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April 15, 2025

How Benjamin Oyemonlan is building Africa’s digital future, inspired by musk

How Benjamin Oyemonlan is building Africa’s digital future, inspired by musk

In the dynamic landscape of African technology, a young Nigerian entrepreneur is making waves, driven by a vision to bridge the continent’s digital and financial divide.

Oyemonlan Benjamin Oseoje, the innovative mind behind Platnova, an all-encompassing money and lifestyle application, is rapidly establishing himself as a key player in the fintech, digital currency, real estate, and e-commerce sectors.

Beyond Platnova’s mission to redefine digital payments across Africa and its diaspora, Benjamin is also the driving force behind two other burgeoning platforms: Zap.Africa, a decentralized currency exchange, and Shortlet App, a homegrown alternative to Airbnb specifically tailored for the unique needs of African cities.

This multi-faceted approach has not gone unnoticed. Recognized as an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador and celebrated as a global tech talent, Benjamin stands at the forefront of constructing inclusive financial systems and developing scalable technology solutions designed for the nuances of emerging markets.

Speaking about his journey, Benjamin Oyemonlan openly acknowledges the profound influence of a global tech titan. “Elon Musk is one man that almost every technology-driven young man in Africa and the world looks up to,” he states. “He has been such a great motivation because of what he has been able to achieve. To become one of the richest men in the world is no mean feat.”

Drawing inspiration from Musk’s relentless pursuit of innovation, Benjamin recounts his own humble beginnings. “I started studying about his story, and I told myself, I could do better, in spite of the competition that suffices in the world of technology. Years ago, when I started, I was struggling. Today, I have come this far, through several support and motivation from my mentor, Elon Musk.”

Just as Musk continues to build an empire in the global tech arena, Benjamin Oyemonlan is emerging as a leading light in Africa’s software and fintech industry. His peers and colleagues frequently seek his expertise, a testament to his growing influence and problem-solving capabilities. “A lot of my colleagues and friends look up to me for solutions to hitches they encounter in their digital businesses, and for this reason, I strive to expand my knowledge and increase my capabilities,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Benjamin’s vision for the future is ambitious and far-reaching. He plans to scale Platnova into new African and diaspora markets, introducing highly anticipated features such as physical USD cards, business wallets, and cutting-edge AI-powered financial automation tools. Furthermore, he is committed to fostering the next generation of African tech talent through a global initiative focused on training and funding aspiring founders.

With strategic partnerships on the horizon and ongoing expansion efforts into Europe and North America, alongside plans to raise a significant seed round, Benjamin Oyemonlan is not just building platforms; he is cultivating thriving ecosystems.

Beyond his impressive startup portfolio, Benjamin is deeply passionate about mentorship, youth empowerment, and advocating for progressive digital policies. He is a sought-after speaker at industry events, sharing his insights on financial inclusion, the evolving landscape of digital currencies, and the vibrant African tech renaissance.

From a cerebral software engineer who started with nothing, Oyemonlan Benjamin Oseoje’s groundbreaking moves in e-commerce and fintech are rapidly shaping Africa’s digital future.

Driven by a desire to bridge the continent’s digital and financial divide and inspired by the monumental achievements of Elon Musk, Benjamin’s journey is one of innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to empowering the next wave of African tech leaders.

His story is not just beginning; it is unfolding as a powerful narrative of African ingenuity on the global stage.