Educated at the Centre for Business Studies in the UK, Afolabi earned his Master's degree in Marine Transportation from the State University of New York's Maritime College and his PhD from the University of Port Harcourt. Furthermore, he has implemented several change initiatives that have saved millions of dollars and improved processes.  His election to the CIPS governing council as a pioneer councilor representing Africa occurred in 2004. The Supply Chain Management Council and Board appointed him to the position of Global President in 2009.