Afripreneur
Lola A. Åkerström: Award-winning Travel Photographer of African Descent Exploring The World Through The Lens
Award-winning Stockholm-based author and photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström explores culture through food, tradition, and lifestyle for high profile publications such as National Geographic Traveler, BBC, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, amongst others. Alaba Ayinuola chatted with Lola about being an award-winning travel photographer, what sparked her interest in photography, how she’s connecting with local cultures across the world and telling the African story in the Diaspora through photography and more!
Alaba: Tell us about the Geotraveler media and the gap its filling?
Lola: Geotraveler Media is my umbrella company that covers all aspects of my work within travel media and culture. In essence, I am sharing through words, photography, and video how I am experiencing the world as an African and through those lens. Whether it’s exploring Greenland or working with local communities in Nepal. It is sharing my voice and others on a mainstream level.
Alaba: What inspired you to go into writing and travel photography?
Lola: I’ve always loved writing and used to pen fictional short stories all through secondary school while growing up in Nigeria. Then over time, I replaced fiction with creative non-fiction once I ventured into travel writing because I love exploring culture through food, tradition, and lifestyle. Photography, at the time, was a means to an end. I used to be an oil painter and so I took photographs of various scenes I wanted to paint when I returned from my travels.
Then over time, I realized my photography could stand on its own and I began to use it as a medium of expression over oil painting. But this career path came together many years ago, while volunteering with an expedition race in Fiji. It was while in a remote part of the country I realized that could create a career from becoming a travel writer and photographer.
Once when I returned back to my job as a GIS programmer and system architect, I started plotting my career transition.
Alaba: Which came first, the writing or the photography?
Lola: Writing came first as I love exploring and describing worlds through words. Photography became that ultimate complementary skill, because sometimes, painstakingly describing a detail can be answered through a single powerful shot that takes away all doubt and stops the viewer in their tracks.
I started out as an oil painter and used photography as a way of capturing scenes I wanted to paint once back. After awhile, I realized my photography was strong enough to stand on its own and so I stopped painting and started exploring photography as my new medium of expression. Semblances of my past life as an oil painter can be seen in the way I edit my photos – very vivid with a lot of heavy contrasts.
Alaba: How have your writing skills as a writer helped further your photography journey?
Lola: Within the world of travel, if you can do both and do them very well, then you’re at an advantage when it comes to getting assignments. Because editors know you can illustrate your stories powerfully with your own photographs. As an artist, you can choose whichever medium you’d like to focus on more, based on when you feel inspired or not.
Sometimes, it’s writing, other days, it’s photography. My writing skills have helped me develop my visual voice as a photographer as well. So my images feel like my own writing voice visualized.
Alaba: What makes a great image stand out from a good one?
Lola: For me, a great image is one that answers as many of these questions as possible: When, why, what, who, and other details, while leaving a bit of mystery. For me, a great image is not a technically perfect one, but one that moves me emotionally. There are thousands of amazing landscape photographers who have perfected technical settings to the point of not being able to differentiate whose photo of Patagonia is whose.
I would rather have a less technically perfect shot with a clear visual style than a technically perfect shot and no visual voice.
Alaba: How has photography enabled you to connect with local cultures across the world?
Lola: For me, I love observing interactions and connections… from how light is interacting with the landscape in front of me to capturing that moment of awareness and connection in the eyes of my subjects. I especially love environmental portraits of people and capturing a sense of them and their personality as wholly as I can.
Alaba: What is the impact of social media (Instagram and Pinterest) on travel photography?
Lola: Social media has ushered in a raise in overly staged travel photos. What once inspired people to go explore a new place, enjoy its cuisine and learn about different cultures is now forcing people to relegate places to just backdrops in search of the most creative angle. The main advantage is that it’s inspiring more people to get out there and see the world. The main irony is that they may end up not seeing as much of the world with their backs turned towards it.
I use Instagram and think it’s a great platform to play creatively as a photographer and take bold risks, regardless of whether Instagram rewards you or not based on its weird algorithms.
We can do much better by turning around and taking time to soak up and appreciate the places we’re exploring. Think about longevity and timelessness. We can always find a balance between the types of images we share. That cool visual trend today will become tiring and predictable tomorrow.
Alaba: How do you balance your time on the road between work and travel?
