A growing wave of Nigerian technology professionals is contributing to the UK’s evolving tech and start-up ecosystem, with increasing visibility across sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital infrastructure.
Across key UK innovation hubs, Nigerian professionals are playing active roles in engineering, product development, and entrepreneurship. Their contributions span both established organizations such as Deliveroo, BT Group and Innovate UK to emerging start-ups, reflecting a blend of technical expertise, cross-border experience, and community-driven innovation.
Nigeria, often recognized for its strong pipeline of technical talent, continues to be represented among contributors to the UK’s digital economy. From participation in high-growth companies to founding ventures addressing global challenges such as financial inclusion and mobility, Nigerian professionals are part of a broader narrative of skilled migration contributing to innovation.
In this report, Business a.m., highlights selected professionals who are making measurable and meaningful contributions to the UK technology ecosystem.
Silas Adekunle – Reach Robotics, Awarri & R.I.
Adekunle, robotics engineer and tech entrepreneur
Silas Adekunle is a robotics engineer and technology entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Reach Robotics, a company that pioneered the fusion of gaming, robotics, and augmented reality.
At Reach Robotics, he led the development of MekaMon, a four-legged gaming robot designed to bring video game experiences into the physical world. Paired with a companion mobile application, MekaMon enabled users to interact with robotics in an immersive and accessible way, marking a significant step forward in consumer robotics.
Under his leadership, Reach Robotics raised approximately $12 million in funding and grew to a team of around 65 employees. In 2018, the company secured a commercial partnership with Apple, making MekaMon available in both the United States and United Kingdom markets. His work during this period earned him recognition as one of the highest-paid engineers in robotics and a pioneer in the development of gaming robots.
Adekunle’s contributions to the technology sector have been widely recognised. He was named among the Financial Times’ Top 100 Minority Ethnic Leaders in Technology and featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Technology category.
Following his time at Reach Robotics, he has continued to advance innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence. He founded Awarri, a company focused on expanding access to AI and robotics education across Africa, and co-founded R.I., a platform enabling developers to manage robotics and industrial systems remotely through cloud infrastructure.
Through his work, Silas Adekunle represents a new generation of innovators driving the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and education on a global scale.
Anayo Samson Oleru – Civeex & iYellowBox
Oleru, software engineer and technical founder
Anayo Samson Oleru is a software engineer and technology entrepreneur known for his global tech speaking engagements and for building digital products that simplify complex processes and improve accessibility through technology.
While in Nigeria, he led the development of OneKioskAfrica, a B2B e-commerce and retail technology platform focused on digitising informal retail markets. Under his leadership, the startup was recognised as one of the top 40 companies in the Seedstars Investment Readiness Programme and was also a top 10 finalist in the Harvard Business School New Venture Competition in 2020.
Now in the UK, he is the Technical Founder of Civeex, an AI-driven platform designed to streamline the job application process by generating tailored CVs and cover letters based on job descriptions, while also supporting career profile optimisation and feedback. The idea for the platform emerged from his personal experience navigating job applications in the UK as a student, as well as observing similar challenges faced by peers within the UK job market.
Civeex, currently in its early stages, has attracted users across both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, particularly among students and early-career professionals, demonstrating early adoption and relevance.
He leads the development of iYellowBox, a driving companion application designed to support individuals navigating the UK driving environment, with a focus on improving mobility and ease of access to driving-related services.
He has also been recognised internationally for his contributions to technology, featuring in interviews on platforms such as BusinessDay Media and Enterprise Podcast Network.
In addition to product development, he has participated in technical discussions and speaking engagements across international developer events and communities in the UK, where his work centres on applying practical innovation and simplifying complex systems.
His professional experience spans multiple industries, including fintech, government, health technology, education, and e-commerce. He has worked with organisations such as Andela and Prospa.
Anayo Samson Oleru represents a growing group of Nigerian professionals contributing to innovation, product development, and the expansion of the United Kingdom’s technology ecosystem.
Jason Njoku – iROKOtv & iROKO
Njoku, technology entrepreneur and media innovator
Jason Njoku is a technology entrepreneur and media innovator, best known as the founder and CEO of iROKO, one of Africa’s leading digital media companies. Through iROKOtv from the UK, he has played a pioneering role in transforming the distribution of Nollywood content globally, making African films accessible to audiences across the diaspora.
iROKOtv is a digital streaming platform that provides on-demand access to a vast catalogue of Nollywood movies and television content. Under his leadership, the platform has attracted millions of users worldwide, establishing itself as a key player in the global entertainment technology space.
Njoku’s work has been instrumental in digitising and commercialising African film content, bridging the gap between traditional media and modern streaming platforms. His efforts have contributed to the growth of Africa’s digital economy and increased global visibility for Nollywood productions.
He has also been recognised internationally for his contributions to technology and media, featuring on platforms such as Forbes and being acknowledged as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Beyond iROKO, Njoku has been actively involved in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, investing in startups and sharing insights on building scalable digital businesses.
Through his work, Jason Njoku represents a generation of African entrepreneurs in the UK, leveraging technology to reshape industries and expand global access to local content.
Freeman Faithful – Peges, WalkIdentity & Walkidoggy
Faithful, technology entrepreneur and cybersecurity engineer
Freeman Faithful is a technology entrepreneur and cybersecurity engineer known for building digital and infrastructure-driven solutions across multiple industries. He is the founder of Peges, a technology consulting firm that has supported businesses in designing, developing, and maintaining digital systems across Ghana.
Through Peges, Faithful has contributed to large-scale digital transformation projects, working with organisations such as Melcom, Allianz Insurance, and Junction Mall. His work spans product development, system design, and infrastructure, helping businesses transition into scalable digital operations.
Following his transition to the United Kingdom, Faithful expanded his focus into cybersecurity and emerging product ecosystems. He founded WalkIdentity, a platform designed to provide identity verification, compliance, and trust infrastructure for service providers, and Walkidoggy, a marketplace connecting pet owners with verified service professionals. These platforms address trust, safety, and standardisation challenges within the pet services industry.
In addition, he developed WalkiGear, a hardware-focused extension aimed at improving safety and usability in pet care products, alongside WalkAcademy, an initiative focused on training and professionalising service providers within the ecosystem.
Faithful’s work reflects a strong emphasis on building integrated systems that combine software, infrastructure, and real-world applications. Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, he works as a cybersecurity infrastructure analyst, applying his expertise in secure system design and data protection.
Through his work, Freeman Faithful represents a new generation of African entrepreneurs contributing to innovation, digital transformation, and emerging technology ecosystems across both Africa and the United Kingdom.
