Jubril Arogundade in the Forty under 40 Global Awards list

Following his recognition as one of Africa’s 40 Under 40 Honorees, Jubril Arogundade once again emerges triumphant on a global stage. Fresh from receiving the Forty Under 40 Global Award, Arogundade shares his journey, detailing how diverse experiences across multiple industries have shaped him into one of Africa’s most influential automotive executives.

When Jubril Arogundade steps into a room, you notice. It’s not just the perfectly tailored suit or the confident stride; it’s the presence of someone who knows precisely who he is and where he’s headed. “I’m driven by a deep desire to create and innovate,” he affirms. “I want to make a real difference, not just in business, but in people’s lives.”

Just a month after gracing the cover of Guardian Life as one of Africa’s 40 Under 40 honourees, Arogundade is once again in the global spotlight, awarded as part of the prestigious Forty Under 40 Global list. It’s a recognition that doesn’t merely affirm his achievements but also pinpoints a remarkable trajectory that began long before his name echoed across the automotive industry.

The Forty Under 40 Global Awards celebrate outstanding young business leaders under the age of 40 who are driving transformative change across industries globally. Emphasising innovation, sustainability, and diversity, these awards have established themselves as a benchmark for excellence, recognising individuals whose leadership is shaping a more dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready business landscape.

Born in Lagos on February 28, 1987, Arogundade’s story began much like many young Nigerians—dreams bigger than immediate surroundings. His early years were marked by relentless curiosity and an insatiable drive for innovation. “My passion lies in anything involving technology,” he tells Guardian Life. “The automotive industry wasn’t initially my passion, but the opportunity presented itself, and I embraced it.” From his initial forays into GSM software engineering, photography, videography, graphic design, and even music, Arogundade was not confined to a singular path but thrived precisely because he wasn’t.

Cyprus, where he schooled, was transformative for Arogundade. It was during his studies at Eastern Mediterranean University in that country that Arogundade first demonstrated an ability to create substantial impact from minimal resources.

His SIM card venture, a seemingly modest enterprise borne out of necessity, quickly scaled into a profitable business, making him his first $100,000 as a university freshman. But perhaps more importantly, he discovered the significance of community. Recognising a deep sense of isolation among African students, Arogundade launched a cultural community, “Naija group”, which became a lifeline for thousands. The community offered lasting lessons in connection and organisation, crucial for his future endeavours.

“My time in Cyprus taught me to identify needs, create solutions, and most importantly, build communities,” Arogundade reflects, emphasising how these formative experiences laid a robust foundation for his later ventures.

Steering forward with purpose

Returning to Nigeria, and equipped with a diverse skill set, Arogundade attempted and succeeded with various enterprises—from fintech and real estate to transportation and software solutions—establishing a pattern of versatility that would soon become his trademark. Yet, none of these prepared him explicitly for the automotive industry, an arena he found himself drawn into almost serendipitously after founding Smart Cab, a tech-driven transportation venture.

It was through Smart Cab that Arogundade encountered Chief Diana Chen, a pivotal figure whose investment in his vision validated his entrepreneurial instincts. “She saw something in my vision for Smart Cab,” Arogundade recounts. “Our partnership evolved into me joining CIG Motors. It was a fresh challenge, and I was ready for it.” This relationship naturally evolved, drawing him into the automotive world as the Executive Director of CIG Motors, representing major brands like GAC MOTOR, JMC, WULING, DFM, and FAW.

Under Arogundade’s guidance, CIG Motors experienced exponential growth. His goal? “To solidify its position as a leading automotive brand in Africa, offering quality, innovation, and value.”

In less than five years under Arogundade’s leadership, CIG Motors saw its revenue leap from ₦10 billion to over ₦100 billion, a remarkable feat demonstrating not just business acumen but his exceptional ability to connect with consumers. This success, Arogundade says, comes from a deliberate strategy of blending innovation with community-building—a technique he mastered years earlier in Cyprus.

Impact beyond business

Indeed, Arogundade’s campaigns at CIG Motors speak to his exceptional marketing vision. Initiatives like “Drive Now, Pay Later,” “The Swap,” and “The G-Style Experience” disrupted traditional automotive marketing in Nigeria. However, it was his strategic partnership with Nigerian superstar Davido during the Chivido wedding that transformed GAC Motors into a status symbol.

But Arogundade’s impact extends beyond business alone. Known for his bold and expressive personal style, he deliberately challenges industry norms, reshaping perceptions of executive presence. This fusion of style, strategy, and substance has earned Arogundade numerous accolades, affirming not only his professional achievements but also his broader cultural impact. “My style is my identity. It signifies change, influencing how executives present themselves,” he explains.

Yet, Arogundade’s ambitions transcend corporate success. A dedicated philanthropist, he funds free healthcare initiatives for elderly communities in Ajegunle, deeply committed to giving back to the community that shaped him. He firmly believes that “true success is measured by how much you uplift others,” a philosophy exemplified through these healthcare initiatives in Ajegunle.

Preparing for Africa’s automotive future

Arogundade remains optimistic yet pragmatic about the future of Africa’s automotive industry. He sees clear pathways in electric vehicle infrastructure, local manufacturing, and connected automotive technology. “We need to invest in infrastructure for EV adoption,” he notes, areas where he’s already positioning CIG Motors at the forefront of innovation.

To aspiring entrepreneurs, he advises, “Embrace your diverse interests. Take risks, learn from mistakes, and pursue your passion relentlessly.”

Today, Jubril Arogundade may be an automotive executive, but he’s also a symbol of modern African leadership—dynamic, innovative, and deeply connected to both community and culture. As he continues to steer Africa’s automotive revolution, Arogundade embodies the essence of visionary leadership, seamlessly blending strategy, style, and social impact.

In Arogundade’s own words, “Dreaming isn’t enough; consistency in due action drives success.” It’s a mantra he embodies daily, a guiding principle that ensures his legacy remains in perpetual motion.