Lola: I always say you can’t raise the walls of a house without a solid foundation. In other words, taking time to develop roots for your company, business or brand. So I’m not always on the road and often plan my longer travels so I have at least four weeks in between.
Overall, I keep my travels short and targeted, so I am exploring a place through a focused, deeper theme instead of skimming its surface. That’s why I’m an advocate of slow travel. It’s not duration for me, but rather, the pace with which you explore a place. Whether it’s 24 days or 24 hours, you can still slow travel based on how you explore a place.
Alaba: How are you telling the African story in the Diaspora?
Lola: I am showing that as an African, I am richly layered and multi-dimensional. That as an African, I can be a professional travel photographer on a mainstream level. I’ve worked with many high profile publications (National Geographic, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, to name a few), yet I still get “Did you shoot that?” questions while my white male colleagues are revered with no questions asked.
My photography has been represented by National Geographic Image Collection for over years, I have contributed to the Nat Geo brand and magazines with writing and photography, and I’m one of the contributing photographers at National Geographic Traveller (UK). I am showing up and taking space as an African within travel media to represent as well as inspire the next generation of travel writers and travel photographers of African-descent.
Alaba: How do you feel as an African travel photographer?
Lola: As a professional travel photographer of Nigerian descent, it is extremely vital for me to show the world through my own eyes. That my voice and way of capturing the world is valid and relevant on a higher level too. Sometimes people react and interact with me in a way that’s different from the traditional white male travel photographer, and I can capture those special interactions on camera. This diversifies the stories of places we visually tell.
Alaba: What is your view on the travel and leisure ecosystem in Africa?
Lola: There are still so many untapped opportunities and stories we could be telling, including advocating for us to explore our own backyards a lot more. With people like Pelu Awofeso championing travel within Nigeria, PaJohn Bentsifi Dadson championing travel within Ghana, and Cherae Robinson of Tastemaskers, championing local niche experiences across the continent as a whole (just to name a few), I am excited about the deeper, more nuanced direction of travel and leisure within the continent.
B I O G R A P H Y
Award-winning Stockholm-based author and photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström explores culture through food, tradition, and lifestyle for high profile publications such as National Geographic Traveler, BBC, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, amongst others.
As a photographer, she has collaborated with many well-known brands – from Mercedes Benz and Dove to Intrepid Travel and National Geographic Channel. She is the author of two books – award-winning Due North & bestselling LAGOM: Swedish Secret of Living Well. LAGOM is available in 18 foreign language editions around the world. She is editor-in-chief of Slow Travel Stockholm and founder of NordicTB Collective which brings together the top professional travel bloggers and digital storytellers from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.
She is the 2018 Travel Photographer of the Year Bill Muster Award recipient and was honoured with a MIPAD 100 (Most Influential People of African Descent) Award within media and culture. Her photography is represented by National Geographic Image Collection.
Afripreneur
Oyindamola Ossi on building AI-powered e2e talent platform getting professionals hired globally
Oyindamola Ossi is an award-winning leader at the intersection of Technology, Global Human Resources, and digital innovation with over 10 years of transformative expertise. She is an AI Evangelist and the founder of VampAI, the “Tinder” for jobs. An e2e talent matching platform that helps ambitious talents match with businesses and get hired 7x faster by leveraging Artificial intelligence to craft compelling CVs, prepare for interviews in real-time, connect with employers, track their job applications, and ultimately land dignifying jobs in record time. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Oyindamola shares her entrepreneurship journey and how her startup, VampAI is providing in-demand tools that help talents match faster with businesses and land dignifying jobs. Excerpts.
Alaba: Can you tell us about your journey into building AI Technologies. What galvanised you to start Vamp?
Oyindamola: Throughout my corporate career across 3 regions (Africa, The Middle East and Europe) I worked with talent, and I see first-hand how 3 in 5 early to mid-level professionals struggle to either articulate their skills sets or lack the confidence to qualify their experience in a way that gets them closer to the job. I tried to address this problem by offering 1-2-1 interview preps, CV and Linkedin clinics but I quickly realised how unsustainable that can be, if I wanted to achieve my goal of helping 100 million talents match with dignifying jobs by 2030, we needed to leverage technology to scale our solution for growth, sustainability, and impact. This is how VampAI was born.
Alaba: How did you identify your niche in the market and What makes your proposition special?
