Smartphones have become the engine of Nigeria’s digital economy — driving communication, commerce, and creativity. As the country heads toward 140 million smartphone users by 2025, a new class of business leaders is powering this boom: the owners of Nigeria’s biggest phone retail chains.
Despite economic headwinds and exchange rate volatility, the nation’s mobile device market remains one of the most dynamic in Africa. With broadband penetration rising from 44.43% in 2024 to 48.81% in May 2025, mobile dealers are expanding their reach and fueling digital inclusion from Lagos to Port Harcourt and beyond.
Here are five entrepreneurs redefining Nigeria’s smartphone retail landscape.
1. Nnamdi Ezeigbo – Founder & CEO, SLOT Systems Limited (90 Stores)
Few brands command as much trust as SLOT, the go-to name for authentic smartphones and accessories in Nigeria.
Founded by Nnamdi Ezeigbo, SLOT has grown from a small repair shop in Ikeja into a national powerhouse with over 90 outlets. Ezeigbo’s journey — from humble beginnings to boardroom success — reflects his grit and customer-first approach.
Armed with an MBA from Lagos Business School, he built SLOT into a model of retail excellence, inspiring a generation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs.
2. George Zhu – Founder, Transsion Holdings / 3CHUB (46 Stores)
The man behind Tecno, Infinix, and Itel, George Zhu, has quietly become one of the most influential figures in Africa’s smartphone ecosystem.
Through 3CHUB Brand Management Limited, the Nigerian retail arm of Transsion Holdings, Zhu operates 46 stores across 12 states. After acquiring Micro-Station in 2018, Transsion consolidated its dominance, giving 3CHUB a strong retail footprint and over 60% market share in Nigeria’s smartphone sector.
Zhu’s focus on affordability and local customization has made smartphones accessible to millions of Nigerians.
3. Emeka Oguchi – CEO, Pointek (21 Stores)
Emeka Oguchi, founder and CEO of Pointek, built one of Nigeria’s most customer-focused electronics brands.
With 21 outlets nationwide, Pointek is known for its best-price guarantees, after-sales service, and reliability. Oguchi, who studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Enugu State University and later attended Lagos Business School, continues to expand the brand’s reach across major cities.
Pointek’s footprint stretches from Ikeja to Port Harcourt, reflecting a blend of trust, innovation, and nationwide presence.
4. Adesomoju Opeyemi – CEO, Spectrum Phones Ltd (19 Stores)
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, Adesomoju Opeyemi is the visionary behind Spectrum Phones Ltd, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing mobile retail chains.
From a modest store in Ikeja, she expanded Spectrum into 19 branches nationwide under Spectrum Holdings. A Harvard Business School alumna and author of the business guide “Take Your Place,” Opeyemi empowers entrepreneurs through mentorship and leadership training.
Her journey from NYSC trainee at Guinness Nigeria to tech retail mogul is a testament to focus and resilience.
5. Chief Nwankwo Ebere – Founder, Phonemart Technologies
Chief Nwankwo Reginald Ebere, founder of Phonemart Technologies, has built a strong brand anchored on trust and diversity.
Under the Regal Group of Companies, Phonemart sells phones, laptops, and accessories across multiple stores nationwide, supported by a thriving e-commerce presence.
A community leader and seasoned entrepreneur, Chief Nwankwo has combined business success with public service, showing how Nigerian business leaders can drive both profit and impact.
Driving Nigeria’s Digital Future
These entrepreneurs are more than retailers — they are enablers of connectivity and catalysts for digital progress.
By bridging the gap between global tech brands and everyday Nigerians, they’ve turned smartphones into tools of empowerment, job creation, and national growth.
As Nigeria’s smartphone adoption accelerates, these five leaders remain at the forefront of Africa’s most exciting digital transformation story.
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