In a business climate where funding is often seen as the ultimate solution, DMJ-Global Consulting Limited is pushing back with a different message: before chasing capital, African startups must first build internal structure and governance.
Founded by corporate governance expert, Opeyemi Oladimeji, the firm has quietly become a trusted partner for startups, nonprofits, and emerging businesses seeking to get their operational house in order.
“We’ve worked with over 100 businesses and organisations across Nigeria,” Opeyemi Oladimeji told West Africa Watch in a recent conversation. “And in most of those cases, the problem wasn’t money. It was disorder—unclear leadership, poor documentation, no internal accountability. That’s what we help them fix.”
DMJ-Global Consulting Limited focuses on what many small businesses overlook: governance frameworks, team structuring, policies, reporting systems, and regulatory compliance. According to the founder, these are the hidden pillars that allow any business—no matter how small—to grow responsibly.
“Too many startups build like they’ll always be two people in a room,” Opeyemi Oladimeji said. “But if you want to scale, attract investors, or even function in a sustainable way, structure is non-negotiable. That’s where we come in.”
The firm’s clients span different sectors—from tech founders trying to prepare for investment rounds to NGOs working to meet donor expectations. DMJ-Global enters with diagnostics, listens closely, and then designs tailor-made governance models that help clients make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
One success story involves a youth-focused nonprofit that had struggled with internal disputes and reporting issues. “After our restructuring process, they secured international funding within six months,” said Opeyemi Oladimeji. “Sometimes the only thing standing between potential and performance is a bit of order.”
Starting out wasn’t easy. The firm initially faced resistance from founders who didn’t understand the value of governance or felt it was too early to worry about “big company” systems. But DMJ-Global’s work began to speak for itself. Word-of-mouth referrals increased, and client satisfaction became the firm’s best marketing tool.
With readers across the region, West Africa Watch caught up with DMJ-Global at a time when interest in sustainability and compliance is rising among young entrepreneurs. Experts say this shift could be a response to increasing scrutiny from investors and regulators alike.
Looking forward, DMJ-Global is expanding its reach. Plans are underway to launch virtual governance clinics, publish toolkits, and partner with incubators to provide structural support from the ground up.
“Our goal is simple,” Opeyemi said. “We want to see African businesses not just start, but last.”
For founders and organisation leaders interested in working with DMJ-Global Consulting, the firm offers consultations and is currently taking on new clients.
“Before you go looking for capital,” Opeyemi advises, “make sure your house is in order. Capital responds to clarity.”
