The story of many of the world’s most influential leaders often begins with a “one-person army” phase—a period defined by pure grit, a DIY spirit, and the integrity to see a vision through. Okosubide Mozimo, the Managing Director of Arco Worldwide Services (AWS) Limited, fits this mold perfectly. He started as the firm’s sole employee, an engineer wearing every hat from high-level strategist to boots-on-the-ground executor. Today, he leads a powerhouse of over 100 professionals, proving that massive success is possible when a leader knows how to build sustainable systems from scratch.
Mozimo’s leadership philosophy wasn’t picked up in a classroom; it was forged in the heat of operational reality. Early in his career, he realized that a plan on paper is only as good as its ability to survive the friction of the real world. For him, “impact” isn’t a corporate buzzword—it is a necessity for the continent. Seeing the massive gap between available drone technology and its practical application in Africa, he set out to build a company that doesn’t just provide a service but solves critical security and infrastructure problems.
Established in 2016 as a subsidiary of the ARCO Group—a giant with over 45 years in the oil and gas sector—AWS was designed to provide elite drone surveillance and data services. Their work now spans everything from maritime and military defense to agriculture and telecommunications. The company is deeply invested in ecosystem building. By launching a dedicated training academy, Mozimo is ensuring that high-tech skills are transferred to locals, making the growth of the company synonymous with the development of the community.
The transition from a single staff member to leading a team of over a hundred has been a profound journey for Mozimo. In the early days, leadership simply meant “doing”—handling procurement, operations, and strategy all at once. As the company scaled, he had to shift his focus from doing the work to designing the systems that perform the work. Today, his energy is directed toward international partnerships and steering the company’s expansion across West Africa, supported by a leadership team he personally mentored to handle daily execution.
The road hasn’t been without its hurdles. Navigating the complex regulatory landscape of aviation and drone technology required a mix of resilience and diplomacy. Mozimo found himself acting as a bridge between rigid global standards and local logistical realities. He also faced the classic “founder’s challenge”: moving from a one-man show to a corporate structure. This meant not just hiring the right people, but instilling a culture of ownership. He shifted from being a manager to a mentor, ensuring his team understood the “why” behind every mission.
One of his proudest achievements is securing accreditation as a reseller for top-tier global aviation manufacturers. For Mozimo, this validates the idea that an indigenous African company can operate at the highest international levels. He envisions AWS becoming the continent’s premier drone operator, with a full value chain that includes production and maintenance. This ambition is guided by three non-negotiable principles: resilience, integrity, and safety. If a deal or a decision compromises any of these, the answer is a firm “no.”
To keep the company sharp, Mozimo has fostered a culture of accountability and “Glocal” thinking. He encourages innovation by giving his team complex problems to solve rather than just a list of tasks, granting them the autonomy to propose the best tech solutions. He also believes that in a sector where technology and regulations change overnight, adaptability is the only way to survive. By staying flexible, AWS has successfully pivoted into high-tech aviation security and surveillance, staying well ahead of the curve.
Beyond the office, Mozimo remains a student of his craft, currently pursuing an MBA to bring fresh global perspectives to his business. He stays grounded through community leadership, serving in key roles within the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association. His advice to the next generation of African leaders is simple but powerful: start small, but never stop thinking big. He urges emerging entrepreneurs to build their processes early and, above all, to never sacrifice their reputation for a quick win.
