At Oxford’s prestigious Saïd Business School, a remarkable story is unfolding—one that redefines what’s possible for African women in global business. Surayyah Ahmad, a Nigerian entrepreneur and investor, has been named among Poets & Quants’ Best and Brightest MBAs of 2025, a recognition reserved for the most exceptional business students worldwide. The list honours individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, impact, and entrepreneurial brilliance.
Surayyah’s recognition is groundbreaking—not just because of her achievements, but because of where she started. Born into a nomadic Fulani family in Ibadan, Nigeria, formal education wasn’t part of her early life. She began school late, unable to read or write English at 12. Yet, within two decades, she has become a globally recognized force in entrepreneurship and impact investing.
Now completing her MBA at Oxford, Surayyah is not only excelling in the classroom—she’s helping shape the school’s Africa-focused initiatives. She is Co-Chair of the Oxford Africa Business Alliance, a Laidlaw Scholar, and a Fellow of the Oxford Impact Lab, roles that allow her to connect global capital with African innovation.
Beyond her academic journey, Surayyah is reshaping the investment landscape in Africa. As Co-Founder and General Partner at Sabou Capital, she leads a venture firm focused on underserved markets across West and Central Africa. Her mission? To fund the often-overlooked entrepreneurs—especially women—in cities like Kano, Maroua, and Bangui.
“We’re investing in real people from real places,” she says. “Africa’s future isn’t limited to its big cities. There’s innovation everywhere, and we’re committed to backing it.”
Surayyah’s venture journey began with YDS Online, one of Nigeria’s early logistics platforms for e-commerce. Despite the harsh realities of the Nigerian business landscape, she grew and successfully exited the company in 2022. That experience deepened her understanding of the barriers faced by African founders and inspired her to build the systems needed to support them.
What sets Surayyah apart is her ability to connect personal experience with systemic change. She doesn’t just invest—she advocates. She works to shape inclusive growth strategies, influence policy, and challenge outdated assumptions about what’s possible in African business.
At Oxford, she has emerged as a powerful voice on Africa’s future, sparking dialogue among peers, investors, and policy leaders. Her journey—rooted in resilience and driven by purpose—has inspired countless aspiring leaders across the world.
Surayyah Ahmad’s recognition as one of the Best and Brightest MBAs is more than a personal milestone. It’s a testament to what’s possible when talent, vision, and opportunity align. As the first Nigerian woman in recent memory to receive this honour, she’s not only broken barriers—she’s set a bold new precedent for Africa’s next generation of leaders.
