40 Under 40: Kolawole Omole on a Mission to Revolutionise Property Rentals in Nigeria

Kolawole Lawrence Omole’s transition from a young Nigerian graduate with a degree in Computer Science to founding Spacerenta Innovations Ltd., is a story of grit, resilience and determination, being what it takes to thrive in Africa’s challenging entrepreneurial landscape.

With a vision rooted in transforming the property rental market in Nigeria, Kolawole has built a platform that addresses real problems while setting the stage for African innovation on a global scale. But success didn’t come overnight.

In this interview with Business Elites Africa, he opens up about the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, the defining moments that shaped his career, and how he plans to continue driving change in Africa’s tech space.

Journey of Growth and Resilience

Kolawole’s journey began over a decade ago, with a degree in Computer Science and a burning desire to create something extraordinary. “I was energetic, full of dreams, and ready to conquer the world,” Kolawole recalls.

But like many young entrepreneurs, he quickly learned that the path to success is fraught with challenges. The road has been anything but smooth, requiring him to make significant mindset shifts and adapt to numerous obstacles.

Fresh out of university, Kolawole knew that the traditional 9-to-5 wasn’t for him. He was driven by the visionary work of tech giants like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg.

But growing up in Nigeria, the environment wasn’t particularly conducive to entrepreneurship. Resources were scarce, and support for innovation was limited. Kolawole briefly worked as a contract staff member at Chevron, which provided him with a taste of the corporate world. But after eight months, he knew it wasn’t for him, and he took a bold step into freelancing. This move would lay the groundwork for what was to come.

Pivoting to Freelancing

Kolawole’s shift to freelancing was a defining moment in his career. “After my contract at Chevron ended, I decided to focus on self-development,” he shares. He immersed himself in learning software development and soon found his footing on platforms like Fiverr.

His first gig, which earned him $50, was a major turning point, propelling him into a world of opportunities. By the end of 2019, he had completed around 20 jobs and earned over $1,000. That initial success served as a springboard for his career, and by 2022, Kolawole had completed over 200 jobs for clients in 20 countries.

As he continued to expand his skills and knowledge, Kolawole pursued further education in Data Science in the UK and secured a well-paid job in the US. This international experience provided him with the resources he needed to pursue his true passion of making an impact in his home country, Nigeria.

A Gap in Nigeria’s Property Market

Kolawole vividly remembers the moment when he realised he was on the verge of something big. “I conducted a feasibility study on property rentals in Nigeria, and the fragmented nature of the market became apparent. There was immense potential for success with a unified system,” he says.

His meetings with property owners only confirmed what he already knew, he was standing at the edge of a groundbreaking venture.

This realisation led to the founding of Spacerenta Innovations Limited in 2024, a platform designed to solve real problems in the property rental market, beginning in Nigeria with plans to expand across Africa.

Spacerenta, gearing for a public launch in the coming weeks, is poised to become a game-changer in Nigeria’s housing market, leveraging technology to create a seamless experience for property owners and renters alike.

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The Secret to Success

Kolawole attributes much of his success to his unwavering commitment to excellence. “To succeed, you must be willing to go beyond the ordinary,” he says.

His focus on delivering high-quality services has been a constant throughout his career, helping him stand out in an increasingly competitive world. This drive for perfection is what led Spacerenta to meet international standards, a goal Kolawole is particularly proud of.

But for Kolawole, success isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about making a difference in his community. “I’ve identified key challenges in my community and leveraged my skills as a software developer to offer solutions,” he notes.

Spacerenta is one such solution, a platform designed to bring efficiency and transparency to Nigeria’s property market.

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The Power of Partnerships

Breaking into the African market has its unique challenges, but Kolawole has found that partnerships are key to overcoming these hurdles. “Collaboration with like-minded individuals and organisations significantly reduces obstacles and supports business growth,” he explains.

By aligning himself with partners who share his vision and values, he has been able to scale his business and navigate the complexities of the market.

Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations

Making high-stakes decisions is part of the job for any entrepreneur, and Kolawole has developed a thoughtful approach to managing risk. “When making decisions, I consider how the outcomes will affect others,” he says. This perspective allows him to think clearly and make informed decisions that benefit not only his business but also the broader community.

Kolawole understands that in an industry that evolves rapidly, staying relevant is crucial. “I stay updated with the latest trends in technology and policies affecting my industry,” he shares. This commitment to learning has helped him maintain an edge in the fast-paced world of tech, ensuring that Spacerenta remains ahead of the curve.

To future-proof his career and business, Kolawole leverages cutting-edge technologies and networks with like-minded individuals. “Staying connected and informed is key,” he emphasises, highlighting the importance of continuous learning in both personal and professional development.

Leadership Philosophy

Kolawole’s leadership philosophy is centered on emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. As his influence and responsibilities have grown, so too has his leadership style. “My leadership philosophy revolves around building emotional intelligence and exposing myself to diverse environments,” he explains. This growth mindset has allowed him to adapt to the evolving demands of his role as CEO.

Looking ahead, he envisions a future where African entrepreneurs lead the way in innovation and technological advancements.

“African leaders are reshaping global perceptions by delivering high-quality services and maintaining transparency,” he says. His vision for Spacerenta is to continue setting the standard for excellence in the property market, not just in Nigeria but across Africa.

As he reflects on his journey, Kolawole offers one key lesson for the next generation of African leaders: “Build your foundation on integrity, empathy, and competence.” These qualities, he believes, will not only set future leaders apart but also guide them toward long-term success.