At just 26 years old, Adaugo Godsgift Ezeala is redefining Africa’s digital commerce landscape. In 2024, she co-founded SokoSQ, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing how small businesses sell, operate, and grow in a digital-first economy.
As Chief Operating Officer of SokoSQ, Adaugo leads product innovation, growth strategy, and market expansion. In a region where more than 80% of SMEs still rely on informal or semi-digital sales methods, SokoSQ provides an end-to-end digital business solution—offering instant online stores integrated with Instagram, WhatsApp, and offline channels. The platform also features inventory tracking, marketing automation, business intelligence, and sales analytics—all optimized for ease of use and scale.
In just months after launch, SokoSQ had onboarded over 1,000 businesses and was nearing ₦1 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV). Business owners widely praised its simplicity and impact—one user described it as “fast, easy to operate, and stress-free.”
Powered by Experience, Built for Impact
Adaugo’s entrepreneurial vision is grounded in experience. At Babybliss, one of Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platforms, she steered digital marketing during the COVID-19 lockdowns, helping the business surpass $2 million in sales and driving a 30% revenue growth. She later served as Head of Growth at Towntalk Solutions, where she led the company’s brand transformation and entry into the Techstars Accelerator, unlocking $120,000 in funding and setting it up for global expansion.
Adaugo also ran two retail ventures of her own—firsthand experiences that shaped her understanding of the daily hurdles faced by African SMEs. This deep empathy fuels SokoSQ’s product direction, with features like AI-driven marketing tools and growth engines embedded in a no-code interface, empowering microbusinesses to thrive without hiring tech teams.
Data-Driven Design for Real Business Needs
To ensure the platform was truly tailored for its users, Adaugo led a large-scale feedback initiative—surveying over 6,000 SMEs via WhatsApp communities and direct interviews. Insights from these sessions shaped everything from SokoSQ’s user interface and dashboard design to its payment workflows and analytics.
Today, SokoSQ functions as an AI-powered business command center, designed to empower small business owners to manage operations and grow with precision.
Strategic Partnerships and a Bold Future
SokoSQ is currently in talks with a Nigerian bank to build financial infrastructure tailored for SMEs. Its ambitious roadmap includes logistics integration, diaspora commerce tools, and cross-border payments, positioning the platform as a critical link between local entrepreneurs and global markets.
With a target of reaching over 100,000 SMEs across Africa, the UK, and the US in the next two years, Adaugo isn’t just scaling software—she’s igniting a digital commerce revolution.
Her thought leadership in AI, commerce, and small business enablement is gaining recognition across the continent. She continues to inspire through keynote talks, mentorship, and ecosystem-building efforts.
Redefining What’s Possible
From DM-based selling to data-powered scale, Adaugo Ezeala is building more than a tech platform—she’s creating the digital infrastructure for Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs. SokoSQ is more than a tool; it’s a movement toward equitable growth, inclusive innovation, and lasting economic impact.
In Adaugo’s hands, the future of African business isn’t just digital—it’s intelligent, scalable, and unstoppable.
