Oswald Osaretin Guobadia is a distinguished policy advisor with nearly three decades of experience driving digitalization across Africa. His expertise lies in shaping policy frameworks and delivering innovative solutions that have the potential to create significant change on the continent. Renowned for his operational excellence and strategic foresight, Oswald has played a pivotal role in executing multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects and influencing policies that are redefining Africa’s digital landscape.

As a trusted advisor across public, private, and non-profit sectors, Oswald has empowered stakeholders and fostered cross-border collaborations, positioning Africa as a formidable player in the global digital economy. In his current role as Managing Partner at DigitA, an Africa-based firm dedicated to advancing digital evolution on a global scale, Oswald has led transformative initiatives since the firm’s launch in October 2023. Under his leadership, DigitA has emerged as a thought leader in technology and digital policy, exemplified by its learning series and landmark position paper titled “Beyond Transformation Towards Digital Evolution: A Quadrant of Disruptive Synergy” (available at digita.africa/whitepaper).

Oswald’s influence extends beyond his firm; he is a sought-after speaker and thought leader across North, South, East, and West Africa. Some of his engagements include guest lectures at Senghor University in Egypt, Georgetown University, TEDxLagos, Wharton Africa Business Forum, appearances on BBC Africa, CNBC and participation in major events like the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), Africa Early Stage Investor Summits (AESIS) and the African Startup Conference.

In his previous role as Senior Special Assistant on Digital Transformation to the President of Nigeria, Oswald was instrumental in developing the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA). His ability to unite public and private sectors facilitated the successful passage of this groundbreaking policy, which now serves as a model for other African nations. He also represented Nigeria on presidential councils focused on Digital Economy and E-Government, significantly shaping continental policy discussions.

Oswald’s career trajectory—from corporate technologist to entrepreneur to policymaker—reflects his commitment to leveraging technology for business growth. He holds a degree in Biology from Wesley College and began his career in network infrastructure at Credit Suisse First Boston. He later earned a master’s degree in Telecommunications and Computer Science from Pace University. Rising to Vice President of Core Enterprise Technology at Goldman Sachs, he led complex global infrastructure projects.

In 2005, Oswald returned to Nigeria, where he first stabilized and expanded UBA Group’s IT infrastructure before co-founding 3finiti Technology Company Ltd, which later merged with DBH Africa. As Executive Vice President and COO at DBH, he drove market expansion across Africa. His leadership philosophy—”Never leave a room the way you found it”—earned him the nickname “Mr. Straight Lines,” reflecting his commitment to impactful change