Olubayo (Bayo) Adekanmbi profile photo

Olubayo (Bayo) Adekanmbi

CEO/Co-Founder of EqualyzAI and Founder/Lead Consultant of Data Science Nigeria (DSNai)

Generative & Agentic AIData ScienceDigital TransformationTelecommunications StrategySustainability (ESG)Social Network Analysis
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About

I am Olubayo (Bayo) Adekanmbi, the CEO and Co-Founder of EqualyzAI and the Founder of Data Science Nigeria (DSNai). My career has been defined by a journey from biomolecular research to C-suite roles at MTN and Airtel Africa, where I led digital transformations and sustainability agendas. Currently, I am focused on building voice-first AI infrastructure specifically designed for African dialects, ensuring that technology is both inclusive and accessible. I am deeply passionate about 'Inclusive AI'—the idea that the Global South must be owners and creators of technology, not just consumers. Through DSNai, I have been fortunate to help train over 500,000 students, bridging the gap between academic research and industry application. I am always looking to connect with partners interested in compute enablement, local language datasets, and building the 'landing pads' for AI infrastructure in emerging markets.

Networking

What I can offer

  • ›Strategic advice on AI ecosystem development in emerging markets
  • ›Expertise in digital transformation and 5G strategy
  • ›Insights into translational research and academic-industry partnerships
  • ›Mentorship for African AI talent

Looking for

  • ›Collaborators in compute enablement
  • ›Local language datasets
  • ›AI infrastructure partners for emerging markets
  • ›Strategic partnerships with global policy leaders

Best fit for

Global policy leadersAcademic researchersTech foundersAI talent in Africa

Current Interests

Hyperlocal AI and African dialectsTriple-Helix Collaboration (University-Industry-Government)Sharepreneurship and circular economiesAgentic intelligence and offline AI capabilitiesTranslational research

Background

Career

Transitioned from biomolecular research and marketing strategy into C-suite leadership at MTN and Airtel Africa, eventually founding a major non-profit (DSNai) and a voice-first AI startup (EqualyzAI).

Education

PhD in Management Science (City, University of London); MBA with Distinction (Henley Business School); Certificates from ETH Zürich, Chicago Booth, and INSEAD.

Achievements

  • ›Winner of Bill and Melinda Gates Global Grand Challenge for LLM-enabled financial advisory
  • ›Trained over 500,000 students in AI through Data Science Nigeria
  • ›Led 5 products named in UNESCO/IRCAI Top 100 AI products
  • ›Authored the first AI book for kids in Africa
  • ›Led the first 5G pilot in Nigeria

Opinions

  • The greatest danger is 'Inclusive Exclusion'—being users of AI but excluded from ownership and value capture.
  • If AI does not speak a user's local language, it cannot be trusted or effectively serve them.
  • Response to AI should be intentional optimism and reskilling rather than fear.