In a captivating episode of The Coffee Table, Nairametrics founder Ugodre sat down with Austin Okere, the trailblazing founder of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), to discuss his extraordinary journey — from humble beginnings to transforming Nigeria’s banking technology landscape.
From Accidental Technologist to Industry Pioneer
Okere shared how his path into computer science was entirely unplanned. After facing multiple career rejections, he found himself drawn to computing out of necessity rather than design. What began as a survival move soon became a passion that laid the foundation for one of Nigeria’s most successful tech enterprises.
Determined to build something enduring, Okere founded Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), at a time when the tech ecosystem in Nigeria was still in its infancy. Instead of competing on price, he focused on trust, reliability, and long-term service excellence, setting CWG apart from rivals offering quick, low-cost solutions.
Introducing Finacle to Nigeria
One of Okere’s most defining contributions came when CWG introduced Finacle, the core banking software from Infosys, to Nigeria’s financial system. This move revolutionized how banks operated, enabling digital transformation, improved efficiency, and seamless customer experiences across multiple institutions.
Finacle soon became the standard across Nigeria’s top banks — a legacy that continues to shape the country’s financial technology backbone decades later.
Leadership, Growth, and Succession
The conversation delved into Okere’s views on leadership longevity and the importance of succession planning. Using a vivid analogy, he compared a founder’s tenure to a ripening mango:
“If you don’t pick it at the right time, it rots.”
He stressed that entrepreneurs must know when to transition, allowing their organizations to evolve beyond their personal influence.
This philosophy guided CWG’s decision to go public, ensuring sustainability, transparency, and accountability beyond its founding leadership.
Building a Legacy Beyond Business
After stepping back from day-to-day operations, Okere founded the OSO Leadership Academy, a platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. The academy emphasizes an “in spite of” mindset — the determination to thrive despite Nigeria’s challenging business environment — and promotes intrapreneurship, encouraging innovation from within established organizations.
Okere explained that Nigeria’s greatest potential lies not only in entrepreneurship but in fostering a culture where employees think like entrepreneurs — driving creativity, ownership, and long-term value creation.
A Life of Purpose and Impact
Throughout the interview, Okere’s story reflected a blend of resilience, foresight, and service-driven ambition. His journey from rejected job seeker to the man who helped digitize Nigeria’s banking system is a testament to how vision and integrity can reshape entire industries.
For anyone interested in leadership, innovation, and the evolution of technology in Nigeria, this episode of The Coffee Table offers an inspiring look into Austin Okere’s enduring impact on Africa’s tech and business landscape.
