Building What Lasts: Lessons on Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Growth from Razaq Ahmed

Global Shapers Lagos engages the Co-Founder and CEO of Cowrywise on building businesses, navigating uncertainty and creating lasting impact.

Building a business is one challenge. Building one that creates lasting value, adapts to uncertainty and responds to real societal needs requires a different kind of leadership.

These were some of the ideas explored at the latest edition of the Meet the Leader (MTL) Series, hosted by the Global Shapers Community Lagos Hub, featuring Mr Razaq Ahmed, CFA, Co-Founder and CEO of Cowrywise and President of CFA Society Nigeria.

As one of Nigeria’s notable voices in financial technology and investment, Razaq Ahmed’s work spans entrepreneurship, financial services and professional leadership. Through Cowrywise, he has contributed to making financial planning and investment more accessible to Nigerians, while his role at CFA Society Nigeria reflects a commitment to advancing professional excellence and ethical standards within the investment industry.

The session brought members of the Lagos Hub together for an open conversation about leadership, building businesses in Nigeria, navigating uncertainty and creating opportunities in a rapidly changing world. Beyond the titles and professional milestones, the discussion offered perspectives on the decisions, habits and mindset required to build organisations that can grow, adapt and remain relevant.

Five Reflections from the Conversation

1. Build with a long-term perspective.

Building a business goes beyond launching a product or responding to an immediate market opportunity. It requires thinking about the value an organisation creates, the problems it solves and the systems needed to sustain its growth.

2. Solve problems that matter.

Businesses become meaningful when they respond to real needs. Cowrywise’s work in helping Nigerians develop better financial habits offers an example of how technology and innovation can address everyday challenges while creating wider opportunities for financial participation.

3. Learn to navigate uncertainty.

Building in a dynamic environment like Nigeria requires adaptability, informed decision-making and the willingness to respond to changing circumstances. Leaders must learn to navigate challenges without losing sight of the bigger picture.

4. Growth requires intentional habits and decisions.

Sustainable growth is not accidental. The choices individuals and organisations make, the habits they cultivate and their willingness to keep learning all influence their ability to progress and remain effective.

5. Leadership comes with responsibility.

Leadership extends beyond personal success or organisational performance. It also involves contributing to the wider professional ecosystem, upholding standards and creating opportunities that allow others to grow.

Creating Access to Leadership Conversations

The Meet the Leader Series is an initiative of the Global Shapers Community, under the World Economic Forum, designed to connect emerging leaders with experienced professionals and decision-makers through meaningful conversations and knowledge exchange.

For Global Shapers Lagos, the series is part of a broader commitment to creating opportunities for young people to learn from different leadership journeys, challenge their perspectives and build the knowledge and relationships needed to contribute meaningfully to society.

We appreciate Mr Razaq Ahmed for making time to engage with our community and share his experiences. His willingness to move beyond formal introductions and participate in an honest exchange made the session a valuable learning opportunity. Building what lasts requires more than ambition. It demands thoughtful leadership, the courage to navigate uncertainty and a commitment to creating value beyond oneself.