In a world where innovation, impact, and international reach define modern leadership, Collins Nzekwe stands out as a dynamic force. A seasoned management consultant with a multifaceted background spanning banking, consulting, and entrepreneurship, Collins brings a global perspective rooted in purpose. With an MBA from the prestigious Schulich School of Business at York University, alongside further certifications from Yale and Harvard, his academic pedigree is just the beginning of his remarkable journey.
As the founder and managing partner of Lex Consulting Group, a strategic consulting firm operating across the U.S., Canada, and Nigeria, Collins helps organizations unlock growth in emerging markets through tailored go-to-market strategies. His influence goes beyond the boardrooms—through ThinkAfrica, a diasporan organization he co-founded, he is bridging the gap between young African professionals abroad and opportunities on the continent.
In this exclusive interview with founding editor Lehlé Baldé, Collins shares insights on strategy, innovation, and his mission to create change across continents.
What inspired your transition from banking to consulting and entrepreneurship?
Collins reflects:
“Picture this: I’m in a glass office in the heart of the city, buried under Excel sheets and portfolio reports, when it hits me—I’ve mastered the art of numbers, but where’s the impact? Banking gave me solid discipline and structure (and taught me how to survive off coffee and back-to-back meetings), but I found myself yearning for something more dynamic, something that allowed me to roll up my sleeves and help businesses build from the ground up. Consulting was that perfect cocktail—strategic, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding. And entrepreneurship? That was the garnish on top. It gave me the opportunity to shape my narrative and directly influence outcomes.”
Can you share the story behind founding Lex Consulting Group and its key impact so far?
“Lex Consulting Group didn’t start in a boardroom with a vision deck; it started on the ground, during a consulting project in West Africa. I was working with a company that had the drive but kept hitting invisible walls. That experience stayed with me. I realized that many African businesses aren’t short on ideas—they’re short on access, insights, and tailored support. Lex was born to bridge that gap.
Today, we’ve worked with everyone from first-time founders to global giants trying to crack the African market. Our work has sparked growth, unlocked capital, and, yes, led to a few celebratory dances in office corridors.”
What are the biggest challenges international businesses face when entering African markets, and how does Lex Consulting help navigate them?
“Let’s not sugarcoat it—doing business in Africa is not for the fainthearted. There are days when the power goes out, the internet ghosts you, and regulatory updates feel like plot twists. But that’s where we shine. Lex Consulting dives deep into the nuance. We decode the fine print, bring in the right partners, and localize strategies in a way that makes sense on the ground, not just on PowerPoint. We help clients navigate the maze, find their rhythm, and ultimately, win.”
How does ThinkAfrica bridge the gap between young professionals in the diaspora and opportunities on the continent?
“ThinkAfrica is my love letter to the diaspora. It’s a platform built to ensure that our brightest minds abroad don’t lose touch with the continent’s heartbeat. We run mentorships, career accelerators, and linkages that turn passion into purpose. Because let’s face it—there’s only so much fulfillment you can get from brunch and boardrooms in Washington, DC or Toronto. Sometimes, the real magic is in building back home.”
What sectors in Africa are currently the most attractive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and why?
“Africa is no longer just rising; it’s roaring. If you’re looking for where to place your bets, look at technology (especially fintech and AI), renewable energy, smart agriculture, digital education, and healthcare. The population is young, mobile-savvy, and hungry for solutions. The kicker? These aren’t just profit-making opportunities—they’re impact-driven and socially transformative. Win-win.”
As an entrepreneur, what are the most critical factors for building a successful business in Africa today?
“If you’re coming into Africa with a ‘copy-paste’ mentality, good luck. What works in Berlin may flop in Lagos. Success here means understanding nuance, building trust over time (not just with emails, but with presence), and staying agile. Also, hire well. Your people will make or break you. And embrace tech. Africa is a leapfrog continent—we don’t follow trends; we set them in our own way.”
How have your experiences with institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and Forbes influenced your approach to leadership?
“Having gained invaluable experience with the World Bank was like getting a backstage pass on how global economies operate. You see the macro forces, the data-driven decisions, and the ripple effects. But you also learn diplomacy—how to bring people together and drive consensus. My time with Forbes as a Forbes Fellow, however, reminded me of the power of storytelling. It’s not just what you do, but how you frame it. A good story opens doors, wins hearts, and attracts partnerships.”
What role do innovation and social impact play in your business strategies?
“At Lex, we’re not just chasing profits, we’re solving problems. Whether it’s helping an agri-startup reach remote farmers or supporting a female-led tech company scale across borders, the impact is built into our DNA. We don’t do innovation for innovation’s sake. We innovate with purpose. And sometimes, the best ideas come not from board meetings, but from chats with market women or late-night brainstorming over suya.”
How will Africa’s business landscape evolve in the next 5–10 years?
“Fast forward 5 to 10 years, and Africa’s business scene will be barely recognizable—in a good way. I see more startups disrupting industries, governments embracing digital frameworks, and investors finally seeing Africa not just as a risk but as a runway for growth. Sustainability will move from buzzword to baseline. And more young entrepreneurs will rewrite what success looks like: Afrocentric, tech-enabled, and unapologetically bold.”
What advice would you give to young Africans in the diaspora looking to contribute to the continent’s development?
“Stay connected. Not just via WhatsApp groups or jollof wars, but through actual engagement. Africa is evolving, and it needs your voice, your skills, and your ideas. Whether you’re a consultant in the U.S., a coder in Canada, a lawyer in the UK, or a designer in Dubai, there’s room for you here. Start by visiting, collaborating, mentoring, and investing. Africa isn’t just your past, it can be your future, too.”
