When Wole Odeleye joined Oracle as a Business Development Manager in 2015, the company was already a global giant in enterprise technology. But the landscape was different in West Africa. The region was ripe with opportunity, yet fraught with challenges: outdated systems, resistance to change, and an infrastructure still catching up with the demands of the digital age.

Where many might see obstacles, Odeleye saw potential. Over the next four years, he would go on to redefine what success looked like for Oracle in West Africa; building partnerships, transforming businesses, and leaving a legacy of innovation and leadership.

For Odeleye, joining Oracle wasn’t just another step in his career but a chance to be part of something bigger. “I wanted to bridge the gap between what technology could offer and what businesses in West Africa truly needed,” he said.

From the outset, Odeleye approached his role with a blend of curiosity and determination. He spent his first few months meeting with clients, understanding their pain points, and immersing himself in the unique dynamics of the West African market. What he found was a region bursting with untapped potential.

“Businesses here were eager to innovate, but many of them were stuck in a cycle of legacy systems and manual processes. They needed more than just a product; they needed a partner who could guide them through the transformation.”

His first major project was with Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions. At the time, the bank was grappling with high operational costs and inefficiencies in its transaction processes. Wole knew that Oracle Cloud Infrastructure could provide a solution; but selling the idea wasn’t going to be easy.

“Convincing a large organization to move away from their established processes is always a challenge,” Wole says. “It’s not just about presenting a solution; it’s about building trust and showing them the long-term value.”

After months of collaboration, Odeleye’s team successfully implemented Oracle Cloud Infrastructure at Zenith Bank. The results were transformative: a 15% reduction in operational costs, improved transaction reliability, and a system capable of handling millions of transactions seamlessly.

“Seeing the impact on their business;and their customers; was incredibly rewarding,” Wole reflects. “It was proof that technology when tailored to a client’s needs, could create real, measurable value.”

Another standout project was with First Bank, a financial institution with deep roots in Nigeria’s history. The bank faced challenges with managing its vast amounts of customer data, which was slowing down operations and limiting its ability to deliver personalized services.

Odeleye led the deployment of Oracle’s advanced database solutions, which improved data processing efficiency by over 40%. This allowed the bank to better understand its customers and offer tailored solutions, strengthening its competitive edge in a crowded market.

“These projects weren’t just about solving problems; they were about enabling these organizations to think bigger,” Wole explains. “That’s the real power of technology.”

While Wole’s work with clients was driving revenue growth for Oracle, he was also making a significant impact within the company itself. When he joined, the business development team in West Africa was small and under-resourced. Wole saw an opportunity to change that.

“I wanted to build a team that wasn’t just hitting targets but genuinely passionate about helping businesses succeed,” Wole says.
Over the next few years, Wole recruited and mentored a team of 15 professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. He introduced regular training sessions, created opportunities for team members to take on leadership roles, and encouraged open dialogue about challenges and ideas.

“Wole pushed us to think beyond the immediate deal,” says one of his former team members. “He wanted us to understand the bigger picture; how our work could transform not just Oracle but the entire market.”

The results spoke for themselves. Under his leadership, Oracle’s West Africa division reported double-digit revenue growth for three consecutive years, with the business development team consistently exceeding its targets.

Wole’s success at Oracle wasn’t just about numbers; it was about his ability to navigate the unique challenges of emerging markets. Infrastructure gaps, skill shortages, and resistance to change were daily realities, but Wole saw them as opportunities to innovate.

“Emerging markets require a different approach,” he explains. “You can’t just take a global solution and expect it to work. You have to adapt it to the local context; and that starts with listening.”
This philosophy earned Wole a reputation as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives across industries. Whether he was working with banks, telecom companies, or government agencies, Wole’s focus was always on delivering solutions that aligned with his clients’ goals.

By the time Odeleye transitioned to a new role in 2019, his impact on Oracle; and the businesses he worked with; was undeniable. From transforming financial institutions to building a high-performing team, he had set a new standard for what business development could achieve in West Africa.

But for him, the work was never just about the results. “What drives me is seeing the ripple effect,” he says. “When you help a business succeed, you’re not just impacting their bottom line; you’re impacting their employees, their customers, and the broader economy.”

Beyond his professional achievements, those who have worked with Wole speak of his humility, empathy, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
“He has this incredible ability to make everyone feel valued,” says a former colleague. “Whether you’re a junior team member or a CEO, Wole listens to you, respects your perspective, and finds a way to bring out your best.”

Odeleye is also deeply passionate about mentorship. Over the years, he has guided countless young professionals, sharing his knowledge and helping them navigate their career journeys.

“Mentorship is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do,” Wole says. “It’s about paying it forward and ensuring that the next generation is equipped to take on the challenges ahead.”

As Wole moves on to new opportunities, his vision for Africa’s tech industry remains as ambitious as ever.

“I believe Africa has the potential to lead the next wave of technological innovation,” he says. “But we need to focus on building ecosystems that are inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable. That’s the key to unlocking the continent’s full potential.”

With leaders like Wole driving the charge, the future of Africa’s tech industry looks brighter than ever.