Meeting Nick Hughes — From Childhood Inspiration to Real Conversations

On my recent trip to Necker Island, I had the privilege of meeting someone I’ve admired for a long time — Nick Hughes, the founder of M-Pesa.

Growing up, Nick was a hero of mine. I’ve always been driven by the desire to build products that take the world from zero to one — and that’s exactly what he did.

M-Pesa wasn’t just innovation. It was transformation. It ushered in a new era of prosperity across Africa — enabling people to send and receive money using basic mobile devices, without internet, in a way that felt almost magical at the time.

It reminds me of the moment in the Bible when God asked Moses:
“What is in your hand?”
Sometimes, what we need to create miracles is already with us, staring at us.

Nick did just that — he used what was already in the hands of millions of Africans and turned it into a tool of empowerment. That kind of execution is rare and deeply inspiring.

Being in a room with leaders like this — sharing ideas, trading war stories, and learning from their journeys — is a blessing. And a reminder that the future is built in moments like these.

We even made a cool video together, because let’s face it — photos are becoming boring.
Now Nick has something to show his grandkids… and can proudly add “coolest grandpa” to his long list of accomplishments. 😎

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIEl4-gMr8B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

# Adropofhanu #dothemost #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #AfricaToTheWorld #Fintech #MPesa #Leadership #Impact #CoolestGrandpa #Founders #NeckerIsland