In a world where construction and logistics are still heavily manual and dominated by men, Ejide Akinbiyi stands out as a visionary changing the game. She is the co-founder and CEO of MaterialsPro, a digital procurement and logistics platform transforming how construction materials are sourced and delivered across Africa.
Founded in 2022, MaterialsPro was born out of Ejide’s determination to simplify one of the most complex challenges in the building industry — the sourcing and timely delivery of materials. With a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Lagos, Ejide combines her business acumen with an innovative approach to solving real-world problems in construction.
The Spark Behind MaterialsPro
When asked by Just4WomenAfrica what inspired her to venture into the construction tech industry, Ejide shared that the idea came from a deeply personal experience.
“I was managing a building project for my family and saw the manual process the contractor was going through. Prices were constantly changing, deliveries were delayed, and there was a lack of transparency. When I spoke to my friends, they had faced the same issues,” she explained.
That recurring frustration led to the birth of MaterialsPro, a solution designed to streamline procurement and logistics for builders, contractors, and developers.
Bridging Gaps in the Construction Supply Chain
Ejide identified three major pain points in Nigeria’s construction supply chain:
- Constant delays in material delivery to project sites.
- Fragmentation of suppliers — cement, steel, sand, and other materials sourced from different vendors across different locations.
- Lack of coordination, forcing contractors to juggle multiple invoices and suppliers instead of focusing on actual construction.
“With MaterialsPro, contractors can now focus on building while we take care of sourcing, logistics, and cost efficiency,” she said.
Overcoming Industry Resistance
Like many innovators, Ejide faced her fair share of challenges in the early days. The construction industry, she said, is very traditional and not always receptive to new technology.
“Initially, clients were skeptical. We had to meet them where they were, build relationships, and earn their trust,” she recalled.
Her perseverance paid off — MaterialsPro is now recognized as a reliable, tech-driven partner in construction procurement.
What Makes MaterialsPro Different
Unlike traditional procurement companies that specialize in a single product line, MaterialsPro offers a one-stop platform where clients can purchase everything from cement, sand, and iron rods to roofing sheets, paint, and finishing materials.
“We’ve made it seamless for builders to buy all their materials in one place. This saves them time, reduces cost, and ensures timely delivery,” Ejide said proudly.
She envisions MaterialsPro as an ecosystem that connects manufacturers, suppliers, and construction professionals — creating transparency and efficiency in an industry long overdue for digital transformation.
Global Recognition and Growth
MaterialsPro’s innovation has not gone unnoticed. The company was selected to join the prestigious NASDAQ Milestone Makers Program, an initiative that supports entrepreneurs solving global challenges.
“It was an amazing experience,” Ejide said. “The visibility and recognition we received reaffirmed that we’re doing something people truly value.”
While the company currently operates primarily in Lagos, Ejide has big plans for the future.
“Our focus right now is to strengthen our footprint across Nigeria before expanding to other African countries,” she explained. “Africa has a 51 million housing deficit, and 21 million of that is in Nigeria alone. We haven’t even scratched the surface yet.”
Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a woman leading in construction and logistics, Ejide acknowledges that the space is still heavily male-dominated.
“Yes, it is, but once they see that you’re hardworking, committed, and deliver results, they respect you,” she said.
She also shared that she has faced situations where she was expected to “go through a man” to secure business opportunities — a barrier she firmly refused to bow to.
“You don’t need to compromise to succeed. Competence, consistency, and integrity will always speak for you,” she emphasized.
Empowering More Women in Tech and Infrastructure
Ejide is passionate about seeing more women step into technology and infrastructure roles.
“It starts with visibility,” she said. “When other women see you doing it, they realize it’s possible. Representation matters — it inspires confidence.”
Through her journey, Ejide Akinbiyi is proving that women can innovate, lead, and thrive in industries long considered off-limits. With MaterialsPro, she’s not only transforming procurement and logistics — she’s building a legacy of inclusion, innovation, and impact across Africa’s construction landscape.
