Owen Omogiafo, a Nigerian business executive, demonstrates exceptional leadership. She has not only broken down glass ceilings and amassed significant wealth, but she has also reshaped the narrative of African women’s leadership and success.
Omogiafo, 44, is the President and Group CEO of Transcorp Group. She also owns a share of over $4 million in Transcorp Power Plc, which she has helped grow significantly.
Omogiafo’s rise to prominence reflects her extensive experience and expertise in a variety of industries, including financial services, hospitality, and energy.
With a solid educational foundation—a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from the University of Benin and a master’s degree in human resource management from the London School of Economics and Political Science—Omogiafo has carved out a distinguished career over the last two decades.
Her professional journey is highlighted by pivotal roles that led to her current leadership position. She started her career at Accenture as an Organization and Human Performance Consultant, specializing in Change Management.
Omogiafo honed her human capital management skills while working as the HR Advisor to the Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa Plc. She eventually took on a leadership role as Director of Resources at Heirs Holdings, a Pan-African investment firm, where she established herself as a strategic thinker and transformative leader.
Owen Omogiafo’s rise to the top of Transcorp Group—a diversified conglomerate with interests in hospitality, oil and gas, and power—has been truly historic. Her impact as the group’s first female and youngest leader has been profound.
Transcorp has grown and thrived under her leadership, becoming the 18th most valuable listed company on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), with a market capitalization of $283 million. The group’s total assets are $390 million, with $60 million in retained earnings as of June 30, 2024.
In H1 2024, the company’s revenue increased by 114% year-over-year to $110 million, surpassing investor expectations. This surge is largely due to the exceptional performance of its energy unit, which has contributed significantly to the group’s impressive financial results.
One of Omogiafo’s standout achievements is her pivotal role in the spin-off and subsequent listing of Transcorp Power Plc, a key subsidiary of Transcorp Group. The decision to list Transcorp Power has proven exceptionally lucrative, with the company’s market capitalization soaring to $1.74 billion.
Since its debut on the NGX on Mar. 4, Transcorp Power’s share price has surged by more than 41 percent, underscoring robust investor confidence and the company’s impressive performance amidst a challenging economic landscape.
Demonstrating her confidence in the company’s future, Omogiafo holds a 0.23 percent stake in Transcorp Power, valued at over $4 million. This investment underscores her position as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest executives and one of the richest female leaders in the country.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Owen Omogiafo’s influence extends to various boards and advisory roles. She sits on the boards of numerous significant companies, including Afriland Properties, Transcorp Power, TransAfam Power, and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Heirs Academy and as Vice President of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association.
Omogiafo’s leadership and achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as one of Africa’s top 100 women in leadership and one of the 100 Most Influential African Women, highlighting her significant contributions to the business world and her role as a trailblazer for women across the continent.