Oyindamola: I knew our niche was a problem early professionals faced because I have seen it, but it became apparent when data also confirmed it. We realised there was a significant gap between job seekers and recruiters in terms of time, quality of matches, and inclusivity. Our proposition is special because it combines AI-driven CV building, interview preparation, job board and AI talent matching into one seamless platform. This end-to-end solution not only empowers candidates to present their best selves but also enables businesses to find and connect with talent faster and more accurately.
Alaba: How do you prepare yourself for an AI-driven world? What is it that excites you about what you’re building?
Oyindamola: I have embraced the ethical use of AI and I believe everybody should, I’m particularly excited about the potential of AI to solve human challenges at scale. AI is re-imagining how we do everything from how talent matches with jobs to how medical diagnostics are carried out.
To prepare for an AI-driven world, I stay ahead by investing in continuous learning and keeping pace with the latest technological advancements.
What excites me the most is how AI can level the playing field and create a fairer hiring landscape, so I wake up every day with a fresh energy to ensure our products solve that pain-point for our users.
Alaba: How is AI/ML transforming Hiring practices and what is your key message to HR leaders?
Oyindamola: AI and ML are transforming hiring by automating administrative tasks, improving candidate matching accuracy, and reducing unconscious bias. These technologies also enable real-time insights, which make decision-making faster and more data driven. My key message to HR leaders is to embrace AI but use it as an enabler rather than a replacement for human intuition. AI can make the hiring process more efficient and equitable, but the human element empathy, understanding, and culture fit remains crucial.
Alaba: How do you feel as an African female tech entrepreneur based in the diaspora?
Oyindamola: Being an African female tech entrepreneur in the diaspora is both a privilege and a challenge. I feel proud to represent a growing wave of underrepresented voices in tech, and it motivates me to push boundaries. However, the journey comes with its unique challenges, from breaking into networks to overcoming biases. My background gives me a distinct perspective on diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in the products we build. I see my role not just as a founder but as a trailblazer for other women and minorities aspiring to enter tech.
Alaba: What are your top predictions and must-watch technologies? How much of these technologies would be influenced by adoption of Hiring/ Recruitment technologies?
Oyindamola: I believe the future of tech lies in advancements in AI, quantum computing, and augmented reality (AR). For recruitment, AI will continue to evolve, making the hiring process more automated and personalised. Predictive analytics and sentiment analysis will also play major roles, allowing companies to forecast hiring needs and better understand candidates. The adoption of these technologies will drive efficiency and inclusivity, particularly in helping HR teams make data-backed decisions while avoiding common hiring pitfalls.
Alaba: Where do you see your VampAI in the next 5 years?
Oyindamola: I see VampAI being the leading e2e talent platform providing in-demand tools that help talents match faster with businesses and land dignifying jobs. We aim to expand into new markets, particularly in emerging economies where access to opportunities is limited. Our goal is to be at the forefront of innovation, continually refining our tools to not only meet but anticipate the needs of both job seekers and businesses. We plan to introduce more personalised AI-driven features, ensuring we remain the go-to platform for talents looking for their next role and for businesses looking to match with qualified talents.
Alaba: What advice would you give to aspiring tech entrepreneurs?
Oyindamola: Focus on solving real problems, listen to your users, go for it, and don’t stop till you make it happen. The world is literally waiting for your solution.
Anny Robert, a Lagos-based artist, specializes in capturing black elegance in single frames, emphasizing authenticity and mutual exchange between subject and potential. His work navigates life’s dualities seamlessly, blending themes of humanity, divinity, myth, and identity. Through his art studio, Anny sparks conversations on emerging social commentary, challenging viewers to reevaluate beliefs and embrace cultural heritage with introspection. In this Interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Anny shares his journey into the world of art, inspiration and how he is leading a creative revolution in African storytelling using photography. Excerpts.
Alaba: Could you tell us about your journey into the world of art and what inspired you to establish Anny Robert Art Studio?
Anny: My journey into art began during the COVID pandemic. As a portrait photographer, my work relied heavily on people, and when the lockdown hit, everything stopped. It made me realize how dependent I was on physical interaction and that I needed to find new ways to express my creativity without those limits.
That’s when I started exploring new fields. I learned 3D modeling, got into Blender, and began creating remotely. The shift in focus was freeing in a way—it allowed me to start experimenting beyond traditional photography. And after the lockdown, I found myself fully immersed in creating art pieces that blended photography with other forms of visual storytelling.
