In the fast-evolving world of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), technology is becoming a key driver of sustainable growth. Ajoke Asunmonu has mastered the art of leveraging digital tools, data analytics, and engineering principles to revolutionize sales and distribution across African markets. By integrating technology into go-to-market strategies, optimizing logistics, and using data-driven decision-making, she is not just growing brands—she is redefining how FMCG businesses operate in emerging economies.

Born and raised in Lagos State, Nigeria, Ajoke grew up in an economically disadvantaged community but always sought ways to overcome challenges. Her academic journey set the foundation for her success.

Ajoke graduated in 2018 from the University of Benin with a degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, finishing in the top 5% of her class. As the only female First-Class Honors graduate in her cohort, she excelled with a CGPA of 4.75 out of 5. Her studies and prestigious scholarships from the MTN Foundation, NLNG, and Chevron/NNPC JV strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills. These technical capabilities would later become crucial in her approach to sales and marketing.

During her university years, Ajoke discovered her passion for marketing while leading Public Relations for her fellowship. She took a digital marketing certification with Google, which introduced her to the power of data analytics and targeted marketing strategies. This blend of engineering precision and marketing acumen set her apart in the FMCG space.

In December 2018, she joined Procter & Gamble (P&G) as an Associate Brand Manager, managing Pampers, Safeguard, and Oral-B. Her ability to use technology for consumer insights, predictive analytics, and sales optimization made an immediate impact.

Ajoke spearheaded a direct-to-consumer program, utilizing AI-powered analytics to identify untapped market segments in Western Nigeria. This initiative onboarded 1 million new consumers into the Oral-B brand, propelling it to a 31% market share.

“The basic necessities we take for granted—like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and routine dental checkups—can be game-changers for those without access. Technology allowed us to pinpoint where intervention was most needed and act swiftly,” she said. This campaign earned her her first “Power of You” recognition from the Commercial Director of West Africa, Ovais Yousuf.

Ajoke’s ability to leverage technology for market expansion became even more evident in her role as Country Development Manager for Africa Expansion Markets at P&G. By implementing cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) tools and digital supply chain tracking systems, she achieved triple-digit volume growth in multiple emerging markets:

Rwanda: +146% year-over-year growth through AI-driven demand forecasting.
Gabon: 167% sales increase by optimizing digital distributor networks.
Cameroon: A $10 million market secured through predictive analytics for distributor transitions.

Gabon SKU Reclassification: 442% growth in priority SKUs over three months using automated market trend analysis.

As Sales Manager, Ajoke used AI and machine learning models to optimize pricing and trade promotions, leading to a 70% net profit growth in Kenya’s Oral Care business—its first profitability in over five years. This earned her another prestigious “Power of You” Platinum Award from the Senior Vice President of Sub-Saharan Africa, Fayyaz Rizvi.

In Djibouti, she introduced predictive analytics for pricing strategies, increasing margins by 7% and driving +30% growth in net profit within the first year. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, she applied a data-driven approach to sales optimization, leading to record-breaking double-digit growth: Shave Care: +25%; Hair Care: +25%; Oral Care: +36%.

Ajoke’s strategic vision and execution prowess turned challenges into opportunities. She leveraged AI-driven sales forecasting and real-time data analytics to optimize pricing, trade promotions, and inventory management. She delivered extraordinary gross sales, surpassing targets by an impressive 52% in Côte d’Ivoire. This earned her another “Power of You” recognition—Gold Award by the Country Head & Sales Director of West and East Africa, Olayide Kazim.

Her expertise in tech-driven market strategies led to her promotion to Senior Sales Manager.

Ajoke recognized inefficiencies in FMCG supply chains and applied engineering principles to solve them. She led the first-ever direct shipment lane for Oral Care from India to Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire. By integrating real-time shipment tracking, she reduced shipment timelines from 125 days to just 35, achieving significant cost savings.

Ajoke credits her engineering background for her success in sales and marketing. “Engineering taught me structured problem-solving, optimization, and system thinking—all critical in scaling businesses efficiently,” she explains. Her approach combines the precision of engineering with the agility of market adaptation.

Ajoke Asunmonu’s journey showcases the future of FMCG—one where technology, data, and strategic execution go hand in hand. From AI-driven sales forecasting to digital transformation in logistics, she is at the forefront of reshaping how consumer goods reach and impact lives across Africa.

Beyond accolades, her true legacy is in creating scalable, tech-enabled solutions that empower businesses and communities alike. As the FMCG industry embraces digital transformation, Ajoke remains a driving force, proving that with the right mix of technology, strategy, and execution, the future of consumer goods in Africa is limitless.