Abiola Olaniran, Gamsole Founder, Dies at 36: A Pioneer of African Mobile Gaming
The African tech community mourns the loss of Abiola Olaniran, the founder of Gamsole, a leading mobile gaming company. At the age of 36, Olaniran’s life was cut short, but his legacy as a software engineer and pioneer in the burgeoning African gaming industry will endure. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Gamsole’s Impact on the African Tech Landscape
Olaniran’s impact on the African tech scene cannot be overstated. His journey began in 2010, where he led his team from Obafemi Awolowo University to a win at the Microsoft Imagine Cup. Two years later, in Lagos, he founded Gamsole. This move was particularly prescient, coming at a time when the African gaming industry was still largely uncharted territory. Gamsole seized the opportunities available on the Windows Phone platform, which was then still in its early stages. The company created engaging mobile games that quickly gained international attention. By 2015, Gamsole had a remarkable reach, surpassing 10 million downloads across various platforms, including Android and feature phones. This success brought African-made games to a global audience. Further solidifying his innovative approach, that same year, Gamsole partnered with MTN to launch Gidi Run, an endless runner game. This game also pioneered new monetization strategies within the industry.
Olaniran’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped pave the way for the growth of the African gaming industry. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of tech entrepreneurs across the continent.
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