Olusola announced the appointment on Saturday, describing it as an opportunity to contribute to advancing market-creating innovation and inclusive economic growth.
“I have spent over two decades operating at the intersection of capital, infrastructure, and emerging markets — leading through complexity, building platforms from the ground up, and asking hard questions about where growth comes from and who it reaches,” Olusola said. “That is the lens I bring to this role.”
Focus on Capital, Infrastructure, and Emerging Markets
A 2026 fellow of the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, Olusola said her work at MIT will draw on her experience in capital deployment, infrastructure, and emerging energy sectors.
“How capital moves, where it stalls, and how to build the conditions that allow businesses and platforms to scale, particularly across Africa,” she explained.
Track Record of Leadership
Olusola has a broad leadership background across corporate and financial sectors. She previously served as managing director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, guiding the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of operational transformation.
Her career also includes senior roles at United Bank for Africa (UBA) as group head of marketing, and at Teragro Commodities Limited, where she led agricultural investments and partnerships. Earlier, she worked with African Capital Alliance, Bloomberg, and Northern Trust.
Commitment to Africa’s Growth
Reflecting on Africa’s development trajectory, Olusola emphasized that “the continent’s growth will be written by Africans,” highlighting the importance of strong institutions, good governance, and strategic partnerships. She added that MIT Kuo Sharper Center represents one such partnership.
“I am glad to contribute,” she said, underscoring her commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth through her advisory role.