From Self-Taught Coder to Continental Leader
My journey began with curiosity and a laptop. Today, I'm building the infrastructure for Africa's digital transformation through mentorship, venture building, and thought leadership.
Affiliations & Recognitions
Who is Killa?
I'm Obafela Killa, a self-taught programmer turned startup founder. I lead two fast-rising companies: NexusData Intelligence, building Africa's AI and data infrastructure, and NexaVida+, reimagining healthcare through connected, life-saving data. My mission? Build systems that build people, so we can build Africa.
The Beginning
From a self-taught programmer at 13 to a two-time founder spearheading Africa's digital revolution, my journey is a testament to the power of audacious vision and relentless purpose. I am Obafela Richard Killa, widely known as Killa, and my life's work is singularly focused: building people, businesses, and systems that transform Africa.
My roots in technology run deep. That early fascination with code blossomed into NexusData Intelligence (NDI), an AI & Data Solutions Platform dedicated to actualizing Africa's digital transformation. At NDI, we don't just build cutting-edge AI and data solutions for organizations; we cultivate the next generation of African tech leaders through comprehensive training in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence.
Building Impact
The pursuit of impact didn't stop there. Recognizing a critical need, I founded NexaVida Plus, a HealthTech startup committed to unifying healthcare data across Africa. Imagine a continent where faster emergency response, seamless coordination between providers, and ultimately, more lives saved, are the norm. That's the infrastructure NexaVida is building – one life, one data point, one unified system at a time.
My passion extends beyond my ventures. I am deeply committed to entrepreneurship development, particularly mentoring early-stage founders in tech who are driven by purpose and social impact. My affiliation with the Microsoft Founders Hub, my role on the Advisory Council of Harvard Business Review, and leading a "We Make Change"-recognized startup are all avenues through which I amplify this commitment.
Leading the Future
I also convene the Africa Development Summit (ADS) – a rapidly growing youth initiative equipping university students with the mindset, skills, and resources to become transformational leaders. This includes hands-on training, mentorship, and crucial investment, empowering them to drive change from where they are. As the Technology Entrepreneurship Leader at the Ibadan Entrepreneurship Network, I continue to guide tech and non-tech founders in scaling their businesses through digital innovation.
Impact in Numbers
Measuring what matters: lives touched, systems built, leaders empowered
"My philosophy is simple: there can be no change without the breaking of old things."
I believe in disrupting the status quo, challenging conventional thinking, and building resilient, innovative solutions that unlock Africa's boundless potential. Join me on this mission.