Gbenga Afolayan is a graduate of Economics from the University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria (2005). He has a Master degree in Corporate Finance & Investment from London Metropolitan University, London United Kingdom (2009), MBA Global (Financial Services Management)-2022 and also an Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN).
He started his professional career with Mainstreet Capital Limited (an Investment Banking subsidiary of Afribank Nigeria Plc) in 2006 after the completion of his National Service as an Officer in the Corporate Finance Department of the firm. He participated in various capital raising exercise by way of equity and debts as well as debt restructuring for the Banking, Insurance, Solid Minerals, ICT, Manufacturing sectors, among others. He also championed some Private Public Partnership transactions.
Gbenga left Mainstreet Capital in 2008 for his Masters in the UK. With strong interest in capital raising, product development, finance, sales and marketing, he started his financial/business consulting after his Masters in the UK prior to been offered a temporary placement in 2011 at Mahogany Capital, an Investment outfit in Lagos as an Analyst. He worked on capital raising exercise for various state governments as well as private interests. He maximized business relationships, proven analytical, communication and organizational skills to benefit the organization while also contributing to its growth.
Gbenga joined Nigerian Export- Import Bank in 2012 as an Export Credit Officer in Trade Finance Department and Specialized Business Department. At NEXIM, Gbenga worked on trade and export development projects in Africa, designed and sold structured trade products, part of the team that develop, market and manage the Bank’s product/programmes such as sourcing and managing Line of Credits, product development as well as participating in trade fairs within Nigeria and Africa. Gbenga also gained experience working with Senior Bank officials, Government and Corporates within Africa and Asia.
Gbenga had represented Nigeria in Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Export Credit Meetings in the past and the relationships with other lending institutions had been sustained.
He resigned as Deputy Manager in 2019 to pursue his personal interest in business/financial advisory. He is Managing Partner of First Gb Synergy Limited, a consulting firm with focus, capital raising and financial advisory services.
Gbenga is promoting the establishment of Shea Butter processing plants in Kwara State (his state of origin) having participated in three (3) of such similar projects and his passion for processing and export of agricultural commodities.