Innovation, Creativity Will Drive Africa’s Tech Growth – Digital strategist, Richard Ogunsola

In an exclusive interview, Richard Abiola Ogunsola, a Growth Product Manager, digital strategist, and technology enthusiast, shared insights into his journey, challenges, and vision for the future of digital technology in Africa.

When asked about his early life and what inspired his career path, Richard revealed that his passion for technology started at a young age, driven by curiosity and a love for problem-solving. “Growing up, I was fascinated by how technology could simplify tasks and create impactful solutions. This curiosity led me to explore different fields before transitioning into product management,” he said.

Despite studying Civil Engineering at the University of Ibadan, his interest in digital innovation and product strategy pushed him to acquire certifications in Product Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Marketing, and Growth Hacking from institutions like Scrum Alliance, the World Bank, Product School, and HubSpot. He is currently pursuing an MBA at MIVA Open University.

When asked about his transition into tech, he credited his university experience for opening his eyes to the power of technology. “During my university days, I became deeply involved in student leadership and digital initiatives, which exposed me to how technology can solve real-world problems. My experience with platforms like K-bits, an educational social network, and Stutern, a student internship placement platform, made me realize the potential of well-designed digital solutions,” he explained.

Discussing the source of his entrepreneurial spirit, Richard said it was a combination of passion for innovation, mentorship and the ingrained culture of Intrapreneurship within Sterling Financial Holding Company (parent company of Sterling Bank) . “Seeing how technology transforms industries, I was driven to create and scale solutions that add value. I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors both within and outside my career path who have guided my approach to leadership and strategy,” he noted.

Reflecting on the challenges he faced in his entrepreneurial journey, he described one of his most difficult moments as managing a cross-functional team across different time zones (India, Nigeria, and the UK) at BetterHalf as a first-time product manager. “I overcame this by implementing structured communication workflows, leveraging async tools, and fostering a culture of transparency,” he said. Another major challenge, he shared, was leading Torrista’s development after years of stagnation. “I drove its completion in three months using Agile methodologies,” he added.

On his proudest achievements, he highlighted the pivotal role he played in breaking and setting the record by Qoray for the Greatest distance traveled on an electric tuk-tuk / autorickshaw in 12 hours, I incorporated digital tools such as photo-finish technology to replace manual lap counting and devised novel means through which we transmitted real-time GPS and speedometer data to the global audience and the adjudicator in far away London, United Kingdom . These innovations helped achieve a record-breaking 347.11 kilometers in 12 hours,” he explained.

He also mentioned the successful launch of Torrista and Thrupas, both of which have addressed key inefficiencies in Nigeria’s travel industry, and his leadership in the REALMS initiative, a VR-powered tourism project that integrates 360° photography, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance cultural heritage experiences.

When asked about the values that guide his work, Richard emphasized four key principles: “User-Centric Innovation—products should solve real problems; Integrity & Transparency—ethical leadership drives sustainable success; Collaboration & Growth—teams thrive when they work together; and Data-Driven Decision Making—insights fuel impact.”

Describing his leadership style, he said, “I adopt a transformational leadership approach, empowering my team to think creatively, take ownership, and drive meaningful innovation. I believe in setting a vision, providing guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation.”

On the future of digital innovation in Africa, Ogunsola projected a shift toward AI, blockchain, and immersive technologies like VR/AR. “We’re seeing a movement toward decentralized finance (DeFi) and AI-driven automation, which will redefine banking, commerce, and mobility,” he predicted.

He also offered advice to young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. “Be curious, adaptable, and proactive. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and those who stay ahead of trends will lead the future. Surround yourself with mentors, take calculated risks, and always be data-driven in decision-making. Most importantly, focus on creating value rather than just following trends,” he advised.

Richard’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and impact-driven leadership. As Africa continues to embrace digital transformation, he remains optimistic about the role of young tech leaders in shaping the continent’s future.