By Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye
The UK’s tech landscape is a global powerhouse, boasting hubs like London’s Tech City and ambitious goals to lead in AI, fintech, and digital governance. Yet, beneath this success lies an area ripe for development: inclusive digital transformation in public services. As a Nigerian tech entrepreneur with a track record of digitizing government processes and a diverse academic foundation, I see this as a critical opportunity, not just for the UK, but for global talent like me to contribute meaningfully to its ecosystem.
My journey began with a BSc in Information Systems from the University of East London, where I honed my technical skills in designing efficient digital frameworks. This foundation grew through a Masters in International Business Management at Sheffield Hallam University, equipping me with strategic insights into scaling ventures across borders. Further studies; a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Vaasa, Finland, and a Certificate in European Integration and Cross Cultural Management from IÉSEG School of Management in France sharpened my ability to innovate and collaborate in diverse settings. These experiences converged in 2014 when I founded MacTech O.A Nigeria Enterprises, an IT solutions firm that’s since transformed how Nigerian government agencies operate.
One standout project saw MacTech digitize a local government’s citizen records system in Osun State. By replacing paper trails with a mobile-accessible platform, we cut processing times by 30%, empowering staff and citizens alike. This wasn’t just a technical fix, it was an inclusive solution, designed with Nigeria’s realities (like patchy internet) in mind, ensuring no one was left behind. Similarly, my 2021 venture, WakaForMe Ride, a taxi and logistics app, brought affordable mobility to thousands while creating jobs for drivers. These efforts, coupled with training over 500 young Nigerians in tech skills, reflect my commitment to impactful, accessible innovation.
The UK, for all its digital strides, faces a parallel challenge. While initiatives like GOV.UK have modernized services, rural areas and underserved communities often lag in access and adoption. Reports from 2023 highlight that 10% of UK adults still lack basic digital skills, and rural broadband gaps persist. This isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a call for inclusive systems that bridge divides, much like those I’ve built in Nigeria. Tech Nation, the UK’s gatekeeper for global talent, seeks applicants who can drive such advancements, blending innovation with tangible societal benefit.
My work aligns directly with this need. In Nigeria, I’ve learned to craft solutions that work under constraints, offline-capable platforms, user-friendly interfaces, and community-focused training. These skills, honed through MacTech and WakaForMe, could enhance the UK’s public sector tech. Imagine a WakaForMe-inspired app optimizing rural transport links, or a MacTech-style system streamlining NHS record access for remote patients. My education adds depth: my Information Systems degree ensures technical rigor, my business management masters drives scalability, and my entrepreneurship and cross-cultural certificates from Finland and France fuel adaptability; key for a multicultural UK.
What value do I bring? First, a proven ability to deliver results; my Osun project alone saved countless hours, a model replicable in the UK’s councils. Second, a global perspective; my British, Finnish, and French training, paired with Nigerian experience, offers a unique lens on inclusive tech. Third, a passion for capacity-building training 500+ Nigerians could translate into upskilling UK talent, especially in underserved regions. The UK’s tech atmosphere thrives on diversity and innovation; I’d contribute both, fostering solutions that don’t just digitize but democratize.
Africa’s tech scene has taught me resilience and ingenuity, qualities the UK can harness as it eyes a more equitable digital future. Through MacTech, I’ve digitized governance; through WakaForMe, I’ve mobilized communities; through education, I’ve bridged worlds. As I look to scale my impact, the UK stands as a natural next step—a place where my expertise can help close the inclusion gap, one system at a time.
About Author
Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and the founder of MacTech O.A Nigeria Enterprises, established in 2014, was incorporated in 2016, and WakaForMe Ride, a taxi and logistics app launched in 2021. With a BSc in Information Systems from the University of East London and a Masters in International Business Management from Sheffield Hallam University, Afeez blends technical expertise with strategic vision. His additional qualifications—a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Vaasa, Finland, and a Certificate in European Integration and Cross Cultural Management from IÉSEG School of Management, France—fuel his innovative approach to digital solutions. Through MacTech O.A Nig. Ents, he has digitized government processes in Nigeria, and his training of over 500 young tech talents underscores his commitment to building inclusive tech ecosystems.
