Usama Ado Shehu

Usama Ado Shehu is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur, innovation strategist, software developer, and sustainability advocate dedicated to building digital solutions that address Africa's most pressing challenges. His work spans artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, agritech, climate innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, with a strong commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development.

He is the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Vexel Innovations, a technology company developing AI-powered products and digital solutions across sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology. Through Vexel Innovations, he is committed to helping organisations and communities harness emerging technologies to improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and accelerate inclusive growth.

Usama is also the visionary behind several technology-driven initiatives, including Growaf, a digital agricultural ecosystem designed to connect farmers, agribusinesses, buyers, and service providers across Africa; Kido Farms, a climate-smart agricultural enterprise focused on sustainable food production; EcoLife, an AI-powered platform promoting sustainable lifestyles and environmental responsibility; and the Phone Tracking System (PTS), an initiative aimed at reducing mobile device theft through secure digital ownership verification and collaboration with relevant authorities.

His professional interests lie at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and community development. He believes that technology should not only solve problems but also create opportunities that improve lives, strengthen institutions, and empower young people to become active contributors to Africa's future.

Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Usama has contributed to numerous peacebuilding and environmental initiatives. He has served as an Ambassador for the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and volunteered with The Earth Foundation as African Continent Team Lead for The Earth Prize, supporting outreach, environmental education, youth engagement, project coordination, and partnerships that inspired schools and communities to embrace sustainability and climate action.

His leadership journey has enabled him to collaborate with young leaders, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and development organisations across Africa and beyond, promoting initiatives that encourage innovation, environmental stewardship, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.

Usama holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics from Federal University Gusau and a Certificate in Positive Peace from the Institute for Economics and Peace. He has also completed professional training in computer networking (CCNA) and continues to expand his expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, software engineering, cybersecurity, and digital product development.

Beyond building technology products, Usama is passionate about nurturing innovation ecosystems, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, and supporting young people in developing practical skills that prepare them for the future digital economy. His long-term vision is to build globally competitive African technology companies that create lasting economic opportunities while advancing sustainable development across the continent.

Through his work, Usama continues to champion innovation as a catalyst for peace, climate resilience, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth, believing that Africa's greatest resource is its people and that empowering them with technology is key to shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future.

For speaking engagements, advisory opportunities, partnerships, media interviews, or collaboration, Usama welcomes opportunities to work with organisations and individuals committed to innovation, sustainable development, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.