: to empower small businesses by fixing broken supply chains and unlocking access to capital.
Here’s how Supplya is changing the game:
- Direct Sourcing: Businesses can source inventory directly from manufacturers, bypassing middlemen and slashing costs.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Retailers can stock up and pay later, interest-free, giving them breathing room to grow.
- Tech-Driven Accessibility: With plans to roll out AI-powered credit scoring, Supplya is helping the most overlooked businesses get the financing they need, based on performance and data, not bureaucracy.
Opeyemi is a proud member of the Shecluded community, a platform that champions financial inclusion, funding, and growth opportunities for women. Through the support and visibility gained in the community, she continues to break new ground.
In 2025, she was honored with the prestigious Mary Ojulari Foundation Grant, securing $5,000 to expand her innovative business. This significant recognition underscores not only her remarkable potential but also the burgeoning confidence that stakeholders and investors have in her visionary approach to revolutionizing the retail landscape across Nigeria. With this support, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry, opening new avenues for growth and transformation.
Recognized for Impact
Supplya’s innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed.
- The startup was awarded by Adanian Labs for its high-impact business model.
- It won the Pitch Perfect Competition hosted by Termii, a major name in Nigeria’s tech space.
- Opeyemi was selected as one of 100 women in Africa for the prestigious SheWins Africa Program by the IFC (International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group).
- She was also interviewed on Lagos State Radio, where she shared her inspiring story of overcoming the odds and building a business that uplifts others.
What’s Next for Supplya?
Opeyemi is just getting started. Over the next six months, she and her team are laser-focused on growth and impact:
- Attain $50,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
- Launch an AI-powered credit scoring system
- Expand to 5 more Nigerian states
- Reach 10,000 Monthly Active Users (MAUs)
It’s an ambitious plan, but ambition is nothing new to Opeyemi.
Opeyemi’s journey isn’t just about profit. It’s about creating a pathway for other women, small traders, and overlooked entrepreneurs. She is building a solution that lifts others as she climbs, making it easier for the next generation of retailers to succeed without facing the same hurdles.
Her story is a bold reminder that real impact starts when innovation meets purpose—and when one woman dares to dream beyond the limits society sets.
