MICHAEL OKPOTU ONOJA

Michael Okpotu Onoja — Digital Technology Leader & Innovator

Michael Okpotu Onoja is a visionary Nigerian software engineer and DevOps expert, recognized for pioneering scalable digital solutions that tackle Africa’s most complex technological challenges. With over a decade of proven impact across fintech, healthcare, social media, and e-commerce, Michael blends technical mastery with social impact to drive growth and innovation.

What I Do

• Product Innovation: Michael is the co-founder and lead developer of Ayema, Nigeria’s first trademarked social network designed to boost MSME growth through integrated marketplaces, live video, and wallet systems, now serving 18,000+ users with a 4.8-star rating.
• Tech for Good: A UN Digital Volunteer for 9+ years, he has built capacity for NGOs and vulnerable communities across Africa, designing responsive websites and digital platforms that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Scaling E-Commerce: Michael’s research and hands-on strategy for Firstway Bookshop’s dual-platform e-commerce model boosted commercial success by combining local trust engineering with global marketplace synergy.
• Democratizing App Development: Through KwickApp, a no-code/low-code platform, he empowers African startups and entrepreneurs to build cross-platform apps without needing coding skills.

Certifications & Education

Michael holds a Master’s in ICT (National Open University) and a BSc in Computer Science (University of Jos). He is Microsoft Certified as a DevOps Engineer Expert, Azure Developer, and SQL Database Associate, among others.

Featured In:

His thought leadership and advocacy for Africa’s digital growth have been published in major outlets like Nigerian Tribune, Daily Reporters, and Correspondent Watch.

What Drives Me

From mentoring under fire to scaling startups, my mission is clear: to unlock Africa’s digital potential by bridging innovation, trust, and scalability in every project.