Arc. Dr. Barka Umaru Mshelia is a Nigerian entrepreneur, real estate developer, and philanthropist. He is the Group Managing Director of Mshel Group^[1], a conglomerate with subsidiaries in real estate, hospitality, logistics, and technology. Under his leadership, Mshel Homes Ltd has developed over 40 estates in Nigeria and expanded operations to the UK and the US. He is also spearheading the Mshel International Tower^[2] project, which aims to be Africa’s tallest building.

Barka Umaru Mshelia was born in Hong, Adamawa State, Nigeria. He faced early academic struggles but found motivation through a mentor in secondary school. He pursued higher education at institutions including Harvard Business School, the London School of Economics, and the International Business Management Institute in Berlin.

Mshelia founded Mshel Homes Ltd^[3], which has become a leading real estate company in Nigeria. His company is responsible for developing major housing estates in Abuja and other cities. His flagship project, the Mshel International Tower, is set to be Africa’s tallest skyscraper.

Beyond real estate, Mshelia has expanded his business interests through Mshel Group, which includes:

• Lisa Suites (Hospitality)
• Mshel Logistics (Transportation & Logistics)
• Mshel Foundation (Philanthropy & Mentorship)

Mshelia is the founder of the Mshel Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship. He launched the "Pitch Your Dream^[4]" initiative, which supports young entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship.

• HCLM Media Housing Awards (2024) – Special Recognition for Contributions to Real Estate
• All African Students Union (2023) – Beacon for African Development
• Honorary Doctorate in Business Management (2022) – Universite La HEGJ, Benin Republic
• Pan-African Leadership Citation (2022) – Societal Drug-Free Ambassador

• Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC)
• Member, International Association for Strategy Professionals (IASP)
• Member, Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM)
  

• Barka U. Mshelia Official Website – https://www.barkaumshelia.com/
• Lisa Suites Official Website – https://lisasuites.com/
• Mshel Group Official Website – https://mshelgroup.com/
• The Guardian: Barka Umaru Mshelia shaping Nigeria’s real estate and global influence – https://guardian.ng/property/c25-property/barka-umaru-mshelia-shaping-nigerias-real-estate-and-global-influence/
• The Nation: Dr. Barka Mshelia’s vision for mentorship and youth empowerment – https://thenationonlineng.net/dr-barka-mshelias-vision-for-mentorship-and-youth-empowerment/#google_vignette
• Tribune: Barka Mshelia’s inspirational journey in business and philanthropy – https://tribuneonlineng.com/barka-mshelias-inspirational-journey-in-business-and-philanthropy/#google_vignette
• Vanguard: Dr. Barka Mshelia empowers Nigerian innovators through ‘Pitch Your Dream’ initiative – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/dr-barka-mshelia-empowers-nigerian-innovators-through-pitch-your-dream-initiative/
• Africa Housing News: Top 100 leaders to watch out for in Nigeria’s real estate industry in 2025 – https://www.africahousingnews.com/top-100-leaders-watch-out-for-in-nigerias-real-estate-industry-in-2025/