Connecting Africa: How Tech Is Transforming Lives

In the heart of Nigeria’s thriving tech scene, Orolu Olayinka Olamide stands as a beacon of innovation. An operations specialist with a specialty in data, operations, pricing strategy, business intelligence, product launch and expansions. Olayinka is a passionate advocate for inclusive development. His vision? To harness technology’s interconnectedness and propel Africa into a future liberated from past constraints.

Witnessing the challenges faced by his community as a child, Olayinka came to see technology as a powerful tool for interconnected problem-solving. This early vision, where everything was part of a bigger system, became the foundation for his future approach.

With this in mind, Olayinka has gained experience in various fields, from real estate and ride-hailing companies like Bolt. This diverse background equipped him to tackle problems faster and with a unique perspective. In 2021, he was part of the team that brought Bolt to Paraguay and Thailand, securing market leadership in both countries within a year, despite facing fierce competition from established players like Uber, Muv, and Grab.

Olayinka’s commitment goes beyond business. He volunteers with Welfare Aid for the Future (WAF), a non-profit focused on improving lives in Africa. Here, he developed a data management plan to improve data handling and accessibility for WAF. He was also a sponsor of outreach programs like The Back To School program in Bota Limbe, Cameroon.

Olayinka isn’t just building solutions, he’s building the next generation of innovators. He runs quarterly training programs at Obafemi Awolowo University, equipping young minds with the technical skills to bring his vision of interconnected tech to life. These trainees aren’t just learning – they’re becoming Africa’s future problem-solvers, prepared to tackle challenges with innovative solutions. Over the years, this program has benefitted more than 35 students, helping them secure jobs in the tech industry.

“Africa won’t be built in a day,” Olayinka says, referencing the Spartans. “We have to pilot this technology for our good.” He embodies the idea that with great power comes great responsibility, striving to leave a lasting positive impact on his community and Africa as a whole.