Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist Femi Otedola is making waves not just in the corporate world but on Amazon’s global bestseller charts. His recently released memoir, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, has soared to the No. 1 spot in Amazon’s highly competitive “Starting a Business” category. It’s also ranking prominently among top titles in the “Business Biographies & Memoirs” list .
Launched on August 18, 2025, the memoir charted early success, hitting No. 4 in the Business Biographies & Memoirs category within 24 hours of its release . Within days, it climbed to No. 3 on the Amazon UK best-seller list in the same category —a clear sign of its immediate international appeal.
Why It’s Resonating
- Authenticity and Vulnerability: Otedola openly shares his journey—from early childhood ambitions and entrepreneurial ventures to setbacks and recoveries—providing a candid roadmap of resilience .
- Endorsements from Heavyweights: The memoir has drawn praise from some of Africa’s most prominent leaders:
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, hailed it as a rare and important business narrative from an African leader .
- Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, deemed it “a must-read” for entrepreneurs and policymakers alike .
- Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man, described it as “highly recommended” for those aspiring to succeed in challenging environments .
A Broader Milestone for African Authorship
Otedola’s ascendancy to the top ranks on Amazon signals more than just a personal triumph—it marks a notable moment for African business literature on the global stage. His story, blending cultural perspective with practical lessons, fills a long-standing void and speaks to a growing appetite for entrepreneurial narratives rooted in the continent .
What Readers Are Saying
- Average 5-Star Rating: Early reviews show strong enthusiasm—an average of five stars from readers underscores both satisfaction and engagement .
- Global Accessibility: Available in paperback and digital formats, the memoir is priced around £14.99 (~$20.20), making it both accessible and appealing across markets .
Final Thoughts
Femi Otedola’s Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business is now more than a memoir—it’s a testament to perseverance, ambition, and the power of storytelling. From its global launch on August 18, 2025, to now topping Amazon’s “Starting a Business” category as of early September 2025, the book’s success reflects the impact and appetite for authentic African business leadership narratives .
Congratulations to Otedola on this well-deserved achievement—here’s to inspiring future generations, one chapter at a time!
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