From Lagos to Global Impact: Oluwafemi Royal Aliu on AgriTech, Service, and Leadership

By Ugo Aliogo

Tell us about yourself

My name is Oluwafemi Royal Aliu, although most people know me as Femi Royal. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and grew up alongside my two brothers in a family that valued education, discipline, and service.

My grandparents were cocoa farmers from Ondo State, so agriculture has always been part of my family’s story. My father worked as a senior aviation security officer with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for over two decades, while my mother was both a private school teacher and a fashion designer.

Academically, I studied Soil Science at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, before pursuing a master’s degree in Applied International Development at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Over the years, I have been privileged to live and work in four different countries, gaining experience across sectors including finance, digital technology, and public service. These experiences have shaped my worldview and reinforced my passion for using innovation and policy to drive development.

Tell us about how you’ve been known

Many people know me primarily as an AgriTech entrepreneur following the founding of MyFarmbase Africa. Through that platform, we have trained more than 12,000 young people in AgriTech skills, helping them access funding opportunities and employment in the agricultural technology sector.

From the beginning, I have strongly believed that young people can reimagine agriculture in Africa. For too long, agriculture has been seen as a sector reserved for older or economically disadvantaged people. I believe technology can transform it into one of the most dynamic engines of economic growth on the continent.

Since 2017, I have been advocating this vision through research publications, TEDx talks, policy roundtables, and global conversations about the future of agriculture. It has been encouraging to see how much momentum this movement has gained in recent years.

What other things do you do?

I have been fortunate to gain experience across several sectors internationally.

Beyond my AgriTech work in Nigeria, I worked as a Policy Analyst trainee at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome, where I contributed to development policy discussions.

I also spent time in the financial technology sector at FNZ, where I worked in wealth management systems supporting products for Virgin Money.

More recently, I have served as a civil servant within the UK Government’s Digital and Technology services, contributing to digital transformation initiatives.

I consider myself a T-shaped professional—someone who has deep expertise in certain areas but also broad exposure across different sectors and industries.

What does selfless service mean to you?

I strongly believe in the principle that “service to humanity is the greatest gain.”

My commitment to service began early in my life. During my national service year, my colleagues and I (being the project chairperson) in the Nigerian Christian Corpers’ Fellowship (NCCF) in Oyo State raised funds to build a residential facility that could accommodate more corps members. We completed the building in 120 days.

Since then, I have continued to support causes that improve people’s lives. I have regularly donated blood to the NHS in the United Kingdom and recently completed the Reading Half Marathon to raise funds for people dealing with reproductive health conditions such as fibroids and PCOS. I have also joined Rotary to support fundraising initiatives.

I also launched Upsurge Foundation with my siblings, a family funded and run charity that provided scholarship support and supported the healthcare and food access of old and young people in Sub Saharan Africa.

Ultimately, my dream is to grow into an African philanthropist whose impact rivals foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

What personal challenges did you face on your journey?

One of the most difficult experiences in my life has been losing both of my parents.

I lost my mother 17 years ago and later lost my father seven years ago when he collapsed while on duty at the airport. Their deaths were extremely painful moments for our family.

Those experiences also exposed me to some of the systemic challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system. Even when families try to access the best available medical care, the system often falls short.

Their passing forced me to mature quickly and take on greater responsibility for supporting my siblings. Despite the pain of those losses, I am grateful for the strength and unity that our family has developed through those experiences.

What is leadership to you?

I believe leadership is about transforming people and societies.

During my university years, I became deeply interested in leadership and even wrote a book titled “Exceptional Leader.” I was fortunate to be actively involved in student leadership and was once ranked among the most influential students on campus.

One of the initiatives I’m proud of was founding TopNotch Writers Organisation, where we encouraged students to express themselves through writing and intellectual debate. Together with my colleagues, we organised debate competitions that brought together over 3,000 students in a single event, something that had never happened before on campus.

Over time, I have realised that political capital and influence are essential tools for creating meaningful impact. Today, I continue to develop my leadership through roles such as serving as a school governor and parish councillor in Southeast England.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy travelling and exploring different cultures. Over the years I have been privileged to visit more than 40 countries, which has broadened my understanding of global development challenges and opportunities.

I also enjoy playing lawn tennis, which help me maintain balance and discipline outside of work.

Your work has been recognised in several international programmes—what do these recognitions mean to you?

I am deeply grateful for those recognitions and opportunities. However, I try not to focus too much on awards themselves.

For me, the most important thing is the value and impact that my work creates in society.

Ultimately, I hope to be remembered for using influence, knowledge, and innovation to make life easier for people—particularly through contributions to technology, trade, and the green economy.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow a similar path?

My advice is simple: be clear about what you want to achieve and pursue it with conviction.

Do not overthink your ambitions or wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, keep learning, and remain committed to your purpose.

The most important thing is to move from ideas to action.