What do you get when you combine relentless ambition, groundbreaking ideas, and a passion for empowering others? You get Fade Ogunro—an extraordinary techpreneur, media personality, and advocate for women’s rights. Known for her dynamic career spanning journalism, radio, TV, and tech, Fade has become one of Africa’s leading voices in innovation and empowerment.
Whether as the founder of Bookings Africa, the first African woman on the Global Campaign Board of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, or a champion for young talents, Fade’s story is one of sheer determination and vision.
But how did this multifaceted powerhouse go from radio waves to tech platforms, and what’s the secret to her success?
From London to Lagos: Early Life and Education
Fade Ogunro’s journey into the limelight started in Ekiti State, Nigeria. At just seven years old, she moved to the United Kingdom with her family. It was here that her curiosity about storytelling and the power of media began to take shape. Fade pursued her passion by studying Journalism and Creative Writing at Roehampton University in the UK, which prepared her for a career in storytelling—though she didn’t know at the time just how varied that career would become.
After completing her education, Fade’s first taste of the professional world came at Google UK, where she worked before deciding to return to her home country in 2010. Her return to Nigeria marked the beginning of her blossoming career in media and entertainment. Fade made a significant mark across Nigeria’s media landscape, from journalism at PM News and Guardian Newspaper to radio hosting at Beat 99.9FM.
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Making Waves in Media: From Radio Presenter to TV Personality
Fade Ogunro’s vibrant personality quickly made her a household name. As a radio presenter on Beat 99.9FM, she connected with a wide audience, earning fans with her weekend shows that brought engaging discussions and lively conversations. She also co-hosted Glam Report, a TV show that covered the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, further cementing her role in the Nigerian entertainment scene.
Her sharp wit and media acumen were undeniable, but Fade wasn’t content with just being in front of the camera or behind the mic. She had bigger plans, and that led her to the world of film production.
Enter Entrepreneurship: Co-Founding FilmFactoryNG
In 2011, Fade co-founded FilmFactoryNG, a production company that worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and MTV. The company produced high-quality content that earned over 1.5 billion views and garnered critical acclaim and awards.
Through her work with FilmFactoryNG, Fade gained first-hand experience in the growing demand for creative talent in Africa. But she also saw a gap—talented individuals struggled to find the right platforms to showcase their work and monetize their skills. This realization sparked the idea for her next groundbreaking venture.
The Birth of Bookings Africa: Bridging Talent and Opportunity
In 2019, Fade Ogunro made a pivotal career shift into the tech space by launching Bookings Africa, an online platform designed to revolutionize Africa’s creative and gig economies. The app allows users to search for talent, compare service providers, and hire individuals from a wide range of categories—from makeup artists and photographers to DJs and event planners. With over 250,000 downloads and 85,000 registered users across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, Bookings Africa empowers a new generation of creatives to take control of their careers and financial futures.
Fade’s vision for Bookings Africa was driven by her desire to create sustainable work opportunities, especially for African youth. The platform addresses a core issue in the continent’s job market: high unemployment. By connecting talented individuals directly with clients, Bookings Africa is not just facilitating gigs—it’s creating a digital marketplace where creativity and professionalism thrive.
More than 60% of the platform’s users are women, which Fade is particularly proud of. She’s an outspoken advocate for women’s economic empowerment, believing that access to opportunities can transform lives, families, and communities.
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Breaking Boundaries: First African Woman on the Cherie Blair Foundation Global Campaign Board
Fade Ogunro’s work with Bookings Africa didn’t go unnoticed. In 2021, she became the first African woman appointed to the Global Campaign Board of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. In this role, Fade works alongside global leaders to empower women entrepreneurs in low and middle-income countries. Through mentorship, resources, and funding, the Foundation has supported over 175,000 women across more than 100 countries, and Fade’s contribution to this mission is helping close the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
In Nigeria alone, Fade has impacted over 45,000 women, helping them build and sustain businesses that have changed their lives and the lives of their families and communities. Her dedication to women’s empowerment is deeply personal, stemming from her belief that true economic growth in Africa can only be achieved when women are given the tools to succeed.
Personal Passions: A Philanthropic Heart
While Fade’s professional accomplishments are remarkable, her commitment to giving back is equally inspiring. In 2020, a video of a young Nigerian boy named Anthony Mmesoma Madu went viral. Anthony, an 11-year-old ballerina, captured the hearts of millions with his impressive skills. Moved by his talent, Fade offered to sponsor his ballet education, ensuring that his gift could flourish. This act of kindness exemplifies Fade’s philanthropic spirit and her belief in the potential of African youth.
A Vision for Africa’s Future
Fade Ogunro is not just a techpreneur or a media mogul; she’s a visionary leader on a mission to reshape Africa’s future. Her work through Bookings Africa, her advocacy for women’s rights, and her commitment to empowering young people reflect her deep-rooted belief in the continent’s potential. As she continues to push boundaries and break barriers, Fade remains focused on one thing: creating opportunities that empower people to live their best lives.
Looking ahead, Fade’s goal is to scale Bookings Africa to over 15-20 African countries within the next 5-10 years, with the ambition of reaching over 3 million active users. With her relentless drive and innovative spirit, there’s no doubt that she’ll make this vision a reality.
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