Femi Otedola’s ‘Making It Big’ named African Business Book of the Year

Nigerian billionaire businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola has received the 2026 Business Council for Africa (BCA) African Business Book of the Year Award for his memoir, 'Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business.' The prestigious award, presented in partnership with the Africa Finance Cooperation (AFC), African Business magazine, and BrandComms, celebrates outstanding literary works that deepen the understanding of Africa's business landscape, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

Otedola's memoir, launched in August 2025, stood out from a shortlist of prominent titles exploring leadership and Africa's economic transformation. Unlike many autobiographies, 'Making It Big' blends personal narrative with actionable business insights. Across its 286 pages, Otedola chronicles his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire by age 41, recounting his diverse ventures in oil and gas, shipping, power, real estate, and finance. He candidly reflects on significant business setbacks, his resilience in overcoming them, and the crucial role it played in rebuilding his fortune.

The memoir achieved considerable commercial success shortly after its release. It quickly climbed Amazon's Best Sellers list, reaching No. 4 in Business Biographies and Memoirs within 24 hours and later securing the No. 1 spot in the Starting a Business category, where it garnered five-star reader ratings. The book received endorsements from prominent African figures, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Aliko Dangote, and Akinwumi Adesina, who lauded it as a vital contribution to African business literature and a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Otedola expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award affirms the memoir's purpose: to share the authentic story of his journey, including the risks, setbacks, resilience, and leadership required for building a business, particularly within the African context. He conveyed his hope that the book will inspire entrepreneurs across the continent.

“

Thank you to the BCA African Business Book of the Year team for this generous recognition. Making It Big was written to tell the truth about the journey, the risks, the setbacks, the resilience, and the leadership required to build a business, especially in Africa. This honour humbles me, and I extend my warm congratulations to the other winners. I am grateful that the book is resonating with readers and entrepreneurs across the continent. I am hopeful that it will inspire entrepreneurs to ke