The evolution of Business Analysis Practice is becoming increasingly evident as organizations seek professionals who can connect business needs with technology and strategic value.
In this interview with Kennedy Osigwe, a Nigerian professional working across fintech and technology-driven industries, we explore how business analysis is practiced in fast-paced environments, how professionals grow beyond traditional roles, and what skills will define the next generation of business analysts.
Watch the other episodes in this podcast series featuring interviews with experts from around the world.
From Accounting to Business Analysis
Kennedy’s journey into business analysis began during his final year studying accounting. Although he graduated with top results, he realized that accounting alone did not provide the creative and problem-solving environment he was looking for.
A university technology bootcamp organized by a major Nigerian bank introduced him to the intersection between business and technology. Winning a competition at that event led him to deeper exposure to product development, business modeling, and collaboration with developers. That experience sparked his interest in business analysis and ultimately led him to pursue training in a technology academy before starting his professional career.
Sharing what he learned on LinkedIn helped him gain visibility and eventually secure his first opportunity as a business analyst.
Defining Business Analysis Through Value
Kennedy strongly aligns with the definition of business analysis proposed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).
“Business analysis is the practice of enabling change in an enterprise by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders within a given context.”
(The Business Analysis Standard, IIBA)
For him, business analysis is not a one-time activity but an ongoing cycle of identifying opportunities for value creation and helping organizations move from their current state to a better future state.
Technology as an Amplifier of Business Analysis
While the formal definition of business analysis is not tied to technology, Kennedy believes that technology naturally plays a central role in modern business analysis practice.
Rather than being a requirement, technology acts as an amplifier. It allows organizations to deliver value faster, improve efficiency, and create better solutions. Because of this, many business analysts end up working closely with technology teams, even though the discipline itself is fundamentally about value and change.
What Business Analysts Do Day-to-Day
Kennedy described four main areas of activity in his daily work:
- Documentation and Modeling
Early in the career of many business analysts, work often focuses on producing documentation such as user stories, product requirement documents (PRDs), functional requirement documents (FRDs), and business models. - Stakeholder Engagement
A significant part of the job involves meetings and conversations with stakeholders (customers, management, and development teams) to gather insights and clarify needs. - Financial Analysis
Because of his background in accounting, Kennedy often contributes financial insights such as revenue analysis, profitability metrics, and board reporting. - Strategy Work
As a more senior-level business analyst, Kenefy participates in reviewing or shaping organizational strategy, analyzing assumptions, and proposing adjustments.
How Different Backgrounds Strengthen Business Analysis
One of the most interesting observations Kennedy shared is that different professional backgrounds can become strengths in business analysis.
For example, he worked with a colleague who came from an engineering background and had exceptional skills in process modeling and workflow optimization. While Kennedy brings financial analysis skills, his colleague brings process thinking, demonstrating how diverse expertise enriches business analysis practice.
Why Many Business Analysts Eventually Change Roles
As organizations recognize the capabilities of experienced business analysts, they often move them into other positions such as business development, product strategy, or operational leadership.
Kennedy explained that this shift happens when companies see that an analyst can deliver value beyond documentation, for example, by influencing clients, closing deals, or shaping strategic decisions.
At that point, the professional may still practice business analysis thinking, but their job title and responsibilities evolve.
A Major Trend: Specialization
Looking ahead, Kennedy believes the biggest trend in business analysis is domain specialization.
Business analysts who deeply understand a specific industry, such as fintech, agriculture, or healthcare, tend to create more value than generalists. As new industries continue to emerge, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, organizations increasingly seek analysts who combine analytical skills with domain expertise.
This means that certifications alone may not be enough. What organizations ultimately value is the analyst’s ability to generate measurable impact in a specific context.
Essential Skills Every Business Analyst Needs
Despite the importance of specialization, Kennedy highlighted three fundamental skills that every business analyst should develop:
- Curiosity
Great analysts constantly ask “why?” and seek a deeper understanding of problems and opportunities. - Communication
Effective communication (both listening and explaining) is essential for gathering information and aligning stakeholders. - Problem-Solving
Business analysts must naturally think in terms of problems and solutions, always searching for better ways to deliver value.
These capabilities remain universal regardless of industry or role.
Acknowledgment
I want to thank the International Institute of Business Analysis for supporting this initiative.
As part of the IIBA community and serving as Senior Advisor to the President & CEO, it’s a privilege to help bring forward the voices of practitioners shaping our profession.
References
- Connect with Kennedy Osigwe on LinkedIn
- Listen to this and other episodes on The Brazilian BA Guest on Spotify
- Read the summary and watch other episodes of The Brazilian BA Guests on the Current State of Business Analysis
- Connect with the global Business Analysis community at iiba.org
