Broadcasting
Dayo Samuel: An African Product Leader, Driving AI and Embedded Finance
Dayo Samuel
In this conversation, we’ll explore his journey, his approach to product leadership, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Dayo, Africa’s technology ecosystem is growing rapidly, but infrastructure challenges still exist. How do you approach building products that balance global best practices with the unique realities of African markets?
Dayo Samuel (DS): Yeah, so for me, it always starts with context. I’ve seen that when you just copy-paste global playbooks into African markets, it doesn’t always land because the realities on the ground are different. Things like payment infrastructure, internet reliability, and even how trust is built with users those are not the same as in Europe or the U.S.
So the way I approach it is to learn from global best practices things like user-centered design, iterative testing, strong product frameworks, research methodology but then adapt them with the realities here. For example, in embedded finance, you can’t assume every user has a credit card on file. You need to consider mobile money, offline access, or even social trust networks as part of the product design.
I prefer to run reasonably controlled, research-led experiments. What I mean by that is I spend time understanding the local constraints and user behaviors first through interviews, observation, or data and then I design quick pilots to test solutions against those insights. That way, the experiments are not just “try and see,” they’re actually grounded in the realities of the people we’re building for.
At the end of the day, I see my role as bridging both worlds: bringing in the structure and discipline of global product leadership, but staying close enough to the ground here in Africa to design for what’s real. That balance is what creates products that actually scale sustainably.
In markets where reliable data can be scarce or fragmented, how do you go about gathering and validating customer insights to guide your product decisions?
DS: Yeah, that’s a really common challenge here. Sometimes the data just isn’t complete or reliable, so you can’t just rely on dashboards or reports like you would in other markets. For me, it’s about triangulating insights from multiple sources. I combine whatever quantitative data is available even if it’s fragmented with qualitative research: talking directly to users, observing behavior in context, and understanding their real pain points.
Many African startups struggle with scaling beyond their first wave of users. From your experience, what does achieving true product–market fit in Africa look like, and how can companies measure it effectively?
DS: Yeah, achieving a product–market fit here is a bit different from other markets. In Africa, it’s not just about hitting growth numbers or downloads, it’s about building something that actually works for the people you’re serving, given local realities. For me, true product–market fit happens when users not only adopt the product but rely on it, tell others about it, and engage with it consistently, even in environments where infrastructure or trust can be challenging.
From my experience, getting there starts with really understanding the user: running research-led experiments, observing behavior in context, testing assumptions, and iterating quickly. For example, in embedded finance, we had to validate whether people would trust a new payment flow or rely on it for recurring transactions and that meant combining qualitative insights with small pilots before scaling.
As for measuring it, I focus on a few key signals: retention over time, engagement metrics that show real usage, and how much users become advocates for the product. In Africa, sometimes the numbers alone don’t tell the story so combining quantitative metrics with qualitative feedback is what really shows whether you’ve found a product that fits the market.
Monetization is often tricky in Africa, where consumers are highly price-sensitive. How do you design business models that are both inclusive and sustainable in the long term?
DS: Yeah, monetization here definitely has its challenges. For me, it’s about designing business models that meet people where they are affordable, accessible, and relevant while still making the product sustainable. I combine user research with small experiments to test pricing, payment methods, and value perception. For example, with embedded finance, we explored mobile-money-first flows and tiered pricing, validating what people would actually pay for before scaling. It’s all about balancing inclusivity with long-term viability.
There’s a growing demand for skilled product managers across Africa, but the talent pipeline is still maturing. How have you built or mentored product teams to deliver global-standard products while staying rooted in local context?DS: Yeah, building product teams here is definitely about balancing global standards with local realities. For me, it starts with hiring people who are curious and adaptable, not just technically strong, but willing to learn from the market and the users. Then, I mentor them through research-led, hands-on experiences: small experiments, pilots, and iterative testing that are rooted in local context.
I also emphasize frameworks and processes from global best practices things like structured roadmaps, clear metrics, and user-centered design but always adapt them to what actually works here. Over time, this approach helps teams deliver products that meet international quality, but are also deeply relevant and usable for African users.