Another driving factor was my desire to tap into the global market. I realized that if I wanted to reach a certain level, I needed to embrace things like exhibitions, awards, and other markers of artistic achievement. Up until then, I had been entirely focused on commercial work, and it became clear that I needed to expand my focus. Establishing the Art Studio was my response to that realization it’s a reflection of my evolution as an artist and my drive to push creative boundaries.
Alaba: In what ways do you believe photography can be a catalyst for cultural exchange and economic growth in Nigeria?
Anny: Nigeria has a rich and diverse culture, with so many stories and histories that often go untold. Photography and videography give us a chance to share these stories, and give people a glimpse into our culture, our way of life, and what makes us unique. This can help boost tourism and the economy. By capturing our landscapes, landmarks, and cultural highlights, photography plays a big role in attracting people and showing them what Nigeria has to offer.
Alaba: Anny, you have risen to become one of Nigeria’s successful celebrity photographers. Can you briefly tell us how you got to the top and managing stardom?
Anny: I’ve always focused on carving out a clear niche for myself. My background in graphic design really helped me stand out because it influenced the way I approach and create my photographs. It gave my work a unique edge, from how I conceptualize to how I deliver the final images. People are naturally drawn to something fresh and different, and I think that played a big role in my rise to where I am today.
Alaba: How do you feel being mentored by one of Nigeria’s top photographers and what is your advice for budding photoghers building their brands?
Anny: It was a great opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way. My journey wasn’t a solo effort; many people and photographers have influenced and guided me to where I am now.
For budding photographers looking to build their brands, my advice is to be intentional about your work. Treat your photography as a business, not just a hobby. Establish a clear structure, build strong relationships with clients and brands, and always strive to improve. Focus on competing with yourself aim to surpass your previous work and continually push your boundaries. Intentionality and a desire for growth are key to advancing in this field.
Alaba: What steps do you recommend for photographers who are looking to turn their passion into a sustainable business?
Anny: If you’re turning your photography into a sustainable business, there are several key aspects to consider from the start. Focus on setting up a solid structure and being meticulous with your data. Keep track of your numbers, including client information, expenses, income, and profits.
Regularly review your performance month by month to identify trends, such as peak and slow periods. Being intentional about managing these details will help you understand your business better and make informed decisions for growth.
Alaba: How do you envision the role of government and financial institutions in fostering growth within the creative industry, particularly in the field of photography?
Anny: To foster growth within the creative industry, the government needs to create a supportive environment for creatives to thrive. This means setting up systems and infrastructure that make it easier for us to work and succeed. Even when conditions aren’t ideal, creatives will continue to produce great work, but having a supportive framework would amplify our potential and make our work more impactful.
For financial institutions, there should be tailored financial facilities that support creatives turning their work into businesses. Just as financial institutions focus on other sectors, they should also recognize the importance of the creative sector. We’ve seen the music industry thrive, partly due to financial backing from various sources. Similar support for other creative fields could help them grow and succeed on a global scale. Creating an enabling environment, like those found in other countries, would significantly benefit our industry.
Alaba: What are the most significant opportunities and trends shaping the future of photography, particularly in the Nigerian context?
Anny: Looking at the future of photography in Nigeria, some things stand out for me. Firstly, social media is sparking new levels of creativity, as people bring fresh, unique ideas to their photos. Collaboration among creatives is also on the rise, which is great as it helps everyone grow and innovate together.
Finally, many photographers are expanding beyond traditional photography and exploring new possibilities just like I did. I personally believe, embracing these trends can help photographers thrive in our changing world.
Alaba: Lastly: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers who are navigating the challenges of building their brand and finding their niche in the industry?
Anny: For aspiring photographers, my key advice is to break down your big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Large ambitions can feel overwhelming, but tackling them bit by bit makes them more achievable. Focus on what you can do right now and set small, actionable goals to work towards.
Finding your niche is also crucial. Discover what you’re truly passionate about and excel in that area. A strong niche helps build a recognizable brand when people think of a certain type of photography, like portraits or weddings, they should think of you. Specializing makes it easier for others to identify your expertise and remember you for that particular style or subject. Building a reputation in a specific niche will make you stand out and attract the right opportunities.
