Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye is a name synonymous with Nigeria’s tech revolution. As founder and CEO of MacTech O.A Nigeria Enterprises since 2014, he’s driven innovation with projects like the Osun State payroll system, saving ₦750 million, and WakaForMe Ride, serving 5.2 million users. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Oyinloye shares his journey, Nigeria’s tech boom, and his vision for Africa’s digital future.
Q: Can you share your personal journey that led to the founding of MacTech O.A Nigeria Enterprises?
A: Growing up in Osogbo, I, Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye, was captivated by electronics, often fixing radios and envisioning tech solutions for Nigeria’s challenges. My Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of East London equipped me with the necessary skills to transform my passion into a reality. In 2014, I founded MacTech to address local issues through digital innovation.
Q The Osun payroll system was a significant achievement. What challenges did you face during its development?
A: The 2022 Osun project presented several challenges, particularly in integrating biometric verification for over 10,000 employees. We had to navigate outdated systems and data discrepancies, along with some resistance from officials concerned about transparency. Leading MacTech, I worked tirelessly to create a secure platform with real-time analytics, often working nights to ensure we met our deadlines.
Q: How has Nigeria’s thriving tech scene influenced your work?
A: Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is dynamic, with Lagos emerging as Africa’s fintech hub, home to successful companies like Flutterwave and Paystack. With more than 60% of our population under 30, young innovators are developing solutions for local challenges. This vibrant energy fuels MacTech’s growth and inspired projects like ‘WakaForMe Ride’, launched in 2021 to address mobility gaps, reflecting Nigeria’s appetite for innovation.
Q: With WakaForMe Ride serving over 5 million users, what strategies did you implement for such rapid growth?
A: Since its launch in 2021 under WakaForMe Errands Services, WakaForMe Ride has grown to 5.2 million monthly users by 2025 through strategic focus. I prioritized building user trust and implemented route optimization, reducing travel times by 20%. We onboarded over 2,450 drivers with incentives to ensure reliability, while partnerships with local SMEs enhanced visibility. Our user-friendly app interface attracted commuters, and targeted marketing through social media and community events significantly boosted adoption, creating jobs and alleviating traffic issues in Nigeria.
Q: What changes do you believe are necessary to drive Africa’s digital future forward?
A: Africa’s tech landscape is flourishing, with mobile penetration at 80%, propelling platforms like M-Pesa. However, we need to improve infrastructure, particularly reliable internet access, and increase venture capital investment; Nigeria’s projected $1.8 billion in 2024 is a positive step. It’s essential for governments to ease regulations for startups. Collaboration is vital; my partnerships with companies like Hybridsoft and Paperless Evn Ltd. demonstrate how working together can amplify impact. Establishing pan-African incubators will unite talent and help cities like Nairobi and Lagos become global tech hubs.
Q: What message do you have for aspiring tech entrepreneurs in Nigeria and across Africa?
A: Dream big, but start local. Focus on solving observable problems whether in traffic, payments, or education. Embrace failures as learning experiences; my early projects at MacTech taught me resilience. Build networks with peers, like those at CcHUB, and seek mentorship. Africa’s youth represent our greatest strength—code, create, and believe in your potential to compete with top global companies.