Ifeoluwa Ariyo-Agbaje's impactful year shaping immigrants' stories globally

Ariyo-Agbaje's one-year work anniversary at Vesti , a Techstars-backed migration fintech AI-first company, on the 14th of November 2023 marks a significant milestone. In his role as Partnerships and Communications Lead, Ariyo-Agbaje has been instrumental in shaping Vesti's narrative and establishing key partnerships that have propelled the company's growth and impact.

Migration, a global phenomenon that has significantly increased in recent years, is driven by various factors such as economic opportunities, political stability, and quality of life. According to the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) , the number of international migrants reached 281 million people in 2020, compared to 173 million in 2000. These statistics underscore the critical importance of financial services tailored to the unique needs of immigrants.

Vesti enters the global scene, learning from the helpful information provided by the Population Division. The data also shows that in 2020, a huge 281 million people chose to live in a country other than where they were born. Almost half of these global nomads, or 48%, were women, bringing a diverse mix to the global community. Interestingly, most of them, about three-quarters, fell between the ages of 20 and 64, with a significant 41 million being under 20 years old, representing the dreams of the younger generation. Geographically, Asia and Europe were the hotspots for migration, each hosting 31%, while Northern America attracted 21%. Africa played its part at 9%, with Latin America and the Caribbean contributing 5%, and Oceania rounding off at 3%. As Vesti goes through its journey of more than 18 months, these numbers show a big global movement, echoing the stories and dreams of people all around the world.

Vesti, on a mission to transform the global financial services market for immigrants, addresses a crucial need for financial inclusion and empowerment. With a target market of 36 million immigrants arriving in the top 10 developed countries annually, and the United States alone welcoming 1 million each year, Vesti aims to cater to the financial needs of a growing and underserved market. By 2050, there will be 200 million new immigrants fully settled in Vesti's target markets, presenting a substantial opportunity for growth.

Motivated by a passion for empowering immigrants and a belief in technology's transformative power, Ariyo-Agbaje joined Vesti a year ago. His contributions have been remarkable, including crafting and executing a brand strategy that significantly boosted Vesti's visibility and reputation. He also fostered strategic partnerships that expanded Vesti's reach, implemented effective communication strategies, and took the lead as a speaker at the fifth African Tech Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, in February 2023.

Ifeoluwa's selection as a speaker at the African Tech Summit was a testament to his groundbreaking work at Vesti. His presentation, titled "Move Anywhere on the Planet & Move Your Money," resonated with the audience, showcasing his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and passion. This not only marked a personal milestone for Ariyo-Agbaje but also elevated Vesti's recognition on the global stage.

With a keen eye for brand visibility and strategic partnerships, Ariyo-Agbaje secured Vesti's headline sponsorship at Lagos Startup Week 2023 . This provided an exceptional platform to showcase Vesti's innovative products and services, resulting in impactful partnerships and increased brand recognition.

Ariyo-Agbaje's strategic vision and commitment have been pivotal in Vesti's global expansion and the successful launch of innovative products. His expertise in public relations played a crucial role in Vesti's expansion into Ghana , Zambia , and the United Kingdom . Ifeoluwa also spearheaded the launch of Element by Vesti in Dallas, Texas, designed to meet the unique business banking needs of African entrepreneurs targeting the US and UK markets.

As Ariyo-Agbaje celebrates his one-year anniversary at Vesti, it's more than a passage of time; it's a journey of impact, innovation, and dedication to empowering immigrants through technology. Beyond his role, Ariyo-Agbaje is a visionary leader, a strategic mastermind, and a passionate advocate for immigrants worldwide. His innovative approach to communications, leveraging AI-powered tools, has elevated Vesti's brand visibility and impact.

Strategic communications, a cornerstone of Ariyo-Agbaje's role, is crucial for Vesti's mission. Within the domain of migration fintech, effective communication strategies bridge the gap between the company and its diverse user base. It ensures that the benefits of Vesti's innovative financial solutions and migration pathways are clearly conveyed to immigrants worldwide. Strategic communications not only amplify Vesti's mission and value proposition but also foster trust and understanding among users, partners, and stakeholders. Ariyo-Agbaje's adeptness in this aspect has been central to Vesti's success in expanding into new markets, launching impactful products, and establishing itself as a leading player in the migration fintech landscape.

Ariyo-Agbaje's impactful year at Vesti has been transformative in shaping immigrants' stories globally. Through strategic communications and innovative partnerships, Ariyo-Agbaje has played a pivotal role in amplifying the narratives of immigrants and their financial journeys. His dedication to empowering immigrants through technology has not only promoted Vesti's brand visibility but has also contributed to a broader conversation surrounding financial inclusion for the global immigrant community. By leveraging his expertise, Ariyo-Agbaje has not only shaped the success of Vesti but has also influenced the broader discourse on the importance of tailored financial solutions for immigrants. His commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of immigrants is evident in the milestones achieved during this impactful year, marking a significant chapter in the intersection of technology, finance, and global migration stories.?

Looking ahead, Ariyo-Agbaje is poised to play an even more pivotal role in shaping the future of financial inclusion for immigrants. His dedication to empowering immigrants is evident in his words: "I believe that every immigrant deserves the opportunity to thrive in their new home. Vesti is making that dream a reality by providing immigrants with the financial tools and resources they need to succeed. In the past year, we have expanded our reach to three new countries, launched an innovative product specifically designed for African entrepreneurs, and partnered with key organizations to further our mission. I am excited to continue to grow Vesti's impact in the months and years to come even beyond Vesti."