With global tech giants entering African markets, how can local product managers differentiate their solutions and compete on both value and scale?
DS: Local product managers win by deeply understanding the market and designing for realities global players might overlook things like offline access, mobile money, and social trust. I focus on research-led experiments to test solutions quickly, combining local insights with global best practices. That’s how you deliver products that are both relevant and scalable.
Fintech, mobility, and e-commerce have all seen significant regulatory attention in Africa. How do you navigate shifting government policies while ensuring product innovation isn’t stifled?
DS: Regulation is definitely a big factor here, so I treat it as part of the product strategy, not a blocker. I stay close to policy updates, engage with stakeholders early, and design flexible solutions that can adapt as rules change. At the same time, I ensure experimentation culture to keep innovation moving, so we’re iterating and learning without risking compliance. It’s about being proactive, adaptable, and user-focused.
Partnerships with telcos, banks, and even governments often determine the success of African products. What’s your framework for evaluating and structuring partnerships that drive adoption?DS: Partnerships start with alignment, understanding what the partner can bring and how it adds value to the user. I evaluate potential partners based on reach, trust, operational capability, and shared incentives. Structuring the partnership is about clear roles, measurable goals, and flexibility to iterate. I also run small pilots early to test assumptions before scaling, so the partnership drives real adoption, not just theoretical impact.
Africa is made up of 54 very different markets. What strategies have worked best for you when trying to scale a product across multiple countries on the continent?
DS: Scaling across Africa is all about balancing standardization with local adaptation. I start with a core product framework that works universally, but I don’t assume it fits every market out of the box. I spend time understanding local behaviors, regulations, and infrastructure, then run small, research-led pilots in each market to validate assumptions before full rollout.
I also focus on building modular solutions things like flexible payment flows or language support that can be adjusted per market without redesigning everything. And finally, I prioritize partnerships and local teams who understand the context; they’re key to scaling efficiently while keeping the product relevant and trusted.
Finally, looking ahead, with technologies like AI, blockchain, and digital identity gaining traction, what do you see as the biggest product opportunities in Africa over the next decade?
DS: Looking ahead, I see huge opportunities at the intersection of technology and local needs. AI can help personalize financial services, credit scoring, and even healthcare in ways that were impossible before. Blockchain opens doors for transparent transactions, secure identity, and cross-border payments. Digital identity, in particular, is foundational once people can prove who they are, a lot of services become accessible, from banking to government programs.
For me, the biggest product wins will be solutions that combine these technologies with a deep understanding of local context solving real problems for users while building trust and accessibility. Products that do that will scale fast and have lasting impact.
Spotify has unveiled Nigeria-specific data from its annual Loud & Clear report, highlighting how Nigerian artists generated more than ₦60 billion in revenue from the platform alone last year, amid explosive growth in streams, local consumption, and global discovery.
The report, which analyzes millions of data points to illuminate music streaming economics, shows Nigerian artists’ revenue surged over 140% in the past two years.
This boom stems from rising global appeal and stronger domestic engagement, with 30.3 billion streams and 1.6 billion listening hours on Spotify in 2025. First-time discoveries of Nigerian music hit 1.3 billion, up 26% from 2024.
Locally, Nigerian tracks dominated Spotify Nigeria’s Daily Top 50, accounting for over 80% of features, while consumption of homegrown artists jumped 170% year-on-year.
“Nigeria’s music scene thrives on creativity, innovation, and global influence,” said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Africa. “Loud & Clear spotlights how artists are forging sustainable careers and deepening local ties.”
Key highlights include:
55% year-on-year growth in local streams for Nigerian female artists.
75% surge in streams for independent Nigerian artists.
Independents and indie labels earning 58% of all royalties from Nigerian artists on Spotify.
Spotify’s editorial playlists featured nearly 2,000 Nigerian artists in 2025, boosting visibility. Nigerian music appeared in 320 million global user playlists and over 12 million in Nigeria, totaling more than 60 million playlists worldwide.
The report also notes evolving tastes, with top-growing genres in Nigeria over five years including pop urbaine, alternative pop, anime, emo, and drill.
For full details, visit spotify.com/loudandclear.
