Owenize Odia: Pioneering Crypto Accessibility Across Africa
Early Fascination with Digital Currency
Owenize Odia’s interest in the concept of “money on the internet” has been a driving force throughout her career. For her, the future of finance lies in expanding cryptocurrency access to individuals and institutions in a manner that is secure, regulated, and trustworthy. Her journey to integrate crypto into Africa’s financial landscape continues to gain momentum.
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges in Nigeria
In 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued a directive that prohibited crypto companies from utilizing banking services, leading many to predict the collapse of the local crypto market. Odia, however, took a different stance. As the country manager for Luno Nigeria, she spearheaded innovative solutions that enabled users to continue buying and trading cryptocurrencies despite banking restrictions.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, Odia and her team adapted strategies from other sectors, introducing voucher systems that bypassed traditional banking channels. This approach allowed direct deposits and withdrawals without relying on banks. Meanwhile, other Nigerian exchanges adopted peer-to-peer (P2P) trading models reminiscent of informal WhatsApp groups, where users traded directly but often without safeguards like escrow or regulatory oversight.
Odia emphasized the operational risks of P2P trading and maintained that traditional banks remain essential for crypto’s sustainable growth in Africa. “For now, customers entering crypto markets still need the support of conventional banking systems,” she noted.
Today, vouchers continue to be a cornerstone of Luno’s operations, facilitating crypto access as the company expands into additional African markets.
Building Luno Nigeria from the Ground Up
When Odia joined Luno in 2017, the company was a relatively unknown UK startup aiming to establish a foothold in Nigeria’s vast economy. As the sole employee initially working remotely, she dedicated herself to educating regulators and the public about the benefits of virtual assets. Over seven years, she grew Luno’s user base to over four million Nigerians.
Her strategy included engaging young people through campus events, believing that early exposure to crypto would foster long-term adoption. “At a talk at the University of Lagos, 500 students eagerly asked about crypto technology, career opportunities, and how to get started,” she recalled. This hands-on educational approach helped cultivate a community that fueled Luno’s growth well before crypto became mainstream in Nigeria.
Seeking broader challenges, Odia aspired to oversee crypto operations across Africa. After stepping down as Luno Nigeria’s country manager in February 2024, she accepted the role of General Manager for Africa at Blockchain.com later that year, scaling her mission continent-wide.
Expanding Blockchain.com’s Footprint Across Africa
Odia’s proactive outreach to Blockchain.com via LinkedIn in late 2024 led to her appointment as General Manager for Africa and beyond. Operating from Lagos, she has driven the company’s expansion by applying the same principles of accessibility that proved successful with vouchers at Luno.
Blockchain.com has since established a Nigerian office and is actively engaging with regulators across the continent. Plans are underway to open additional hubs in South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, reflecting a commitment to making crypto accessible to all Africans.
Odia’s vision remains clear: “Crypto doesn’t have to be complicated. Just like our parents use WhatsApp without understanding the technical details, anyone can engage with digital assets today. That level of accessibility is enough to start.”
Leadership Rooted in Team Building and Trust
Odia describes her leadership style as one that nurtures teams with the same dedication she applies to market development. She believes that the future of crypto in Africa hinges not only on innovative products but also on building trust, educating users, and maintaining open dialogue with policymakers.
Her goal is to foster a financial ecosystem where cryptocurrencies and traditional finance coexist and complement each other. “We envision a world where, as long as you have a smartphone, you can access this new financial system seamlessly,” she explained.
From Traditional Banking to Crypto Advocacy
Before becoming a crypto advocate, Odia spent eight years at Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. She led the mobile banking team starting in 2012, shortly after the bank launched its EaZyMoney service. Her role involved designing the mobile interface and educating both staff and customers on its use, foreshadowing her lifelong commitment to leveraging technology for financial inclusion.
Odia holds a diploma in computer engineering from a Nigerian university and a master’s degree in mobile computing from an international institution. Her academic background laid the foundation for her transition into the crypto space, where mobile technology is central to financial access.
Despite her professional success, Odia credits her family for keeping her grounded. “I have four children who keep me balanced, and my husband is my biggest supporter,” she shared.
Recognized as one of Africa’s crypto pioneers, Odia remains focused on her mission to democratize access to the crypto economy. “I want everyone, regardless of age, to participate in this new financial frontier. I won’t stop until that happens,” she affirmed.
