Dr Olasupo Olusi

MD/CEO, Bank of Industry

Dr. Olasupo Olusi is a distinguished economist and seasoned development finance expert, with a remarkable over two-decade career dedicated to shaping economic policies, fostering fiscal sustainability, and driving private and financial sector development on a global scale. Currently the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olusi brings a wealth of expertise honed through his extensive experience garnered at prestigious institutions such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

His illustrious career journey commenced at the World Bank, where he significantly contributed to capital markets reform and conducted ground-breaking research on finance and private sector development in the Middle East and North Africa. Over the years, Dr. Olusi has assumed pivotal roles, such as; World Bank Country Economist for several countries, Economic Adviser at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Nigeria, and Senior Private Sector Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

In the sphere of fiscal policies and debt management, Dr. Olusi brings his expertise to bear in ensuring financial stability and transparency, a testament to his commitment to responsible economic practices. With a proven track record in project management, financing, and implementation, he has successfully led diverse projects, showcasing proficiency in both lending and non-lending spheres. His strategic vision includes creating an enabling environment for businesses through thoughtful policy reforms. Dr. Olusi’s adept knowledge and management skills contribute to impactful initiatives, including newsletters and inspirational lecture series.

Dr. Olasupo Olusi’s comprehensive approach to stimulating development encompasses nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering overall business development. His multifaceted expertise positions him as a valuable leader in shaping economic landscapes and driving transformative change. Noteworthy accomplishments include leading multi-million-dollar development projects, steering private sector diagnostics, and managing investment lending initiatives. Dr. Olusi played a pivotal role in delivering the World Bank Group’s inaugural comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s private sector in 2020.

In his current role as the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olusi is steering the organization towards transformative and impactful economic endeavors. Leveraging his profound understanding of macroeconomic dynamics, his leadership is marked by a commitment to sustainable development, strategic planning, and localised implementation of corporate priorities. Devoted to the growth of enterprises; Large, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), he actively works towards economic diversification and drives impactful reforms in public sector entities, emphasizing improved governance and efficiency. Actively engaged in collaboration with multi-stakeholders, co-leading knowledge management initiatives, and spearheading impactful projects, Dr. Olusi continues to significantly contribute to the success and resilience of Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

The six thematic areas of focus under his leadership at BOI are SMEs, Digital Transformation, Youth and Skills, Gender and Climate and Sustainability and Infrastructure. These thematic areas will help deepen the Bank’s development impact in key sectors. Also, there’s a special focus on strategic initiatives that will be game changers for Nigeria’s private sector.

Dr. Olusi holds a B.Sc. Economics from Hull University, UK; M.Sc. in International Money, Finance, and Investment at the University of Durham, UK and Ph.D. in Economics, also from the University of Durham. He is a proud member of the Royal Economic Society (United Kingdom) and the American Finance Association (USA).