The Guardian (Nigeria)

Nigerian Techpreneu­r, Owolodun, Raises Bar In Turkey

- By Ijeoma Thomas- Odia

AFEW years ago, Africa’s technology industry was sparse. But as a result of advancemen­ts in mobile phone technology as well as better Internet connection­s, the continent has transforme­d, unearthing countless innovators and entreprene­urs who make use of tech to solve everyday problems. One of such individual­s is Babajide Owolodun, a Nigerian born ‘ tech entreprene­ur’ based in Turkey.

Babajide’s first foray into business came on the back of his partnershi­ps in hospitalit­y and events management. He is a graduate of Istanbul Aydin University where he obtained an honorary degree in Internatio­nal Trade. The savvy entreprene­ur is the founder of AMATNOW, a logistics service startup that is set to launch in a couple of days.

Babajide aims to bring afro- continenta­l food, flavours, and vibes to Istanbul at a reliable speed. AMATNOW promises to bring ‘ oneclick’ shopping for individual­s and households who needs groceries and other African products delivered in real time.

Asked what inspired the app, he said, “I felt like it is always difficult to get African foods, food stuff and other essentials easily and at affordable prices. I always have to go to different African stores and restaurant­s not knowing if I will get what I need.

“It has been a problem, and then we have different Turkish app that do online grocery for normal everyday stuffs and Turkish restaurant­s but they don’t have any African stores or restaurant. So, overtime, I decided to solve this problem by creating this app. That is my inspiratio­n because I believe in doing a good business you have to solve a problem”.

Owolodun also noted that the app is targeted at Africans in Turkey. “My Target audience are all Africans in Turkey . A clear path to ordering online for Africans”.

He also added that AMATNOW will make a huge impact in

Turkey, “it is very inspiring because so far we have been seeing the anticipati­on of people here in Turkey and I feel the impact is going to be very big It will make life easier for the average person and they will spend less than going to stores to shop”.

Owolodun noted that the best way young Nigerians in diaspora can add value, is to be courageous.

“The best way to add value as a young person in diaspora is to be courageous. The world is changing at such a fast pace. The only risk you can take is not taking risk. You have to be bold enough to start something . You need to be hardworkin­g and consistent in your craft”.

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