From Lagos to the World: Lessons from Samuel Olamide

By: Tosin Clegg

In Lagos, a city known for its relentless hustle and vibrant tech scene, Samuel Olamide’s story begins like many others—a young Nigerian with a hunger to make an impact. What sets Samuel apart, however, is his ability to turn opportunity into tangible results, proving that innovation born in Nigeria can thrive on a global stage. As a self-taught software engineer, he has built tools like Valley, a product now used by companies across continents, and played a pivotal role in scaling MyStash, a Nigerian fintech startup that grew to profitability and was eventually acquired.

Samuel’s journey mirrors the rise of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, which has grown into one of Africa’s most dynamic sectors. According to a 2022 report by McKinsey, Nigeria accounts for over 30% of Africa’s tech startups, with the industry contributing nearly 18% to the nation’s GDP. Yet, for engineers like Samuel, the path to success often involves navigating limited resources, unreliable infrastructure, and a fiercely competitive market. “I didn’t start with much,” Samuel reflects. “It was just me, my laptop, and a commitment to figure things out.”

Early in his career, Samuel joined startups where he quickly became known for his ability to deliver results under tight deadlines. This reputation was solidified when he was tasked with building Valley’s minimum viable product (MVP) in just three months. “Having worked in startups, I knew the importance of focusing on what matters most,” he explains. “I prioritized features that were critical and made quick decisions. If the first solution didn’t work, I moved to the next one without overthinking.”

Samuel’s approach—breaking complex problems into smaller tasks, ensuring constant communication with his team, and prioritizing organizational goals over personal preferences—has become a cornerstone of his work ethic. His methods reflect broader trends in tech development, where agile methodologies and rapid prototyping are critical for success. Globally, studies show that over 70% of companies adopting agile frameworks report improved project outcomes, a principle Samuel applies to every project he leads.

One of Samuel’s most notable achievements is MyStash, a Nigerian fintech startup he helped build from the ground up. As the company’s first engineer, he developed its core systems, watched it grow to profitability, and eventually witnessed its acquisition. “It’s one thing to build a product,” he says, “but it’s another to see that product sustain itself and add value over time.” Such milestones reflect not just Samuel’s technical skill but also his understanding of the business side of technology—a critical combination in today’s competitive tech landscape.

While Samuel’s accomplishments are impressive, they haven’t come without challenges.

“Building in Nigeria requires a level of resilience that’s hard to explain,” he says. “You deal with issues like inconsistent power supply and limited access to venture capital. These challenges push you to innovate in ways you might not have to elsewhere.”

For aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs, Samuel’s story offers valuable lessons. First, the importance of focus: rather than chasing every idea, he prioritizes solutions that deliver real value to users. Second, the need for speed: his “move fast” philosophy ensures progress even under uncertainty. And third, the role of collaboration: Samuel emphasizes the importance of keeping teams aligned, noting that “constant updates and clear communication make all the difference.”

Samuel’s journey also sheds light on the larger narrative of Africa’s growing influence in the global tech space. As the continent’s population becomes increasingly tech-savvy and its startups attract more investment—$6.5 billion in 2022, according to Partech data—engineers like Samuel are proving that Africa is not just a consumer market but a hub of innovation. “Africa has so much untapped talent,” Samuel says. “What we need are more opportunities to showcase what we can do on a global scale.”

In a field that often glorifies rapid success, Samuel’s story is a reminder of the patience and persistence required to build something lasting. As Nigeria’s tech scene continues to evolve, stories like Samuel’s will likely inspire the next wave of innovators ready to take their ideas from Lagos to the world.