Mr. Ajao Adewole David
Nationality: Nigerian
Country of Residence: Nigeria
Organisation or affiliation: Google
Position: Strategic Negotiator
Brief Motivation
I write to express my strong motivation to serve on the Board of Directors of AFRINIC. My extensive experience in the Internet ecosystem, coupled with a deep understanding of AFRINIC’s critical role in the continent's digital transformation, positions me to contribute significantly to its governance and strategic direction.
For over 20 years, I've helped shape the Internet landscape through technical operations, policy development, community building, and strategic leadership. My previous contributions (some in mail and video archives) highlight my dedication to an open, stable, and accessible African internet while respecting our diversity of cultures and backgrounds.
I envision AFRINIC as:
- Strengthened in Governance: Promoting and demonstrating transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Community-Engaged: Proactively reaching out to and serving the needs of its diverse membership base across all African sub-regions.
- A Global Voice: Effectively representing African Internet interests globally
- An Innovation Catalyst: Supporting technological advancement and digital inclusion.
My commitment is to leverage my skills, experience, and passion to work collaboratively with fellow board members, AFRINIC staff, and the wider community to achieve these. I am confident in my ability to contribute to the robust governance and strategic advancement of AFRINIC, ensuring it remains a pivotal organization for Africa's digital future.
Thank you for considering my nomination.
Professional Background
Adewole Ajao is a seasoned ICT professional with over 17 years’ hands-on experience spanning Internet services, cybersecurity, infrastructure development, policy advocacy, and executive management. A graduate of Computer Science from the University of Ibadan and a holder of an Advanced Computer Security Certificate from Stanford University, Dewole has established a career at the intersection of technology, business, and policy.
He currently serves as a Strategic Negotiator at Google, where he leads network infrastructure acquisition projects including leased fibre, colocation, and cable landing stations across Sub-Saharan Africa as well as manages Peering and Cache acquisition for all of Africa. He is a key contributor to peering policy and network interconnection strategy.
As Managing Partner of Tinitop Technologies, he has advised enterprise clients and telecom operators on cost-effective, custom-built solutions, and has designed and delivered digital skills training programs targeted at youth empowerment.
A passionate advocate for open Internet access and inclusive digital development, Dewole has held volunteer positions such as Co-Chair of the AFRINIC Policy Development Working Group, President of the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, Trainer and Head of External Relations for the Nigerian Network Operators Group (ngNOG). Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to regional Internet policy, network development, and cross-sector capacity building.
With deep technical roots, business management and strategic insight, he combines field expertise with a visionary approach to advancing connectivity and digital equity across Africa.
Strong points:
- Internet Governance & Policy: Active in national, regional, and global internet governance, understands multi-stakeholder models and transparent policy development which are core to AFRINIC's mandate.
- African ICT Sector Experience: Pan-African career provides practical understanding of the diverse needs of AFRINIC's members, having worked with network operators, governments, civil society, and academia.
- Proven Leadership & Strategic Vision: Has a track record of leading teams, developing impactful strategies, and adapting to the evolving digital environment, crucial for guiding AFRINIC.
- Community & Capacity Building: Has actively contributed to initiatives strengthening Africa's Internet ecosystem and empowering local talent.
- Advocacy for Digital Transformation: Passionate about the Internet's role in Africa's socio-economic development and eager to support AFRINIC'sefficient management of vital internet number resources.