Nigerian Design Stars: 5 Product Designers Shaping Global Tech

Nigeria has established itself as a vibrant hub for tech talent, with product designers leading the charge in crafting innovative solutions for continental and global audiences. These five exceptional designers are not only making an impact within the pan-African to global tech ecosystem but also inspiring a new generation of creatives to dream bigger.

Ebi Atawodi is a Nigerian tech leader with a passion for building accessible and innovative products. As YouTube’s Director of Product, she focuses on empowering creators and enhancing the platform’s experience for users in emerging markets.

Prior to YouTube, Ebi held key product roles at Netflix and Uber, where she championed user-centric design and global accessibility. Notably, she led Uber’s expansion in West Africa, growing it into a top market in the EMEA region.

Ebi’s impact extends beyond product development. She is an angel investor who supports startups and fosters the next generation of tech innovators. Her commitment to storytelling and access is evident in her work, making her a driving force in the global tech landscape.

Dara Oke Okwodu is a multi-faceted creative with a passion for technology, design, and African culture. With a background in computer science and professional stints at global tech giants like Microsoft and Meta, Dara has consistently leveraged her expertise to craft user-focused digital experiences that resonate across cultures.

As a Product Design Lead at Netflix, she focuses on streamlining the creative process for filmmakers. Her diverse background includes a Nigerian heritage, a Texas upbringing, and a global perspective honed by living in various cities across the US and Africa. Dara’s commitment to ethical product design is evident in her work, where she considers the impact of technology on society. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dara expresses her creativity through photography, writing, and language studies. She is also the founder of Afriquette, a media platform dedicated to showcasing the vibrant creative scene in Africa and its diaspora. Dara’s career path exemplifies her belief in experimentation and continuous learning, making her a dynamic force in the tech and creative industries.

Opemipo Aikomo is a prominent Nigerian product designer who significantly impacted the African tech ecosystem through his work at Paystack, one of the leading online payment platforms. As the design lead, Aikomo played a crucial role in shaping Paystack’s user-friendly interface, which has been instrumental in its widespread adoption across the continent, driving the business’ commercial success and eventual $200 million acquisition by US payment giant Paystack.

His design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and accessibility, democratizing online payments for businesses and individuals in Africa. Aikomo’s talent for creating intuitive and visually appealing digital experiences has made him a recognized figure in the African tech scene and a key contributor to the growth of online commerce in the region.

Kingsley Ukeje is a trailblazing product designer known for his innovative contributions at Chaka, and Eze Wholesale, where he merges functionality with user-centered design to solve complex challenges. As a Product Designer at the leading fintech startup Chaka, Kingsley’s design innovations, such as the Smart Invest feature and redesign of the platform, significantly enhanced user engagement and accessibility, thereby skyrocketing user investment volume from $1.3 million to over $4 million in the first quarter. 

This milestone contributed to Chaka’s regulatory approval, being the first to receive a digital sub-broker license from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria, followed by a $1.5 million pre-seed funding round, cementing Chaka’s position as a premier investment platform across Africa.

Due to his passion for mentorship and the growth of the tech community he became the selected volunteer program coordinator for a prominent community development initiative, Enyata Academy and Build Up, an program that provides digital skills training and development, mentorship, and learning devices and resources  to underprivileged participants to plug the alarming talent gap in the African tech ecosystem. He also served as program design mentor for the community of over 5,000 members. 

Mmediong Gabriel Esu is a Nigerian product designer making waves in the African fintech industry. As the creative force behind Piggyvest’s user interface and experience, Esu has played a crucial role in making saving and investing accessible and engaging for a new generation of Nigerians.

His design philosophy centers on simplicity and user-friendliness, ensuring that Piggyvest’s platform is intuitive and enjoyable to use. This approach has undoubtedly contributed to Piggyvest’s widespread adoption and success in Nigeria’s competitive fintech landscape. By prioritizing user needs and creating a seamless experience, Esu is helping to drive financial inclusion and empower Nigerians to achieve their financial goals.

While his exact contributions to Piggyvest’s design evolution by 2023 are not publicly detailed, his impact is undeniable. Esu represents the growing pool of talented Nigerian designers shaping the future of technology in Africa and beyond.