Scaling innovation in Africa: The promise and practice of AI adoption

Artificial Intelligence is fast becoming a defining force in how businesses scale, and Africa’s startup ecosystem is uniquely positioned to benefit.

With its track record of rapidly adopting and localising new technologies from mobile money to digital communications, the continent has shown that innovation thrives when solutions are adapted to local realities. AI offers a new frontier to accelerate growth, improve efficiency, and unlock opportunities for millions.

But adoption must go beyond hype. Building meaningful AI solutions in Africa requires grounding them in real market needs, addressing infrastructure gaps, and ensuring inclusivity. In this conversation, Oluwatobi Olajide reflects on his journey as a product leader, the lessons he has learned building scalable tools for African businesses, and how AI can serve as a catalyst for the next wave of innovation across the continent.

Looking back, what led you toward a career in product management?

My journey into product management was never about chasing a title; it was about solving problems at scale. I began my career on the commercial side, working with businesses and clients, but I was always fascinated by how technology could transform the way people lived and worked. Over time, I found myself bridging conversations between business teams and technical teams, translating needs into practical solutions. That curiosity naturally evolved into product management, and I have been fortunate to grow into roles where I could create digital tools that genuinely empower people.

You have worked across different sectors, from logistics to communications. How do you describe what you do today?

I see myself as a builder of bridges between business needs and digital solutions. My role as a product manager is about ensuring that innovation is not just about creating something new, but about creating something useful, scalable, and inclusive. For instance, I helped design an omnichannel communication platform that empowered thousands of African businesses to reach their customers across SMS, WhatsApp, email, and voice. I have also led the development of tools that gave SMEs real-time visibility and control over deliveries. More recently, I have been exploring how AI can transform these experiences from predictive customer insights to AI-driven logistics optimisation. For me, product management is about enabling businesses to thrive through technology, and AI is now a critical part of that future.

You have led product teams. What would you say has been your most defining moment so far?

For me, defining moments are not just about launching products; they are about shifting what’s possible for people and businesses. A notable experience was building a low-code messaging tool that became a lifeline for thousands of small businesses across Africa, giving them the same communication power as big enterprises. Watching adoption climb was exciting, but the real highlight was seeing SMEs use it to reach new customers, recover sales, and stay afloat in tough markets. Today, I see AI offering that same kind of transformative potential where a single intelligent feature, like automated customer support or demand forecasting, could unlock new growth for thousands of small businesses. That is the type of transformative impact that excites me.

What has been the biggest challenge in building products for emerging markets?

Infrastructure and user context. In markets like Africa, internet penetration, payment systems, and even electricity can be inconsistent. That means you have to design for resilience: products must work offline, integrate with local payment methods, and adapt to low-resource environments. Another challenge is trust. Many users are interacting with digital platforms for the first time, so you need to create experiences that are intuitive and build confidence quickly. Increasingly, I think AI has to be applied with the same lens, designed responsibly, explained clearly, and deployed in ways that build user trust rather than replace it.

What skills have been most critical to your success as a product manager?

Adaptability through learning. The market shifts quickly, user behaviour evolves, and technologies like AI are rewriting playbooks in real time. My ability to stay curious, learn fast, and adjust my approach has been critical to keeping products relevant and impactful.

You have also spent time mentoring and contributing to Africa’s tech ecosystem. Why is that important to you?

Representation and accessibility matter deeply to me. I have been mentored myself, and I know how much guidance can change someone’s trajectory. That is why I coach junior product managers and engage with product communities. Sharing lessons on user research, strategy, or even career growth helps others avoid the mistakes I made and accelerates their progress. I also see it as giving back to an ecosystem that has given me so much. More recently, I have been encouraging product teams to experiment with AI responsibly, because I believe adoption will only scale if talent across the ecosystem feels empowered to use it, not intimidated by it.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future?

I am passionate about scaling my impact globally. In the future, I would love to lead product teams in high-growth companies. At the heart of it, my vision remains the same, to build inclusive, user-focused technology that drives growth and creates opportunities across borders. I see AI as a practical tool that, when applied thoughtfully, can help Africa overcome challenges of infrastructure, cost, and access. That is the frontier I want to help shape.

What advice would you give to young people aspiring to enter product management?

Start with curiosity. Look at the apps you use every day and ask why they work the way they do. You do not need a title to think like a product manager. Volunteer for projects, redesign features for practice, or support small businesses with digital ideas. Also, do not underestimate
communication. Being able to explain ideas clearly and align people is more important than knowing how to code. And don’t be afraid to fail. Each failure is feedback, and feedback is fuel for growth.

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