In a rapidly digitizing world, user trust has become a make-or-break factor for digital adoption — and in Nigeria, that trust is faltering. Favour Adeniyi, a 24-year-old Nigerian product designer at Microsoft, is on a mission to change that.
Despite Nigeria’s growing tech infrastructure, over 70% of small businesses remain hesitant to digitize their operations, largely due to fears of cyber fraud and data breaches. This skepticism is further reflected in a report by EFInA, which shows that only 36% of Nigerians trust digital financial platforms. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, cyber fraud complaints spiked by 89%, according to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
Adeniyi, who designs enterprise security experiences at Microsoft, believes the solution lies not only in stronger systems—but in smarter, human-centered design.
“In Nigeria’s digital economy, trust isn’t just lacking—it’s nearly absent. That’s the challenge, and also the opportunity,” she said during her keynote at Morgan State University’s Women in Computer Science closing event for the 2024–2025 academic year.
She explained that many Nigerians are navigating an ecosystem plagued by failed transactions, data privacy fears, and identity theft. Nearly 39% of adults remain financially excluded, and trust—or the lack of it—is a major barrier to progress.
“What if trust could be designed?” she asked. “If people don’t feel safe using digital tools, they won’t adopt them—no matter how advanced they are.”
Adeniyi’s approach centers around inclusive design, where cultural context, accessibility, and empathy drive better outcomes for both users and businesses. At Microsoft’s Cloud + AI division, she leads UX initiatives that shape how millions of users interact with platforms like Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.
Hailing from Jos, Nigeria, and now based in the U.S., Adeniyi brings a unique blend of creativity, behavioral psychology, and technical skill to her work. She’s particularly focused on secure onboarding experiences—those first moments of engagement where users decide whether a platform feels trustworthy or risky.
“It’s not just about aesthetics or functionality,” she said. “It’s about delivering clarity, transparency, and confidence—so users feel safe enough to engage fully.”
Her work has directly influenced Microsoft’s enterprise security architecture, ensuring that sign-up processes are secure by default and resistant to fraud—critical steps in fostering global user trust.
Beyond her technical role, Adeniyi is also an advocate and mentor. She frequently speaks at international design and tech events, encouraging young Africans—especially women—to pursue careers in technology.
“People from communities like mine deserve to see themselves in tech leadership,” she said. “We belong in those rooms. Representation isn’t optional—it’s essential.”
In a time when digital transformation is accelerating but skepticism remains high, professionals like Favour Adeniyi are proving that trust isn’t just a feature—it’s a design choice. And in places like Nigeria, that choice could reshape the entire economy.
