What was your business highlight of 2024?

My standout business achievement in 2024 was accelerating Fectar’s African expansion through two pillars: Ecosystem growth and Education transformation. As Regional Business Lead, I spearheaded the rollout of Fectar’s Spatial Engine platform to Nigerian schools, empowering educators and students with VR/AR-powered STEM learning experiences. By aligning the platform with Africa’s mobile-first infrastructure, we reduced barriers to advanced technical education while fostering a pipeline of future XR talent. Outside of my role at Fectar, I led my team at Immersive Tech Africa to execute the 4th cohort of this flagship initiative. We upskilled 100 African XR creators through a 10-week hybrid program featuring mentorship from global experts (e.g., PwC, Microsoft, Euphoria Labs) and hands-on technical workshops. The cohort produced XR prototypes addressing healthcare, agriculture, and cultural preservation challenges. Top projects received seed funding and ongoing mentorship, directly advancing my vision for African-led XR innovation.

What XR-leaning event are you most looking forward to in 2025?

I’m particularly excited about the Augmented World Expo (AWE), Laval Virtual Paris, XR Innovation Summit, and the New Images Festival in 2025 AWE highlights the convergence of enterprise innovation and ethical, AI-driven XR, providing a space where scalable solutions for emerging markets can achieve global recognition. Laval Virtual Paris emphasizes technical standards and infrastructure, offering a platform to promote interoperability frameworks that address unique XR infrastructural challenges while attracting investment. The XR Innovation Summit, Africa’s premier XR virtual conference is a platform that showcases and engages XR creators and developers building the future of immersive experiences in Africa. The New Images Festival, on the other hand, celebrates the intersection of culture, art, and technology, amplifying underrepresented voices and projects that aim to preserve heritage through immersive storytelling. These events align with my vision for a connected and equitable XR ecosystem one in which innovations in education, cultural preservation, and infrastructure shape global standards and foster the development of an immersive future.

What was your dream job when you were growing up?

I always wanted to be an astronaut, dreaming of being the first African to moonwalk on the moon or even bust a move on Mars. My love for the cosmos and geography is out of this world…literally. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll experience some zero-gravity vibes.

What was your favourite film/TV show of 2024?

The Transformers Series.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in 2025?

The biggest challenge I experienced is scaling immersive technology (XR) solutions across diverse African communities while ensuring accessibility and affordability. Bridging the gap between cutting-edge XR tools and limited infrastructure such as inconsistent internet access, hardware costs, and digital literacy will require innovative partnerships, localized content development, and sustainable funding models. I believe, overcoming these hurdles will be critical to democratizing XR’s benefits and achieving meaningful, equitable progress in 2025.

If you had to learn one new skill, what would it be?

It will be focused around ESG and Sustainability in Tech.

What are your personal XR-related 2025 ambitions/goals?

In 2025, my goals in the XR space are to spearhead research initiatives exploring the transformative applications of VR/AR in STEM education, arts and cultural preservation, and healthcare training. Through my organization, Immersive Tech Africa, I aim to launch the 5th edition of our XR Innovation Launchpad program and host the 3rd annual XR Innovation Summit, fostering collaboration and innovation across the continent. Additionally, I aspire to share my expertise by presenting at major international conferences and summits, contributing to global conversations on the future of immersive technologies.