Technology strategist Rock Adote has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Madonna University Nigeria, a move expected to strengthen the institution’s push toward digital governance and modern technological systems in higher education.
Madonna University
Adote, who has built a reputation in cybersecurity, enterprise identity management and digital transformation, brings over a decade of experience in designing secure digital infrastructure and managing identity systems for organizations.
Stakeholders believe his expertise will support the university’s efforts to strengthen data security and modernize its academic and administrative digital frameworks.
The appointment reflects the university’s growing commitment to technology-driven leadership as institutions increasingly rely on digital systems for academic operations, data management and research collaboration.
Universities today manage large volumes of sensitive digital information, including student records, research data and staff credentials, making strong cybersecurity and identity management frameworks essential.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, Adote will participate in providing institutional oversight and guiding strategic policy direction for the university.
The board is responsible for safeguarding academic standards while steering long-term development initiatives and ensuring the institution remains responsive to evolving global trends in education and technology.
Industry observers say Adote’s background in enterprise digital systems positions him to contribute significantly to the university’s digital transformation agenda, particularly in strengthening technological resilience and governance frameworks across its operations.
Other newly appointed members of the board include Sir Nwagwu Aloysius Emeka, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN), Professor Anagboso Martin Osita, Mrs. Ike Angela Unaoaku, Barrister Augustine Nenwa Obo and Rev. Fr. Stephen Ifeanyichukwu Nwatah.
Speaking on the appointment, Adote expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing the importance of aligning higher education institutions with emerging technological realities.
According to him,
“Digital transformation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of academic administration, research and learning environments”.
Analysts note that the inclusion of technology leaders in university governance structures signals a growing recognition that digital transformation is becoming central to the competitiveness and sustainability of modern higher education institutions.
With Adote’s appointment, Madonna University is expected to further strengthen its technology strategy and position itself as a forward-looking institution within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
By: Kerissa Varma, Microsoft Chief Security Advisor, Africa
Africa’s healthcare sector is facing a silent emergency. Many healthcare operators, facilities and doctors across Africa already grapple with the challenges of under-resourced environments, an uneven distribution of resources and massive demand for services.
Kerissa Varma, Microsoft Chief Security Advisor, Africa
Now healthcare administrators must turn their attention to a relatively new and extremely urgent concern. While doctors fight to save lives, cybercriminals are infiltrating hospitals, laboratories, and clinics, turning life-saving environments into digital battlegrounds.
A growing epidemic
World Health Organisation director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the digital transformation of healthcare, combined with the high value of health data, has made the sector a prime target for cybercriminals, commenting that “At best, these attacks cause disruption and financial loss. At worst, they undermine trust in the health systems on which people depend, and even cause patient harm and death.”
Recent attacks have exposed the fragility of Africa’s medical infrastructure. In May 2025, Mediclinic Southern Africa was hit by a cyber extortion attack, compromising sensitive HR data. Later in 2025, Lancet Laboratories faced a regulatory penalty for failing to notify patients about data breaches under South Africa’s POPIA law, while a ransomware strike on the National Health Laboratory Service disrupted blood test processing nationwide, delaying critical care for millions.
M-Tiba, a Kenyan digital health platform managed by CarePay and backed by Safaricom, suffered a significant cyberattack and data breach in late 2025, while earlier this year Pharmacie.ma, a Moroccan pharmaceutical platform, was reportedly the target of an alleged data leak incident that allegedly involved the unauthorised export of a customer database. And recent research indicates that Nigeria’s private healthcare sector is now one of the most targeted on the African continent, with attacks increasing at an alarming rate.
Many incidents also go unreported, as hospitals and healthcare facilities rarely disclose them publicly, yet these incidents are not isolated, with ransomware dominating the threat landscape. Africa’s healthcare sector is heavily targeted by cybercriminals, with healthcare organisations facing an average of 3,575 weekly attacks in 2025, a 38% surge from the previous year, with encryption of patient data, temporary loss of access to hospital systems and the risk of data appearing on the dark web cited as potential impacts.
Why healthcare is a prime target
The healthcare industry in Africa, particularly in the public sector, is working with legacy systems, fragmented infrastructure, and underfunded IT teams, all of which combine to make the sector an easy target for unscrupulous bad actors.
