Technology Should Solve Problems, Not Just Impress People — Collins Akowei on Building Digital Solutions for Nigerian Businesses

By Ugo Aliogo

Collins Akowei, a Frontend Engineer at JAM-Forte Technologies, represents a growing generation of software professionals who are moving beyond simply writing code to building solutions that help organisations embrace technology with confidence. While his career is still evolving, his emphasis on practical problem-solving, continuous learning and creating value suggests a developer with the potential to make a lasting contribution to the digital technology ecosystem.

Could you walk us through your technology journey?

It started with curiosity more than anything else. I was always interested in how websites worked, but I began with UI and UX design. Designing interfaces taught me how people interact with technology, but I became more interested in what was happening behind the scenes. I really wanted to understand how products were built from the ground up. That curiosity pushed me into software development. Like many self-taught developers, I spent hours every day watching tutorials, reading documentation, and building projects. I made plenty of mistakes, but I discovered that solving difficult technical problems was something I genuinely enjoyed. I realised I wasn’t just interested in building websites. I enjoyed building solutions.

Looking back over the past few years, what has been the main focus of your work?

Most of my work has involved helping small and medium-sized businesses establish a stronger digital presence. Many businesses have excellent products or services but struggle because they lack the right digital tools.
I have worked on e-commerce websites, business platforms, and marketing-focused landing pages that help businesses communicate more effectively with their customers. I also became involved in digital marketing because I realised very quickly that a website alone doesn’t grow a business. The technology and the strategy have to work together.

You have also worked within software engineering teams. How has that shaped you?

Working with other engineers changed how I think about software. Writing code is one thing. Building software that another developer can maintain six months later is something completely different. I have learned the importance of reusable components, clean architecture, and solving problems properly rather than introducing temporary fixes. I also enjoy discussing ideas with teammates because software is rarely built by one person. The best products usually come from collaborative thinking.

What motivates you as a developer?

Impact motivates me. One of the most rewarding moments is not deploying a project. It is hearing that a business owner now receives enquiries through their website or seeing customers complete purchases because the experience is simple and reliable. Those moments remind me that technology has a real effect on people’s lives. That’s what keeps me motivated.

Many developers focus entirely on technical skills. You often talk about understanding businesses as well. Why?

Because businesses don’t buy code. They buy solutions. If I understand the business problem properly, I can usually build something much more valuable. Whether it is improving the checkout experience, simplifying administration or helping a company communicate better with customers, the technology should always support a commercial objective. That mindset has influenced almost every project I have worked on.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in your journey?

There were times when I spent hours trying to understand why something was not working. Sometimes I questioned whether I was approaching a problem correctly. But those experiences taught me patience. Every difficult bug became an opportunity to improve. Looking back, I think those moments shaped my mindset more than any course ever could.

Where do you see your career heading?

I’m becoming increasingly interested in product development. Client work teaches you a lot because every business has different challenges. Over time, though, you begin to notice common problems. That naturally makes you think about building products that can solve those problems for thousands of people instead of one business at a time. That’s where I see myself heading over the next few years.

What advice would you give newbies or those aspiring to break into technology?

Don’t become discouraged by how much there is to learn. Technology changes constantly. Nobody knows everything. Focus on becoming better than you were yesterday. Build real projects. Solve real problems. Be patient with yourself. Consistency will take you much further than talent alone.