Tech Corner with Product Management Expert Uzoma Emenike

In today’s edition of Tech Corner, we had the privilege of sitting down with Uzoma Emenike, a leading voice in Africa’s digital product space. Uzoma is known for his track record building innovative tech solutions across entertainment, health, and AI sectors, including Nigeria’s first cinema subscription service and an AI-powered emergency assistant. Beyond execution, Uzoma brings strategic clarity, user obsession, and a sharp eye for scale. In this conversation, he shares insights on great products, his philosophy, and what it really takes to succeed as a product leader today.

Q1: Uzoma, tell us about your journey into product management. What sparked your interest?

A: My journey started with a passion for solving real-world problems through technology. I didn’t begin as a product manager, but I’ve always been curious about how products come to life, how something moves from an idea to a solution people rely on. My turning point came at my previous place of work, where I led the launch of Nigeria’s first cinema subscription service. That experience, identifying a market gap, building a feature, testing, launching, and watching it gain real traction, hooked me. It showed me the power of product thinking, and I knew I had found my path.

Q2: What do you think makes a great product truly stand out in today’s crowded digital landscape?

A: Simplicity, empathy, and timing. The best products don’t overwhelm, they solve one real problem incredibly well, and they do it in a way that feels intuitive. But what really makes them stand out is how deeply they understand the user. It’s not just about features, it’s about experience. When a product feels like it was designed just for you, that’s when you know it’s great. I also think timing plays a huge role, launching the right thing at the right moment can be a game-changer. That’s why successful product management is part art, part science, and a lot of listening.

Q3: What’s your product philosophy?

A: I believe in building with empathy. Tech isn’t just about features, it’s about understanding the context users live in and solving the real pain points. My approach combines data, deep user insights, and iterative design. I like to ask: “If this didn’t exist tomorrow, would users miss it?” If the answer is no, we’re not building the right thing.

Q4: You’ve led both commercial and technical product efforts. How do you balance innovation with business goals?

A: It’s about alignment. Innovation doesn’t mean shiny features, it means solving problems in a way that moves the business forward. I always anchor my roadmap in metrics: growth, retention, revenue, or operational efficiency. But I also advocate for experiments, small bets that can lead to big wins. 

Q5: As someone shaping the African tech space, how do you view the role of PMs on the continent?

A: Product Managers in Africa have a unique responsibility, we’re not just building products, we’re shaping infrastructure. Many of the systems we rely on are still being defined. That’s an opportunity to be truly impactful. But it also requires resilience, resourcefulness, and local context. You can’t just copy-paste Silicon Valley models. You need to localize, listen, and build for the people, with the people.

Q6: What trends in product development are you most excited about right now?

A: I’m really excited about the rise of agentic AI and autonomous systems, not just tools that assist, but products that act. We’re entering a phase where products don’t just respond; they anticipate, adapt, and execute. I’m also bullish on the idea of “infrastructure as product” in Africa, platforms that quietly power entire ecosystems, from healthcare to logistics. And of course, there’s growing emphasis on ethical design and local-first innovation, which I think will shape the next decade of product leadership.

Q7: What’s next for you in your product journey?

A: I’m focused on scale, building products that can impact millions, not just thousands. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of PMs. I’ve served as a panel expert at ProductDive Africa, guiding over 50 upcoming product professionals. Eventually, I want to contribute to policy and ecosystem-building, ensuring Africa not only uses tech but leads in creating it.

Q8: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring Product Managers?

A: Stay curious and stay close to the user. Tools and frameworks change, but what doesn’t change is the need to deeply understand problems and communicate clearly. Don’t wait to be given permission, start solving something today. That’s how real PMs are made.