Many medical institutions are adopting open-source AI tools for diagnostics and patient management. While cost-effective, these platforms often lack enterprise-grade security, leaving sensitive data exposed. Combined with fragmented storage of paper and electronic patient records – often unencrypted and scattered across multiple systems – the risk of breaches multiplies.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities cannot afford downtime. Every minute offline risks lives, making them more likely to pay ransoms in an attempt to regain control of their systems. Cyber insurers indicate that in 2 of 5 cases of a ransom being paid, data and operations still cannot be recovered. Additionally, in instances where some or all of the seized data is recovered after paying a ransom, the attacker goes on to request further payments.
Medical records are also a premium target for cybercriminals. In the USA, researchers found that patient records, insurance details, and research data fetch premium prices on the dark web – up to 10 times higher than financial data, according to cybersecurity analysts. A single stolen medical record can sell for $260–$310, compared to $30–$50 for a credit card, because unlike credit cards, medical records never expire and medical information cannot be easily changed, making it useful for years. Medical records frequently include personal identifiers, insurance details, and sometimes biometric data, enabling identity theft and fraud, while criminals use medical data for fake insurance claims, prescription fraud, and targeted scams. Microsoft believes cybersecurity needs to be embedded into every technology implementation. This should be a key priority, especially with sensitive medical data and operations.
How healthcare can use modern technology safely
As Africa’s healthcare systems digitise and embrace AI, protecting the digital lifeline must become as critical as protecting the physical one. Key steps can secure healthcare organisations and facilities like laboratories and diagnostic services’ systems.
Include cybersecurity in your resilience planning
Medical professionals and healthcare facilities often prioritise the resilience of physical capabilities. Power backups, multiple devices should equipment fail, and a standby roster in the event of a practitioner being unavailable are all practices that save lives. Equally cybersecurity and safeguarding online systems needs to be built into the overall resilience planning of medical facilities and services.
Investing in cybersecurity technology that can quickly identify and contain attacker activity before it leads to system downtime or data theft can save lives. Having a response plan that is practiced and maintained in the event of a cyber breach and ensuring strong data backups could mean the difference between a total failure of health services or a minor incident. Ensuring incident response plans are aligned with local compliance laws such as South Africa’s POPIA, and Kenya and Nigeria’s Data Protection Acts is critical for healthcare providers to meet both their resilience and compliance objectives.
Prepare for AI-driven attacks that are going to increase attacker speed and success
Threat actors are increasingly exploiting the interconnectedness of modern software ecosystems and operational structures to conduct malicious activity, so regular auditing of third-party integrations, especially those involving AI or cloud services, is critical.
Adversaries are using AI to scale and tailor operations, with AI-driven phishing being 4.5x more effective than traditional phishing. However, in equal measure, AI is transforming cyber defence – it automates response and containment, detects threats faster and more accurately, and identifies detection gaps and adapts to attacker behaviour. Healthcare organisations should invest in AI-driven threat detection for faster response and anomaly detection and must also take steps to secure AI models and data pipelines by implementing robust access controls, vulnerability scanning, and regular patching for open-source tools.
Remote and wider access to patient records requires strong identity practices
As both patients and medical professionals start accessing patient records digitally, strong means of identification, verification and authentication are critical. The Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025 notes that the abuse of valid accounts is a frequent occurrence, with malicious actors gaining access to user credentials (usernames and passwords) and using them to infiltrate systems without triggering traditional security alerts. Therefore, organisations must deploy phishing-resistant multifactor authentication (MFA) and conditional access to strengthen user defences.
Invest in people and skills
People are at the heart of robust cybersecurity measures, so it is vital to train staff against common tactics such as phishing, which is the most common entry point for attackers, and apply role-based access controls for both clinical and research data to prevent privilege misuse.
Cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue – it’s a patient safety issue. Healthcare services and providers must treat digital resilience with the same urgency as infection control. By investing in comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and leveraging AI-powered defences, Africa’s healthcare sector can position itself as a crucial front line against emerging threats and help build stronger, more resilient digital ecosystems.
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