Afropolitan

Austin Okere (CWG Founder)/ The $35,000 Decision That Built a $90 Million Company!

Oct 29, 2025
Guest
Austin Okere
Austin Okere, the founder of Computer Warehouse Group and a pioneer in Nigeria's tech landscape, shares his incredible journey from a $35,000 startup to a $90 million public company. He discusses the unique challenges of entrepreneurship in Africa, the importance of ethical fundraising, and how to build trust and lasting partnerships. Austin reflects on pivotal moments like rejecting initial private equity offers and strategizing for an IPO. He also emphasizes the significance of legacy and succession planning for future leaders.
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INSIGHT

Africa Requires Building The Infrastructure Too

  • Building in Africa is harder because systems and rule-of-law infrastructure are less mature, forcing founders to build their own infrastructure.
  • Customer education and cultural resistance to new products make adoption slower and more expensive.
ADVICE

Add 10–15% Headroom To Raises

  • Always add a 10–15% headroom to your fundraising and cost estimates because projects take longer and cost more than expected.
  • Raise more than your bare minimum so you have optionality; not needing it later is a bonus.
ANECDOTE

Humble Start With Family-Led Hiring

  • Austin started CWG in 1992 with $35,000 raised from friends and began operating from his apartment with his wife as partner and early hire-lead.
  • His wife Shola handled hiring and became central to building a long-tenured team that sustained CWG for decades.
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