Toyin Akaninyene Udoabba, popularly known as NaijaSalesmaker, is transforming how aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa learn to build and grow successful online businesses. As the founder of the Life Changing Sales Academy, Udoabba has empowered over 53,000 individuals—many of whom now generate monthly incomes reaching into the seven figures.
In a recent interview, Udoabba described herself as “an entrepreneur, business consultant, real estate investor, digital marketer, and sales coach,” all rolled into one. Her journey began back in 2004, fueled by a determination to rise above poverty and forge her own path.
While employed at a firm that offered advertising support services, she took her first step into entrepreneurship by launching her own business. She went on to contribute to major branding campaigns for household names like Chivita, Dettol, and Dabur. As the internet evolved, so did Udoabba—adapting her skills and eventually launching the NaijaSalesmaker brand in 2018.
“I realized many hardworking people simply didn’t know how to sell. They had the will, but lacked the strategy. I wanted to simplify sales and digital marketing for them—especially those who weren’t tech-savvy,” she said.
Her efforts culminated in the creation of the Life Changing Sales Academy, now widely regarded as one of Africa’s most reliable platforms for practical business training. “The journey has involved countless lessons—mistakes, wins, and everything in between,” she reflected. “But I stayed focused on what mattered: helping people earn money using their phones and internet access.”
The ripple effects have been far-reaching. Many of her former students have launched successful coaching programs or even started their own manufacturing ventures. “My mission has always been empowerment—and that’s exactly what we’re achieving,” she added.
Like many online entrepreneurs, Udoabba initially faced skepticism. Building trust in the digital space wasn’t easy. “But I kept showing up with real value, sharing success stories, and focusing on results. Eventually, the work started speaking for itself.”
Udoabba credits much of her success to innovation and purpose-driven leadership. “We don’t just sell courses—we help people transform their lives. Whether it’s through simplified teaching methods, new content formats, or innovative offers, we’re always improving.”
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is practical and powerful: “Start small, but think smart. Focus on solving a single problem really well. And whatever you do, make sure you’re selling—no sales, no business.”
Looking ahead, Udoabba envisions expanding her reach beyond Africa, targeting Africans abroad and launching global-scale events and new product lines. Her goal? To become the leading name in practical business education across the continent and beyond.
