Adenike Macaulay, the CEO of Wakanow Nigeria, is a trailblazer in the African travel industry. With over a decade of experience at Lufthansa, where she became the first female, Nigerian, and African to lead the airline’s operations in West Africa, Macaulay made the bold decision to join Wakanow in 2021. Her leadership has transformed the company into a hybrid travel agency that caters to the unique needs of African travelers. Macaulay’s story is one of resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to showcasing the best of Africa, both in business and fashion. In this mini interview with Ipledge2nigeria.net webteam in Lagos she talks about her career, promoting African business and fashion

Adenike Macaulay’s journey is one of determination and an unshakable belief in the potential of African innovation. Her career began at Lufthansa, where she steadily climbed the corporate ladder, eventually leading the airline’s West African operations. As the first woman, Nigerian, and African in that role, she broke barriers and gained invaluable experience managing teams across multiple countries. But her vision extended beyond aviation; she was determined to bring her expertise home to build something uniquely African.

“It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about where you get yourself in the end. There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.” — Michelle Obama

In 2021, that opportunity came when Macaulay joined Wakanow as Chief Commercial Officer, and within a year, she became the CEO of Wakanow Nigeria. Her leadership marked the beginning of a new era for the company. Under her guidance, Wakanow embraced a hybrid business model that blends online convenience with physical travel centers across Nigeria. Today, Wakanow boasts 38 physical locations, providing African travelers with the assurance and trust they seek in an increasingly digital world.

For Macaulay, the decision to maintain physical travel centers is deeply rooted in her understanding of the African customer. “The African traveler is very relational,” she explains. “They want to know who they are giving their money to, to build trust. While they appreciate the convenience of online booking, there’s a need for physical interaction. We are an online travel agency, but we are also very much African, and that means understanding and catering to the specific needs of our customers.”

Macaulay is proud of Wakanow’s in-house technology team, which continuously innovates to keep up with the evolving needs of African travelers. The company recently launched a new website and mobile app, making it easier for customers to book their travel online while still having the option of walking into a travel center. It’s this balance between technological advancement and a deep connection with the local market that has set Wakanow apart from its competitors.

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” ― G.D. Anderson

Before her time at Wakanow, Macaulay’s love for travel was ingrained in her from birth. Her father, Nigeria’s first aeronautical engineer, served as the Chief Flight Engineer for Nigeria Airways, and she grew up immersed in the aviation world. Yet, despite her family’s background, Macaulay’s path into the travel industry wasn’t planned. After earning a degree in systems engineering, with a focus on operations research and artificial intelligence, Macaulay found herself drawn to commerce. She joined Lufthansa as a business analyst, and it wasn’t long before travel became her passion.

As Macaulay reflects on her career, she highlights the importance of tourism for Nigeria’s economic growth. She believes that Nigeria’s untapped tourism potential could significantly contribute to the country’s GDP, much like it does in South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. With the recent establishment of an independent Ministry of Tourism, Macaulay is optimistic about the future of the industry. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism, describing it as a “marathon, not a sprint.” The journey may be long, but with consistent effort and strategic partnerships, she believes that tourism can become a significant revenue stream for the country.

Macaulay’s leadership journey has been filled with moments of growth, often coming from roles she initially felt unprepared for. Yet, time and time again, she has risen to the occasion, proving that taking bold steps, even when unsure, leads to personal and professional growth. “Never underestimate your ability to stretch,” she advises. She often shares this message with women, encouraging them to embrace opportunities even when they don’t feel fully ready. “As women, we are built to stretch. Our bodies carry life and then return to their original form. It’s in that stretch that we discover our true strength.”

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” ― Michelle Obama

Her belief in the power of women to rise to any challenge is deeply personal. Growing up as the youngest of four sisters, all of whom are successful, Macaulay was influenced by the strong women around her. Her mother, who gave up her career to support her daughters’ success, and her father, who encouraged their career aspirations, both played crucial roles in shaping the leader she is today. Macaulay speaks passionately about the importance of family support and the lasting impact it has had on her life and career.

Beyond her work in travel, Macaulay is also passionate about fashion, particularly African-inspired designs. She frequently showcases African designers at international speaking engagements and conferences, using her platform to promote African creativity and talent. “Fashion is a way to express our pride in where we come from,” she says. “No one will grow Africa but us. We have to showcase the incredible talents we have, and I do that through fashion.”

“Behind every great woman… is another great woman.” ― Kate Hodges

Macaulay has even started her own African-inspired clothing line, driven by her belief that representing Africa on the global stage is not just about business but about cultural pride. Her approach to fashion mirrors her approach to leadership: bold, visionary, and unapologetically African.

As Adenike Macaulay continues to lead Wakanow, she is not just shaping the future of African travel but also inspiring a new generation of women leaders. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of Africa.