Austin Okere, founder of CWG Plc, the largest systems integration company in Sub-Saharan Africa and Entrepreneur in Residence at Columbia Business School, has long been recognized as a pioneer of technology and entrepreneurship in Africa. His story is not just one of business success, but of resilience, foresight, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Internationally commended for his mentorship in innovation and entrepreneurship, Okere has become a symbol of purposeful leadership, showing that real impact transcends profit margins.
Born in Ghana to a Ghanaian mother and a Nigerian father from Ondo State, Okere’s early life was shaped by the duality of cultures and a sense of boundless possibility. Excelling in his O-Levels, he initially struggled with A-Levels, narrowly missing entry into engineering or architecture programs. A pivotal moment came when the dean of his university suggested a new computer science program.
Though it was not his first choice, Okere embraced the opportunity and discovered a fascination that would ultimately define his career. “I didn’t plan to study computer science, but looking back, it was serendipity. Sometimes life nudges you to places you never imaginedbut exactly where you’re meant to be,” he reflects.
After his first year, political unrest forced a university shutdown in Ghana. Following his father’s advice, Okere continued his studies at the University of Lagos in 1982, graduating in 1986. He never returned to Ghana, and what began as a detour became a defining chapter.
His entry into Nigeria’s professional landscape was no less challenging. Completing his youth service at NNPC, Okere worked on data analysis for petroleum pricing, a role requiring both technical skill and analytical precision. But when his service ended, Nigeria’s quota system blocked him from automatic employment. Rejections from major companies like Shell could have been discouraging, yet he persisted. A period at a startup called Triek, under the mentorship of Dr. Auka, honed his professional demeanor learning client engagement, discipline, and the subtle art of presentation.
Later, at Inlaks, an Indian-owned firm, he was offered a sales role rather than programming. Despite being shy and reserved, Okere embraced the position and quickly distinguished himself. Within a short period, he had earned significant responsibilities and even secured a company loan for his first car, Danny Boy, a symbol of independence and opportunity that opened doors socially and professionally.
In 1992, Okere took a decisive leap, founding CWG. At the time, computers were far from mainstream in Nigeria. Many companies simply resold IBM or HP products, while Dell was largely ignored due to its just-in-time production model. Okere saw opportunity where others saw risk. Through a successful early project with Ashaka Cement, CWG gained credibility, and recommendations soon fueled growth. “We started with six employees, emphasizing character, competence, and commitment, the three Cs. Character was the most important because trust is the foundation of any business,” he notes.
Under Okere’s leadership, CWG became synonymous with reliability and long-term thinking. Maintenance contracts were deliberately priced higher than competitors, not for profit maximization, but to ensure quality service. Employees, many of whom stayed 15–20 years, were drawn by purpose rather than compensation. Okere also championed succession planning and leadership continuity. He often remarks, “The longer you stay, the more you risk diminishing returns, like mangoes rotting. Without a plan for succession, you trap others and limit the company’s potential.”
Strategic diversification was central to CWG’s evolution. Beyond hardware partnerships, Okere expanded into software with Expert Edge and communications with DCC, pioneering systems that allowed banks to operate without mobile banking, an early precursor to USSD solutions. Partnerships with global firms, like Infosys in 2009, allowed CWG to implement multiple solutions across banks simultaneously, building capacity and reinforcing its market leadership. Geographic expansion followed, guided by anchor clients and meticulous market research, resulting in offices across Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, and Dubai.
Okere’s approach to leadership was deliberate and multidimensional. Key positions at CWG had backup talent, and employees were encouraged to develop multidisciplinary skills. This “T-shaped” or “H-shaped” framework ensured stability, prepared for the founder’s eventual exit, and created a culture of continuous learning and resilience. He gradually stepped back, first after CWG’s public listing in 2013, and fully leaving as executive vice-chairman in 2017, allowing fresh ideas and energy to shape the company’s future.
Giving back has always been a cornerstone of Okere’s philosophy. The Ausso Leadership Academy , which he founded, equips young talent with practical, hands-on experience in strategy, execution, and leadership. Corporates now send top employees for training, benefiting not only CWG but the wider industry. Globally, CWG’s model has become a case study at Columbia Business School and MIT, spotlighting African entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Okere himself joined Columbia as Entrepreneur in Residence, participating in global advisory networks and reinforcing the academy’s mission of developing next-generation leaders.
Today, Okere observes that Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape has become more challenging, with higher competition, scarce funding, and fluctuating purchasing power. Yet opportunity remains abundant for those who embrace resilience. He urges entrepreneurs to shift from a “because of” mindset to an “in spite of” mindset, emphasizing that challenges are in fact doors to opportunity. “If you adopt that outlook, you navigate adversity creatively and persistently,” he advises.
Austin Okere’s story is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. From academic detours in Ghana to pioneering Africa’s tech industry, he has consistently demonstrated that entrepreneurship is not merely about wealth, but about building systems, empowering people, and creating lasting impact. CWG is more than a company; it is a legacy, an enduring testament to the power of innovation, strategy, and human potential.
