Oluwatoyin Magbagbeola: On working to ensure technology serves as an equaliser

Back in days, there was no internet, smart phones and devices. I think life was simple and less complicated.  It was easy to hold people's attention and commitment. Then the introduction of technology changed our lifestyles. Like most things, it had it good sides and downsides. However, have you not noticed how technology has bridged distance gap, created sharp and fast solutions sharp for tasks that could have take longer periods. 

The debate on whether technology has done more harm than good would be ongoing. One thing is for sure how you use technology to your advantage depends on you and the information at your grasp. Oluwatoyin Magbagbeola belongs to the school of thought that technology has made life easier and better. She uses 'technology for good' and told us more about this in our conversation.  

Let's dive deep into the introduction of this Tech guru. Oluwatoyin Magbagbeola is the Founder, Femrivied, a mobile hiring platform that matches talented professionals with innovative companies, and Change Abeg (currently Sharp Change), a Fintech solution that is changing the game for small retail businesses.

This interview was made possible by technology. We were not in close proximity but through a direct message on social media and the use of  some tools, it was possible to make this feature happen. Her enthusiasm and efficiency showed in the prompt way she responded to the interview despite her busy schedule and we don't take it for granted.

 A single light bulb moment changed the course of her life and others around her. Read excerpts below to hear her story here on Omote Ro Dhe:

Can you tell us about your journey into entrepreneurship and what shaped your path?

My journey into entrepreneurship began when I realized that no one is coming to save me — I am the one in control of my life. That moment pushed me to take myself seriously and focus on what truly matters. Even when the steps were small, I showed up consistently and learned to appreciate progress.

As I became more aware of the gaps in access and opportunities around me, especially for young people and women, I felt driven to build solutions rather than wait for change. Entrepreneurship became my way of creating impact, solving real problems, and shaping opportunities for others while building purpose for myself.

My path has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to keep learning and showing up every day.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you wanted to build solutions for women and small businesses?

Yes — the defining moment came when I realized that the challenges I was experiencing were not unique to me but shared by many women and others. That awareness shifted my perspective; I saw an opportunity to build solutions and platforms that could address real needs while being both impactful and profitable. From that point, entrepreneurship became not just about building a business, but about creating meaningful access and support for others facing similar challenges.

What inspired the creation of Femrivied, and what gap were you trying to fill?  

Femrivied was inspired by both personal experience and observation. I had a conversation with a male executive who confidently told me that women now have more opportunities than men. I remember laughing, not out of dismissal, but because while opportunities may exist, access and outcomes are still far from equal. That moment reinforced what I had already been seeing — women are present in the ecosystem, but the systems themselves are rarely designed around their realities.

There are many job and opportunity platforms today, but very few intentionally cater to the needs, ambitions, and empowerment of women. I created Femrivied to fill that gap: a platform built to provide visibility, access, and meaningful opportunities tailored to women, helping them not just participate, but thrive and grow sustainably.

 What led to the transition from Change Abeg to Sharp Change?  

The transition from Change Abeg to Sharp Change was primarily driven by regulatory requirements, as the original name could not be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Rather than abandon the vision, we rebranded to a name that remained closely aligned with our original idea and mission.

Sharp Change continues the same purpose, helping small businesses across Africa easily transact, manage, and make better use of their daily retail change. The transition marked not just a name change, but a step toward building a more structured and scalable platform for small business financial inclusion.

What lessons have you learned building in the fintech space?  

Building in the fintech space has been a continuous learning journey for me. I’m learning every day — especially about the regulations, compliance requirements, and controls that govern the industry. More importantly, I’ve learned that successful fintech solutions must be deeply rooted in understanding the real needs of users. My biggest lesson has been focusing on how technology can genuinely improve the lives and financial experiences of small business owners across Africa.

One book or film that changed your perspective?

One film that changed my perspective is the TV series Industry. I deeply resonate with the character Harper Stern, a Black woman navigating a highly competitive space traditionally built for and dominated by white men. 

Her story of resilience, ambition, and constantly proving her place strongly connected with my own experience of building and navigating systems where I often feel like an outsider. It reinforced my belief in persistence, self-confidence, and creating space where representation and access truly exist.

Books or heels or makeup?

Matter of fact, I want the three at once.

Your work is deeply rooted in impact. What does “technology for good” mean to you in practice?

To me, “technology for good” means building solutions that genuinely improve people’s everyday lives, not just creating innovation for innovation’s sake. In practice, it means designing technology that expands access, removes barriers, and creates real economic opportunities — especially for people who are often overlooked by traditional systems.

My work focuses on ensuring that technology serves as an equalizer. Whether it’s helping women access opportunities through Femrivied or enabling small businesses to better manage their finances through Sharp Change, the goal is always impact alongside sustainability. Technology for good is successful when it empowers people to participate fully, grow independently, and achieve better outcomes because the system was intentionally built with them in mind.

What would success look like for you personally?

Success, for me personally, means making a meaningful impact in the lives of others and inspiring people to believe in their own potential. It’s about creating opportunities, empowering others to grow, and knowing that the work I do contributes to positive change beyond myself.

Early mornings or late nights?

Late nights so I can catch up with movies and TV dramas

A quote you live by

"Courage isn't about showing up without fear, it's about showing up even with fear in one's heart"