Why I am committed to advancing technological inclusion in Nigeria, Africa —Kwakpovwe

Peter Kwakpovwe, a visionary product innovator and data scientist, whose name has become synonymous with excellence in the tech industry is one of the Nigerians recently honoured as one of the Top 10 Tech Innovators in Nigeria. In this interview with RUKIYAT OGUNWADE, he speaks about his commitment and contributions towards the development of technology, among other issues. Excerpts.

Congratulations on your recognition as one of the Top 10 Tech Innovators in Nigeria. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey leading to this award?

I come from a very humble background in Nigeria and, as a result, I have been very determined in changing my narrative through hard and diligent work to inspire my family and benefit my community. As a professional, my mantra is to give my best at all times in delivering excellence. I believe a lot of elements feed into one’s best; elements such as ethics, knowledge, leadership, competence, courage and empathy, among others.

My quest for knowledge and competence has guided my ambition and outcomes over the last 15 years. Academically, I have earned a degree in Biochemistry as well as an MBA. Due to the nature of my job in recent times, I am presently pursuing a Masters in Data Science at the University of Salford, UK. Professionally, I have earned numerous certifications, commendation, recognition and awards relevant to my work across consulting, telecommunications, business, finance and technology. I started my career in sales and marketing before making a shift to tech in 2018.

What does this tech innovation award mean to you and how does it validate your contributions to the tech industry in Nigeria?

I am truly honoured to be recognised as one of the Top 10 Tech Innovators in Nigeria. This award is incredibly meaningful to me. It is more than just a title; it reinforces my commitment to growth and places a spotlight on the effort it has taken over the years. I also believe this recognition speaks beyond my individual achievements, it highlights the collective strength and talent enriched in Nigeria’s booming tech community. It serves as a reminder of our potential to drive meaningful change together. This award motivates me to continue working hard, fostering collaboration and contributing to the growth of tech in Nigeria and beyond.

Can you tell us how your diverse experience in various managerial capacities has shaped your approach to leadership and innovation in the tech sector?

Yes, in a sector as dynamic as technology, where digital trends, market demand and customer preferences can shift rapidly, the ability to pivot and adapt strategies quickly is a significant advantage. My diverse background has equipped me with critical skill-set to address complex business challenges and lead innovation across various work streams in technology.

Given your vast professional experience, how relevant is your current education in data science to your career in tech and what informed your decision to study it?

My decision to study data science was inspired by the need to scale productivity and improve the outcome of my work. In my line of work as a product leader, the importance of data to inform business decisions cannot be overemphasised, particularly when you understand the intricacies of leading innovation in a product-led company where customer value is the focal point.

Having earned two academic degrees and achieving substantial professional milestone in Nigeria, I decided to also leverage the UK’s rich academic standard in a knowledge area that would greatly improve my workflow.

Beyond your work in tech, how else are you contributing to your community and how has this influenced your career success?

Beyond my work in tech, I have been actively involved in various community initiatives that have not only influenced my career success, but also greatly helped shaped my character as a person. Firstly, I leverage relevant social media platform to drive and inspire young adults to become better as individuals in key areas of their lives through active coaching and mentorship.

I also contribute to the Nigeria community at large by partnering and volunteering with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profit to serve low-income communities. In 2022, I partnered with an associate based in Cameroon to develop a health app – CheckMe, designed to help Africans make quick and informed decisions about their health and get necessary help in due time. I am currently in partnership with three different online institutions (EdTech) to help support, through financial aid, the education of underserved ambitious youth who are interested in tech.

My involvement in community initiatives has brought me great personal satisfaction and decorated my professional sojourn. Through these community initiatives, I have built strong connections, sharpened my ability to solve complex issues and cultivated an inclusive leadership approach. These qualities have opened doors to new opportunities, expanded my professional network and reinforced my motivations towards work with a deeper sense of purpose.

Speaking on scholarships and sponsorship for tech education, can you elaborate on the initiatives you have led to support and influence tech education in Africa?

I have been actively involved in supporting tech education through various scholarship and sponsorship initiatives in Africa. I have partnered with Utiva in Nigeria to provide tech scholarships to individuals interested in learning product design. In collaboration with Cenfortech and MDTH, this year, I have sponsored 30 youths in undergoing training in relevant tech disciplines, as well as essential soft skills.

This initiative is geared towards promoting gender diversity and inclusivity within the tech industry by providing opportunities for both genders to acquire in-demand tech skills. The beneficiaries of this scholarship include students, artisans, teachers and other professionals who are often overlooked in traditional tech education programmes. This inclusive approach is designed to democratise access to tech skills, while giving all of them the opportunity to enhance their capabilities, adapt to digital transformations and actively participate in the development of the booming tech industry in Nigeria. This initiative is a step towards building a more inclusive tech ecosystem that benefits everyone, bridging the gap between technology and daily life and ensuring that the benefits of tech advancements are widely accessible.

Can you share your plans for the continuity of your impact works in Nigeria and what the future looks like for your career plans?

In terms of continuity, I am excited about several upcoming projects and initiatives in alignment with my commitment to advance technological inclusion and education. This commitment is deeply rooted in a vision to ensure that underserved communities gain equitable access to opportunities in tech education. My long-term goal is to continue my partnership with new and existing social enterprises, NGOs and non-profits focused on youth empowerment and literacy advocacy to create a cohesive ecosystem that nurtures tech talent in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This collaboration will aim to bridge the gap between disconnected silos and extend comprehensive mentorship beyond basic facilitation sessions. By doing so, I hope to cultivate a thriving community of skilled tech professionals who can contribute to their local economies and the global landscape. This initiative will drive positive change within our society and ensure the sustainability of tech advancements.

What would your advice be for young tech enthusiasts and other professional looking to become industry leaders?

For as many aspiring tech leaders out there, my advice to them is to develop a versatile skill set beyond just technical expertise and embrace lifelong learning to stay adaptable. Build a strong professional network and contribute to open-source projects or local organisations to build experience and expand opportunities. Seek mentors while mentoring others to accelerate growth.

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