Akin Ande: Architecting a Global Legacy of Innovation and Integrity

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology, where companies often rise and fall with the latest trends, Akin Ande stands as a testament to the power of resilience, integrity, and a long-term strategic vision.

As the CEO of Chert Group, Ande has spent over 15 years transforming a modest start-up into a powerhouse of tech Companies, driving digital transformation across West Africa and the United Kingdom. His journey—marked by humble beginnings, monumental challenges, and an unwavering commitment to his core values—offers a blueprint for modern leadership in an era of constant disruption.

The Genesis: From Computer Village to Global Standards

The story of Chert Group did not begin in a high-tech incubator or with a massive injection of venture capital. Instead, it began in the vibrant, chaotic energy of Lagos’s Computer Village. In his mid-20s, working alongside his brother, Akin Ande identified a fundamental flaw in the prevailing business model of the time: the market was saturated with vendors pushing products, but it lacked providers offering partnershipsor building trust.

During these formative years, Akin and his brother operated on “pure hustle”. Armed with only £2,000 on a credit card, no investors, and no established track record, they navigated the early days of their business with grit. Akin recalls the reality of attending high-stakes meetings and then getting stuck in Lagos traffic, sharing “Gala and Lacasera”—a modest snack and drink—because that was all they could afford.

This period of “pure hustle” was not just about survival; it was the crucible in which the “partner mentality” was forged. Akin realised that for a business to be sustainable, it had to move beyond the sales receipt and provide technology solutions delivered to global standards, backed by long-term strategy. This insight transformed Chert from a vendor of antivirus software into a strategic enabler of digital infrastructure.

A Portfolio of Innovation and Impact

Today, Akin Ande’s leadership extends beyond Chert System Solution. His diverse portfolio spans renewable energy, real estate, and industrial chemicals, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainable value creation. At the core of this expansion is a philosophy centered on innovation, integrity, and impact.

Under his guidance, Chert Group has become a leader in providing end-to-end architectures in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure. The company’s success is built on a “solutions-first” approach, bolstered by strong partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like HPE and VMware.

These relationships provide Chert with early access to product roadmaps and enterprise-grade capabilities, allowing them to design intelligent systems that help clients modernise securely and cost-effectively.

A unique aspect of Chert’s business strategy is its white-label model. By allowing other firms—including potential competitors—to leverage Chert’s expertise to deliver projects under their own brands, Akin has created a synergy that expands the firm’s reach while reinforcing its position as a trusted backbone of the industry.

Resilience: Navigating the 2023 Currency Crisis

Perhaps the most significant test of Akin’s leadership came in 2023, a year marked by a severe currency devaluation. While the company had seen double-digit growth and established offices in both the UK and Nigeria, the sudden economic shift turned profitable transactions into losses overnight. For 14 months, Chert Group faced immense pressure as clients with credit lines defaulted and the “pretty” numbers on the surface masked a “bottom-line disaster”.

In an industry where many would have prioritised cost-cutting and layoffs, Akin took a radically different path. Rooted in his belief that a company’s culture is its “Family,” he ensured the team stayed together. Not only did they retain their staff of approximately 50 people across two continents, but they even increased salaries during the crisis.”That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident,” Akin notes, emphasising that leadership requires treating people as humans rather than resources. This period of hardship reinforced his “total reliance on God,” a principle he cites as the primary reason the company didn’t just survive but emerged thriving.

The Pillars of Leadership: Faith, Family, and Wealth

Akin Ande’s approach to life and business is defined by a clear hierarchy of priorities: loving Jesus, loving his family, and generating wealth to be a blessing to others. He rejects the conventional wisdom of a “perfect balance” between personal and professional life, choosing instead to focus on the “seasons” of life.

His commitment to these priorities is evident in his advice to other entrepreneurs. He emphasises the importance of an anchor, which for him is his faith and the support of his wife. He recalls his wife sitting at home, pregnant and worrying, during the early days of the £2,000 credit card start-up—a memory that serves as a reminder of the personal stakes involved in building a legacy.

Looking Ahead: AI and European Expansion

As digital transformation shifts from a competitive advantage to a “basic survival requirement,” Akin is positioning Chert Group to lead the next wave of technological evolution. He anticipates that the next five years will be dominated by AI-driven decision-making, automation, and data intelligence.

Akin is particularly passionate about ensuring that the African continent is not just a consumer of these technologies but a primary beneficiary of their economic value. Chert is currently spearheading an AI initiative with key partners designed to build tools specifically for African businesses and challenges. “We’re not interested in importing solutions that don’t fit the context,” Akin asserts, viewing AI as a potential “great equalizer” for African markets.

Simultaneously, Akin is looking toward the horizon of strategic acquisitions in Europe. By acquiring established businesses that complement Chert’s existing capabilities, he aims to deepen the group’s footprint and create new opportunities for talent across both continents. His goal is not growth for its own sake, but the creation of durable, globally relevant institutions designed to endure for generations.

Advice for the Modern Entrepreneur

Reflecting on his 15-year journey, Akin Ande offers five core pillars of advice for those looking to scale successfully:

Start Before You’re Ready: Do not wait for the perfect moment. “Job done” is often better than a “perfect idea” that never leaves the ground.

Let Your Work Speak: Build a reputation for excellence on small tasks. Chert once closed a seven-figure deal across eight African countries without a single face-to-face meeting, simply because they had delivered on previous promises.

Know Your Numbers: Especially the “hidden ones.” Ensure your systems show the real financial picture, particularly in markets prone to volatility like currency devaluation.

Invest in People, Not Just Talent: Hire slowly and lead with empathy. A loyal team that feels like a family will carry the company through the hardest storms.

Keep Your Source of Strength Close: Find an anchor—be it faith, family, or a core set of values—to carry you through when the banks say no and the numbers don’t add up.

A Legacy of Integrity

Akin Ande’s story is more than a narrative of business success; it is a story of character and conviction. From the streets of Computer Village to the boardrooms of London and Lagos, he has remained consistent in his mission to be a “trusted partner” in the digital age.

Through Chert Group, Ande is not just building infrastructure; he is building trust, resilience, and a future where technology serves as a bridge to economic empowerment.

As he continues to expand into new markets and pioneer new technologies, his legacy remains anchored in the same principles that started it all: innovation, integrity, and a total reliance on his values. For Akin Ande, the “long game” is the only one worth playing.