Lola Olukuewu, a renowned AI entrepreneur and educator, is on a mission to equip Africans with the skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
As the founder of TOPAS Hub, one of Africa’s most eco-friendly tech hubs, and a mentor with BAFAI, Dr.
Olukuewu is leading the charge to drive innovation and growth on the continent.
With her historic achievement as Nigeria’s first female Certified Chief AI Officer, she is breaking barriers and setting new standards in the tech industry.
In this exclusive interview with MARY NNAH, she shares her vision for Africa’s tech future, her experiences as a pioneer in the field, and her insights on AI, entrepreneurship, and leadership Your achievement as the first Nigerian female certified as Chief AI Officer from the Copenhagen Institute of Technology is historic.
How does it feel? It is both humbling and deeply significant.
While I appreciate the recognition, I see it more as a responsibility than a personal milestone.
It represents what is possible for African women in technology and leadership.
I hope it inspires more women to step confidently into spaces like AI, which are shaping the future of work and economies.
For me, it reinforces my commitment to mentorship, and to creating more pathways for others to rise.
What drives you? What truly drives me is impact – creating meaningful change at scale.
Over the years in my career journey, I have seen how access to the right knowledge and tools can completely transform lives and businesses.
Today, with artificial intelligence, we are at a defining moment in history, and I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to ensure that Africa is not left behind.
Through my work, especially with BAFAI, I am focused on equipping people with practical AI skills that help them improve efficiency, unlock new revenue streams, and compete globally.
For me, it is about building people, not just businesses.
What is the secret to balancing multiple ventures as an entrepreneur and investor? I would say it comes down to clarity, structure, and people.
You need a very clear vision for each venture, and how they align with your broader purpose.
Beyond that, building strong systems and empowering capable teams is critical.
I rely significantly on technology and delegation to achieve much in record times.
I’ve learned that it’s not about being everywhere or doing everything yourself, it’s about creating an ecosystem where each part can function efficiently and grow sustainably.
How do you approach mentorship, especially for women in tech? My approach to mentorship is very practical and empowerment-focused.
I don’t just share theory, I guide people on how to apply technology, especially AI, to real-life business challenges.
For women in tech, I am particularly intentional because representation matters.
I encourage them to build soft skills, confidence, improve on relevant skills for their profession, and position themselves for leadership.
Throughout my career, and especially through BAFAI, I have had the privilege of mentoring and coaching hundreds of professionals and entrepreneurs.
I help them see what is possible, improve processes, increase productivity, and ultimately grow their income and impact.
What is the most challenging part of being a pioneer in Africa’s tech space? One of the biggest challenges is navigating both infrastructure limitations and mindset barriers.
Sometimes the technology is available, but adoption is slow due to lack of awareness or resistance to change.
However,....
