How I built globally relevant tech solutions – Hulugh

Nigerian-born entrepreneur Tersoo Hulugh is charting an extraordinary path in technology and operations. From his humble beginnings in Benue State to leading enterprise innovation projects across Africa, Europe, and North America, his story is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and the power of building solutions that matter. In this interview, he speaks with COLLINS NNABUIFE on his current works.

Tell us about your early life and what sparked your interest in entrepreneurship.

I was born and raised in Benue State, Nigeria. My entrepreneurial journey officially started in 2019 when I founded Maxify Global Limited. What began as a small web-design outfit has since evolved into a global software development and AI automation company serving clients in Nigeria, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Those early years taught me that success comes from solving real business problems. We focused on helping organizations work smarter and more efficiently, that’s what set us apart.

What motivated your move to the United States, and how did it shape your mission?

My desire for world-class education brought me to the U.S. While studying Operations Management at South Dakota State University (SDSU), I noticed that even large corporations were struggling with fragmented service operations, from call centers to HR and finance.
This realization inspired my growing interest in enterprise productivity and systems optimization. Despite all the technological advancement, many firms still operated in silos. I wanted to explore how better process design and intelligent automation could change that.

You described operational efficiency as a national issue earlier when we met. What did you mean by that?

I see operational efficiency as a national issue because inefficiency drains competitiveness at a national scale. The U.S., for example, spends hundreds of billions annually on service operations like HR, finance, and customer support. A 10% improvement could save over $100 billion across the economy.
To me, boosting operational performance is not just a corporate goal, it’s a strategic economic priority.

You recently worked at Amazon’s DTW1 Fulfillment Center. What was that experience like?

Earlier this summer, I joined Amazon’s DTW1 in Michigan, one of the company’s largest robotics-enabled fulfillment centers, as a Pathways Operations Manager Intern. I managed over 100 associates and led a process improvement project that reduced costly post-SLAM missorts by 47 percent, projected to save the company over $400,000 annually.
That hands-on experience reshaped my understanding of large-scale operational systems and continuous improvement at the enterprise level. It was intense, but it reaffirmed how data, discipline, and people-centric leadership drive operational excellence.

Beyond tech and operations, you’ve also contributed to sustainability projects. Can you tell us about that?

In the summer of 2024, I worked with the South Dakota Mesonet expansion team in SDSU, deploying 16 high-resolution weather and soil monitoring stations across the state, a project funded by NOAA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
My role covered procurement, inventory control, quality assurance, scheduling, and field operations. It was fulfilling to contribute to a project that strengthens climate resilience and supports farmers across the state of South Dakota.

How have your experiences shaped your global perspective on problem-solving?

I’ve learned that impactful innovations aren’t just about new technology. They’re about understanding how organizations function and designing systems that make measurable improvements in people’s day-to-day work.

You’ve received several recognitions. Which ones stand out to you?

In 2021, I received the Hyperion Scholarship to pursue an Executive MBA at Quantic School of Business & Technology, one of the most selective business innovation programs in the U.S.
I’ve also been profiled by the Ness School of Management and Economics, interviewed by Benue Television, and featured by Technext for my contributions to EdTech innovation.
But for me, one recognition stands above the rest, founding the Benue Tech Foundation, and the many lives the NGO has transformed so far in my home state. The Foundation helps young Nigerians access digital skills and innovation opportunities. We’re nurturing a new generation of problem-solvers and tech builders.

What’s your long-term vision, and what advice would you give to young African innovators?

My long-term vision is to prove that world-class innovation can come from anywhere, including Benue. I believe the next wave of global transformation will come from Africans who understand both local and global contexts.
Start with problems, not hype. Deliver results, even at a small scale. Learn how systems work, in business, government, or technology, and then build solutions that make those systems better. Above all, stay consistent.

Why do you think stories like yours matter?
The world is changing fast. Technology only matters when applied to real challenges. My story isn’t about success; it’s about persistence, about proving that African entrepreneurs can build solutions that make global systems work better.