Abiola Olaniran, a prominent figure in Africa’s mobile gaming industry and a key supporter of digital media ventures across the continent, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He was 36 years old. Although specific details regarding the cause of death remain undisclosed, reports indicate that he was laid to rest on the same day during a private ceremony.
Olaniran’s death has sent waves of grief through the African tech community, with tributes pouring in from entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators who had long looked up to him as a pioneer who proved that global innovation could stem from African soil.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, Olaniran first gained international attention in 2010 when he represented Nigeria at the global Microsoft Imagine Cup in Poland. His success at the competition, which highlights emerging technological talent from around the world, marked the beginning of a remarkable career in software development and game innovation.
With expertise as a Unity3D developer, Olaniran quickly became a sought-after talent in the industry. In 2012, he launched Gamsole, a Lagos-based game development startup that would come to redefine Africa’s presence in the global mobile gaming market.
Gamsole’s Impact and Market Reach
Gamsole became a major force in African mobile gaming during the early 2010s. By 2015, the company had achieved over 10 million downloads across its game portfolio. These games, which included fun, culturally relatable titles, resonated strongly with local and international audiences alike.
One of Gamsole’s standout moments came in 2016 when it partnered with MTN to launch Gidi Run, a fast-paced mobile game that creatively combined monetization strategies with local cultural narratives. The game set a new precedent for how African developers could generate revenue while telling authentically African stories.
Influence Beyond Game Development
Olaniran’s contributions extended well beyond the world of mobile gaming. In 2015, Forbes Africa recognized him by naming him to its 30 Under 30 list, and the following year, he was included among the 30 Most Promising Young African Entrepreneurs. These accolades reflected his broader influence across the African startup ecosystem.
He played a critical role in early-stage funding for various digital platforms. Notably, in 2015, he provided initial financial backing to Techpoint Africa, which would go on to become one of the continent’s most influential technology-focused media outlets.
Additionally, Olaniran served as Chief Technology Officer for the Kenyan education technology company eLimu, where he led the overhaul of its mobile learning infrastructure between 2020 and 2022. His technical leadership helped the platform scale its impact and improve access to digital learning tools across East Africa.
A Quiet Mentor and Community Builder
Despite his impressive achievements, Olaniran remained known for his humility and generosity. He mentored numerous young developers and founders across Africa, often choosing to offer support behind the scenes rather than seek the spotlight.
His LinkedIn profile portrayed a professional focused more on impact than accolades. Describing himself as an “experienced Unity3D developer with a track record of creating and publishing games across platforms,” he maintained a modest digital footprint while nurturing a wide network. With over 500 professional connections and more than 5,000 followers, his influence reached far and wide.
In his final public posts, Olaniran used his platform to highlight and celebrate the achievements of his peers in the African tech space. These messages served as a testament to his collaborative spirit and passion for uplifting others.
A Legacy That Inspires the Next Generation
Olaniran’s passing is a significant loss to the African tech landscape, but his legacy continues through the many developers, entrepreneurs, and creators he mentored and inspired. His story remains proof that world-class innovation and entrepreneurial success can begin in Africa and compete on a global scale.
Through his leadership at Gamsole, support for rising startups, and commitment to building Africa’s digital future, Abiola Olaniran leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the continent’s technology narrative for years to come.
He is survived by family, close friends, and a growing community of African technologists who credit their journey in part to the path he helped forge.
Remembering a Tech Icon
As messages of condolence flood social media, the African tech community pauses not only to mourn a remarkable life lost too soon but also to celebrate the incredible legacy Olaniran left behind. His work continues to influence how African stories are told through technology, and how young innovators view their potential in a fast-changing global digital economy.
His life, though brief, remains a shining example of passion, vision, and purpose.
