VDL Technologies has marked its 10th anniversary with a strategic outlook focused on artificial intelligence innovation and international expansion, as the mobile-first digital solutions provider reflects on a decade of growth from a modest start-up to a multi-platform tech company.
A statement from the firm stated that the milestone was commemorated at a celebratory event held in Lagos on Friday, bringing together industry stakeholders, partners, and staff to review the company’s journey and future direction. Although the company officially reached the 10-year mark in February, the celebration was held in May as a broader reflection of its evolution.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VDL Technologies, Oluwarotimi Fasuyi, alongside Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Ayodele Fasuyi, recounted the company’s early beginnings, noting that operations started from a small home office before transitioning into a structured technology firm.
Fasuyi explained that he resigned from formal employment to build the company, initially running operations from his sitting room for about two years. “If I can do it for the past 10 years, bootstrapping the business, surviving, and thriving in Nigeria, others can too,” Mr Fasuyi said at the event.
“It is what you believe that you become. We believe that there is no better place for us to launch our products and drive growth than Nigeria,” he added.
He also outlined the company’s next phase of growth, which includes expansion into international markets. “In the next two to five years, VDL Technologies intends to expand to Europe, America, and the Middle East,” he said.
A major focus of the anniversary was the company’s increasing investment in artificial intelligence-driven solutions. Guests were introduced to the Markov Games AI platform, a gamified system designed to deliver personalised, skill-based digital engagement and reward users based on performance.
According to COO Ayodele Fasuyi, artificial intelligence has become central to the company’s operations and service delivery. “AI is the next big thing, and it is here to stay. We are leveraging AI to improve our services and help customers meet their needs. Our Markov Game AI interacts with the customer and adapts to them specifically,” Mrs Fasuyi stated.
She added that VDL is expanding its AI application beyond entertainment into health and enterprise solutions, citing Amani Health, a digital mental health platform that connects users experiencing emotional, psychological, or behavioural challenges with certified therapists.
The company also highlighted MOVIL, a consumer intelligence platform designed to manage large-scale promotional campaigns for fast-moving consumer goods companies across millions of users simultaneously.
The event also featured an awards segment recognising partners and organisations that have contributed to VDL’s growth over the past decade. Stanbic IBTC received the Technology Excellence of a Decade Award, while Intelligence Innovation, Kunle Erinle, was named Best Performing Partner.
The Decade of Excellence Awards were also presented to MTN Nigeria Chief Digital Officer, Aisha Umar Mumuni, Airtel Nigeria’s Guruman Iwundu, and Glo Nigeria’s Rajan Bhalla. Interswitch Limited, Nina Jojer, and Softcomm Limited were also honoured for their contributions to the ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sola Oni, Dean of the School of Management and Social Sciences at Pan-Atlantic University and Non-Executive Director at Systemspecs Nigeria, commended VDL Technologies for sustaining operations in a sector where many start-ups fail within a few years.
“Ten years in this space is no joke. My charge to VDL and other tech companies is the proper utilisation of technology. We want the human to be at the centre of the solution… such that it is to the benefit of humanity and not to its detriment when these products hit the market,” Oni said.
The anniversary also featured cultural performances, including choreography, spoken word, and live music, reflecting the celebratory tone of the event.
As VDL Technologies enters its second decade, its leadership says the focus will remain on scaling AI-driven products, expanding into global markets, and strengthening its position as a competitive player in the international technology ecosystem.
