Remembering Abiola Olaniran, Gamsole Founder and African Tech Pioneer
The African tech community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Abiola Olaniran, the innovative founder of the Nigerian mobile game production company Gamsole, at the age of 36. The software engineer was buried in a private ceremony on Wednesday, June 16, the same day of his death. Although the cause of death has not been made public, his legacy as a brilliant developer, founder, and quiet investor has left an indelible mark on the continent’s burgeoning technology sector. His contributions highlight a career dedicated to building and supporting Africa’s digital future.
A Pillar of Support for the Tech Ecosystem
Abiola Olaniran launched Gamsole in 2012, quickly establishing it as a key player in Nigeria’s mobile gaming scene. However, his impact extended far beyond his own company. According to a report from Techpoint Africa, Olaniran was the publication’s first angel investor in 2015, providing essential seed money and office space that were instrumental during its formative years. Sources described him as a deeply generous individual who consistently avoided the spotlight, preferring to make his contributions behind the scenes. His passion for technology later led him to the ed-tech space, where he became the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Kenya’s eLimu in November 2020. Until his departure in July 2022, he supervised a major overhaul of their mobile applications, applying his game-design expertise to create engaging literacy tools for learners across East Africa.
Abiola Olaniran will be remembered not only as a gaming pioneer but also as a foundational supporter of the wider African tech ecosystem. His career was a testament to his technical skill and his selfless commitment to empowering others. His passing is a profound loss for the industry he helped build, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, generosity, and quiet, impactful leadership.
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