Khalil's early path was shaped by Kano, a city known for producing some of Africa's most successful entrepreneurs. Inspired by the likes of Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and the Dantatas, Kano is where Khalil took the first steps on his own journey - one that would grow from local curiosity into a lifelong mission to turn Nigeria into an African hub of innovation.
Although Khalil also developed a keen interest in music production and DJing, it was his passion for solving real-world challenges that ultimately shaped his future. This path led him to the University of Hertfordshire, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, as well as a Master's degree in International Business.
Khalil was born in Kano, Nigeria, on October 29, 1990 - the eldest of five children in a family with deep roots in the country's trade sector. However, he was always determined to carve his own path, with an entrepreneurial spirit that surfaced early on. From a young age, he was attuned to the needs of the people around him, using his household's generator to produce ice and sell it to neighbors facing power shortages.
Khalil's entrepreneurial instincts became impossible to ignore in the years following university. After early experience as an admin clerk at Archimode & Associates, he joined the family business, taking on the leadership roles of Marketing Manager at Gongoni Company and later COO of its sister company, Scirrocco International. By 23, he had already built a strong reputation, holding key roles across multiple companies and industries.
KHALIL SPEAKING AT THE UNBut a major change in direction was just around the corner. After an unsuccessful attempt to pursue JAVA and DBA, Khalil pivoted with purpose — diving into independent research that led him to system architecture and a new passion for designing and improving complex technical processes. By 2018, he had fully shifted focus, stepping away from the family business to carve out a new space for himself.
The world of innovation has been his home ever since, driving Khalil's involvement in transformative solutions like OyaOya Strategic Services, ShapShap Logistics, and ZABE. He founded The CANs, West Africa's first eco-friendly tech hub, and continues to influence the tech landscape as a board member of Africa Infotech Consultancy, JIGS Environmental Services, and Chairperson of MACE Nigeria Ltd. As Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Naseni (Nigeria's National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure), he plays a vital role in guiding and sparking Nigeria's industrialization.
KHALIL SPEAKING AT MSME
KHALIL SPEAKING AT MSMEAway from his work, Khalil is a passionate equestrian, golfer, and lover of the outdoors. Grounded, curious, and committed, he brings the same energy to his personal life as he does to his mission:
connecting people, ideas, and opportunities - wherever they may be.
