When Anuoluwatoyosi Onikosi speaks about her time at the University of Oxford, her words carry a quiet honesty. “There were days I felt completely out of my depth,” she admits. “Oxford has a way of showing you just how much you still have to learn.” Yet, beneath the pressure and intensity, she found moments of genuine connection and growth. The journey through Oxford as an AfOx Graduate Scholar wasn’t simply another chapter in her academic life but about learning to contribute meaningfully and responsibly in whatever path she chose next
Oxford as a Catalyst for Excellence and Responsibility
For Toyosi Onikosi, Oxford was far more than just another scholarly milestone. The MSc in Law and Finance challenged her in unexpected ways, pushing her to reflect deeply on her place in the world and what she can contribute. More than that, being an AfOx Graduate Scholar meant so much more than receiving financial support; it welcomed Toyosi into what she describes as in her own words as “a vibrant, supportive community that encouraged me to look beyond my own ambitions and take responsibility for making a positive impact”.
Reflecting on her time, Toyosi says, “Oxford redefined my idea of excellence. I realized it’s not just about personal achievement—it’s about using your skills to help others, staying curious, and looking for ways to give back.” Through AfOx, she found mentors who believed in her, leadership training that pushed her out of her comfort zone, and friendships that gave her the courage to pursue her vision for Africa’s future.
That’s why her goal to work in development finance in Africa stopped being just a dream. Oxford and AfOx gave Toyosi the confidence, the network, and the sense of duty to turn that dream into a real, lasting commitment
Navigating Cairo: Growth in Transition
Hence, after Oxford, Toyosi took a leap and moved to Cairo, Egypt to begin her Ubuntu service at the Africa Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank”). It was her first time in North Africa, and everything felt unfamiliar—the language, the culture, even the weather. She didn’t speak Arabic, and the professional environment was a whole new terrain. But Toyosi was driven not only by her personal ethic for excellence, but also by her belief in Africa’s potential, and these kept her going.
“As I settled in, I realized I wasn’t just adapting; I was growing—learning to navigate new spaces and contribute meaningfully to projects that matter for Africa’s future.” With time, and thanks to the support of colleagues and the local community, Toyosi found her place. She is now becoming even more fluent in French and Arabic.
Building Africa’s Financial Future
Toyosi’s decision to return to Africa was intentional. Despite the challenges the continent faces, she believes in its promise. At Afreximbank, she has worked on a wide range of development projects: financing healthcare initiatives across Africa, supporting the growth of industrial parks and refineries, enabling SMEs, and even helping to finance the development of electric vehicles for African markets. She has also worked on financing for creatives in film and art, because she believes African stories deserve to be heard.
Her work has gone beyond legal counsel. Toyosi has been involved in other development financing work which cuts across credit analysis, deal structuring, project preparation, and raising equity, all in a bid to promote intra-African trade and export development. “This hands-on exposure has shown me what it takes to build Africa’s financial future and the importance of homegrown, innovative solutions,” she notes.
A particularly meaningful part of her journey during the Ubuntu service in Afreximbank has been working on the set-up and institutionalisation of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), which brings together organizations like Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB), Shelter Afrique, Africa Re, and many others. Engaging with these institutions has given Toyosi a front-row seat to AAMFI’s mission: uniting Africa’s leading multilateral financial organizations to coordinate efforts, pool resources, and develop innovative financial solutions tailored to Africa’s unique development needs. “Through this collective approach, AAMFI is not only driving sustainable economic growth and integration across the continent but also championing Africa’s financial self-reliance and amplifying its voice on the global stage,” she explains.
Mentorship and Legacy
Toyosi’s commitment to impact doesn’t stop at her job. She mentors young African professionals interested in law, finance, and development. “I’ve made it a priority to pay it forward,” she says. “I speak with those applying for scholarships, support their applications, and connect them with networks that shaped my journey.”
This sense of service and solidarity, she notes, was nurtured through the AfOx network. “Being part of AfOx meant being part of something larger—a pan-African community of scholars invested in one another’s growth and Africa’s future.”
Memories That Matter
Some moments at Oxford stand out for Toyosi’s personal meaning. Being named Proxime Accessit to the Rex Warner Short Story Prize at Wadham College for her story “Dignity is Bad for Business”—a tale of kindness set in Africa—was a highlight. It reminded her that narratives rooted in African experiences have a place on the global stage.
Winning the Wadham College Eprime Eshag Senior Scholarship also meant a lot. It gave Toyosi the chance to attend high table dinners, where she had conversations with scholars from all disciplines. Those evenings were a blend of tradition and inspiration, and she was proud to advocate for greater inclusivity within her college. “One of the biggest highlights of my Oxford experience was being at Wadham College, they made my stay so warm and memorable”. She says.
Equally memorable were the AfOx and Skoll Centre leadership trainings, which Toyosi found both stimulating and enriching. “These sessions not only sharpened my leadership skills but also connected me with other passionate changemakers from across the continent.” And on a lighter note, she always looked forward to sampling delicacies from different African countries—each meal a celebration of the continent’s rich and diverse cultures.
Advice to AfOx Scholars: Make it Count
To current and future AfOx scholars, Toyosi says: “Seize every opportunity. AfOx is more than a scholarship—it’s a community and a platform for leadership. Build relationships, stay grounded in your purpose, and remember that your time at Oxford is about more than academics. It’s about shaping the world you want to see, wherever your journey takes you”.
Looking Ahead
Toyosi’s vision for the future is clear. She wants to keep growing as a leader and learning from others. For Africa, she hopes for stronger cooperation, more investment in young talent, and robust financial systems that drive sustainable development.
“Africa’s growth must be driven from within,” she concludes. “I want to be part of the generation that makes that possible.”