Stephen Adeyemo is a social entrepreneur, product designer, and founder of Resavation, a rental application addressing the challenges of renting accommodation in Nigeria. Stephen contributes to digital economy policy at the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and is a proud member of Forbes BLK, driving innovation and strategic solutions in proptech to enhance access to housing in Nigeria. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola of Business Africa Online (BAO), Stephen shares his entrepreneurial journey and he is building Resavation and redefining the proptech space. Excerpt.
Alaba: Could you briefly tell us about your entrepreneurship journey and what inspired you to launch Resavation?
Stephen: My entrepreneurship journey started in 2017 when I came across Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards and this made me write my first business plan but I wasn’t selected. Fast forward to 2018 when I got into Obafemi Awolowo University, I had a challenge renting first accommodation as a freshman, it was time consuming and stressful and I was exploited by my house agent paying double of my rent to him. This horrible experience made me birth Resavation to solve difficulty renting accommodation in Nigeria.
Alaba: How did you identify the market need and who are your target audience?
Stephen: The market need for Resavation was identified through personal experience and market research. As a student at Obafemi Awolowo University, I faced challenges renting accommodation, including lengthy property searches and scams. This highlighted a gap in the market for a reliable, digital rental solution. Further research revealed widespread difficulties with transparency, trust, and convenience in Nigeria’s rental sector. Our target audience includes young professionals, students, and families looking for safe, hassle-free rental experiences. We focus on tech-savvy individuals in urban areas who prefer digital solutions for property search, inspections, and rent payments.
Alaba: How does Resavation work and what is your revenue model?
Stephen: Resavation is a digital platform that simplifies property rentals by allowing users to search for properties, book inspections, and pay rent online. Users can browse verified property listings, schedule visits, and complete transactions securely, minimizing the risk of scams. Landlords can list properties, manage tenants, and receive payments through the platform. Our revenue model is commission-based: we charge a percentage on successful property rentals, collect fees from landlords for premium listings, and offer subscription plans for additional services like rent savings plans and credit score boosting tools for tenants.
Alaba: Can you tell us how Resavation is currently leveraging AI in addressing the challenges facing the real estate sector?
Stephen: Resavation leverages AI to address key challenges in the real estate sector by enhancing user experience, optimizing property recommendations, and improving security. Through AI-powered algorithms, we use content-based filtering to match users with properties based on their preferences, ensuring personalized property recommendations. Additionally, AI helps us verify property authenticity by analyzing property data and detecting potential fraud patterns. We also plan to integrate AI-driven solutions for rent savings and credit score boosting, enabling tenants to build financial credibility. This AI integration enhances trust, efficiency, and personalization, addressing the pain points of Nigeria’s rental market.
Alaba: Where do you see Proptech in the next 5 years?
Stephen: In the next 5 years, PropTech is poised to revolutionize the real estate sector with increased digital adoption, AI integration, and blockchain technology. Property transactions will become more seamless and transparent through digital platforms, reducing the need for intermediaries and paperwork. AI will drive personalized experiences, from tailored property recommendations to predictive maintenance and smart building management. Blockchain is expected to streamline transactions and title transfers, enhancing security and reducing fraud. Virtual and augmented reality will also transform property viewing, enabling immersive, remote inspections. Overall, PropTech will make real estate more efficient, data-driven, and customer-centric.
Alaba: Where do you see Resavation in the next 5 years?
Stephen: In the next 5 years, I see Resavation becoming a leading PropTech platform in Nigeria and expanding across Africa. We aim to be the go-to digital solution for renting, offering seamless property search, inspection, and rent payment experiences. With continued AI integration, we plan to introduce advanced features like predictive property recommendations, rent savings plans, and tenant credit score boosting. Our vision is to expand into property management and sales, offering end-to-end real estate solutions. Additionally, by forming strategic partnerships, we hope to foster trust in the market and drive digital transformation in Africa’s real estate sector.
Alaba: Lastly and in your opinion, what are the most significant opportunities and trends in the proptech sector?
Stephen: The PropTech sector is brimming with opportunities, particularly in AI-driven property management, blockchain for secure transactions, and virtual reality for immersive property tours. AI offers personalized experiences, predictive analytics for property values, and tenant screening automation. Blockchain presents opportunities for transparent, fraud-resistant property sales and smart contracts. The rise of virtual and augmented reality can revolutionize property viewing, enabling buyers and renters to inspect properties remotely. Additionally, the growing demand for sustainable and smart buildings creates a trend towards energy-efficient solutions.
