Akin Awosoji sets global ambitions for Keanvic Footies

Nigerian footwear entrepreneur Akin Samuel Awosoji is positioning his footwear brand, Keanvic Footies, for a broader international market as he seeks to take African footwear craftsmanship beyond conventional retail.

Founded in 2015, Keanvic Footies emerged from Awosoji’s passion for footwear and his decision to acquire professional shoe-making skills after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University.

His entry into the footwear industry began during his National Youth Service Corps programme, when he enrolled in professional shoe-making training. After completing NYSC, he moved to Lagos to deepen his experience and develop his understanding of footwear production and design.

Nearly a decade later, the venture has evolved into a growing footwear brand offering sandals, loafers, Chelsea boots and other smart-casual designs.

Awosoji’s ambition, however, extends beyond building a conventional footwear business. He wants Keanvic Footies to become a platform through which African creativity and craftsmanship can reach international consumers.

The next phase of the brand’s development is already taking shape through the launch of its e-commerce platform, which opens access to customers in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

The digital expansion provides the brand with a wider customer base while creating a foundation for further international growth.

Awosoji is also looking towards the global fashion industry, with plans to showcase Keanvic Footies designs at international runway and fashion events. The strategy includes developing relationships with designers, stylists, models and other creative professionals who can help position the brand within the wider fashion ecosystem.

His vision comes against the backdrop of growing interest in African creative products and locally developed brands seeking international audiences.

For Awosoji, the objective is not simply to export footwear but to build a brand that retains its African identity while competing within a global market.

His professional journey has been shaped by experiences beyond entrepreneurship. Alongside developing Keanvic Footies, he built a career within one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, an experience that strengthened his understanding of business discipline, customer service and organisational responsibility.

He also credits the combination of corporate experience and entrepreneurship with helping him approach business development from a broader perspective.

In 2026, his entrepreneurial efforts received two notable recognitions. He was named an Icon of Enterprise & Innovation at the 2026 Excellence in Enterprise Award, while the West Africa Youth Council honoured him with the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity.

The recognitions have added another dimension to Awosoji’s growing profile as an entrepreneur, particularly his interest in youth empowerment, leadership and enterprise development.

Beyond commercial growth, he sees entrepreneurship as a vehicle for creating opportunities for others. As Keanvic Footies expands, he hopes to contribute to skills development, employment creation and collaboration across Nigeria’s creative economy.

The broader vision is to demonstrate that Nigerian brands can build products locally, develop strong identities and compete for attention in international markets.

For Awosoji, the journey from an Agricultural Economics graduate in Ile-Ife to a footwear entrepreneur in Lagos represents a lesson in following opportunity beyond conventional career paths.

What began in 2015 as a decision to learn shoe making has developed into an ambitious effort to build an African footwear brand with global reach.

As Keanvic Footies enters its next phase, Awosoji is focused on transforming that ambition into a lasting international brand while preserving the craftsmanship and creative spirit that inspired its beginning.