Frankly Business Podcast · 2026-01-31 · 1h 31m
From Walmart to Wakanow. In this episode, Bayo Adedeji, CEO of Wakanow, shares how he transitioned from working at Walmart to building one of Africa’s leading travel tech companies - raising over $50 million along the way. We also unpack why flights are expensive in Africa and what must change Why are flights so expensive in Africa - especially during Christmas and peak travel season? In this explosive conversation, Bayo Adedeji (CEO of Wakanow) breaks down the real economics behind African flight prices… and the journey that took Wakanow from near-collapse to a $50M global travel empire operating in 30+ countries. From Walmart to Wakanow, from selling shoes and fries, to leaving a $300,000 Amazon job, Bayo shares the brutal truth about: ️ Why African flights cost a premium How travel companies survive in tough markets ️ What it REALLY means to build in Africa Why “projecting poverty” kills investment deals Entrepreneurship vs intrapreneurship (and why both matter) How Wakanow rebuilt trust and scaled globally This episode is packed with hard-earned lessons on business, travel, money, customer behaviour, and the reality of surviving in Africa’s toughest industries.
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