African Tech Roundup

Episode overview: In this conversation, Verto co-founder and CEO Ola Oyetayo shares the journey of building a cross-border payments platform that tackles the unique challenges African businesses face when making international transactions. Since graduating from Y Combinator in 2019, Verto has established itself as what Oyetayo describes as a profitable and cashflow positive fintech serving multiple African markets. Incidentally, the company recently made headlines after winning the prestigious $1 million Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech. He discusses his team's pragmatic approach to addressing payment barriers in emerging markets, why traditional financial institutions have failed to serve these regions effectively, and how technology can disrupt traditional banking networks that have historically excluded certain markets. Andile Masuku engages Oyetayo on the evolution of fintech in Africa, the role of privilege and networks in business success, and the future potential of stablecoins to revolutionise cross-border payments in ways that might prove more transformative for emerging markets than developed ones. Key topics: - Verto's position in the cross-border payments landscape - The strategic decision to focus on B2B rather than consumer payments - The untapped $286 billion trade flow between Africa and China - Why 96-97% of business cross-border payments still go through traditional banks - The innovator's dilemma Verto faces with the rise of stablecoins Notable points: 1. In 2018, Oyetayo launched Verto's business model alongside his co-founder Anthony Oduu after spotting a solutions gap for African businesses making international payments outside of traditional banks 2. Verto has been profitable and cash flow positive for approximately 18 months 3. How a chance meeting with legendary VC Vinod Khosla at YC in 2019 first turned him on to the stablecoin investment opportunity—years before they became mainstream 4. The company operates in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and the Francophone region 5. Despite previous experience in institutional finance, Oyetayo admits "ignorance is bliss" helped him tackle a problem others saw as too risky 6. The potential of stablecoins to solve liquidity, volatility and capital control challenges in emerging markets Listen out for Oyetayo's take on Paystack's B2C play Zap, the fintech ecosystem implications of Moniepoint's "unicornification," and his contrarian insight that stablecoins will revolutionise emerging markets while having minimal impact in developed economies: "This is not a popular opinion... There's just no case for stablecoins in developed markets. People talk about, oh, it's going to disrupt Visa and MasterCard... I don't see that coming anytime soon." Image credit: Verto

Episode overview: In this conversation, David Ogundeko shares the journey of Funema, an impact-focused alternative investment firm operating for nine years across Nigeria, South Africa, and the US. He discusses his approach to venture building for early-stage founders, why Africa needs a unique investment approach, and how his firm addresses the "chicken and egg" challenge that idea-stage founders face: needing traction to raise funds while needing the right talent to gain that traction. Andile Masuku engages Ogundeko on the evolution of venture building in Africa, from being "mocked" five to six years ago to now becoming an essential element in the ecosystem. Throughout the conversation, Ogundeko makes a compelling case for why Africa's tech ecosystem requires patient capital with 15-25 year horizons rather than traditional 10-year VC fund lifecycles. Key topics: - The evolution of Funema's venture building model over nine years - Why service-based businesses can evolve into stronger tech companies - Misalignment between traditional VC timelines and African market realities - The importance of founder emotional connection to problems they're solving - How AI is democratising education and knowledge across the continent - Funema's ambitious plans to scale venture building across Africa Notable points: 1. Ogundeko developed his venture building thesis after working at Seedstars in 2016, flipping their model to focus on founders with their own ideas 2. Funema has a portfolio of 20+ companies built over nine years of operation The firm prefers working with founders who start with service models to develop deeper market understanding before scaling with technology 3. Traditional 10-year VC timelines are insufficient for African tech development, with Ogundeko advocating for 15-25 year investment horizons 4. Funema is planning to reach 1,000 founders over the next two years and train 100,000 venture builders over five years What makes Funema's approach distinctive is his patience and belief in deep market understanding: "We didn't exactly start out with a very sexy business model. But the learnings that we've been able to get from the market, which we've automated into a platform, is becoming a product that you can call a pure tech business."

Meet Marie Lora-Mungai, expert advisor in African creative industries and sports business and founder of Restless Global - whose 20-year journey from CNN journalist to production company founder to industry advisor gives her a unique vantage point on Africa's creative economy. In thought-provoking conversation with Andile Masuku, Lora-Mungai makes a compelling case for African filmmakers to stop seeking funding for traditional productions and instead leverage AI tools to create content independently. Episode overview: The discussion stems from Lora-Mungai's viral Linkedin post warning African filmmakers about AI disruption. She points to a jarring disconnect: while some creators are still trying to raise millions for conventional productions, others are creating professional-quality content using AI tools on a laptop. The conversation explores how this technological shift is redefining what it means to be a filmmaker in 2025 and beyond. Key topics: - The widening gap between traditional film projects and AI-enabled production - How AI tools are eliminating conventional barriers to content creation - The shift from specialised roles to comprehensive creative vision - Why traditional fundraising may be obsolete for many productions - The changing landscape for talent, especially voice actors and performers - Emerging regulatory needs for protecting creative identity in an AI world Notable points: 1. Many Nollywood filmmakers are not yet leveraging AI, though the first AI-themed movie releases this month in Nigeria 2. Independent filmmakers Hussain Sambal are creating professional-quality content using AI with minimal resources 3. Lora-Mungai advises creators to "build in public" rather than spending time seeking traditional funding 4. AI tools are making traditional film specialisations like editing and visual effects increasingly obsolete 5. Blockchain and Web3 technologies may become essential for tracking and monetising creative assets in an AI-dominated landscape Be sure to listen out for a particularly candid moment when Masuku reveals he recently turned down offers from companies wanting to replicate his voice using AI, and Lora-Mungai's forthright response about the inevitability of this transformation. Here's a link to Marie Lora-Mungai's inciting Linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marieloramungai_african-filmmakers-we-need-to-talk-about-activity-7312399340570918912-uVie?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAGwgRYBG52bgfG6IE0hzny7wKy24y4L_74) Image credit: Restless Global

Episode overview: In this conversation, Fatu Ogwuche shares insights into her transition from working at Meta and consulting for Nigeria's Electoral Commission to launching her own media platform, Big Tech This Week. She discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach to storytelling, and the unique position independent creators hold in today's media landscape. Andile Masuku describes Ogwuche as "low-key the industry's head of intelligence" - a title earned through her knack for asking the right questions, journalistic research methods, and ability to get people comfortable enough to share meaningful insights about the African tech ecosystem. Key topics: - Transitioning from corporate roles to independent media ownership - The power of personality-driven content creation - Building authentic connections with interview subjects - Research as a foundation for compelling storytelling - The growth and evolution of Africa's tech media landscape - The balance between reporting ecosystem challenges and celebrating wins Notable points: 1. Ogwuche started Big Tech This Week as a hobby while working at Meta during the pandemic, seeking creative expression outside her corporate role 2. Her experience representing Nigeria's Electoral Commission on television at age 24-25 shaped her understanding of effective communication 3. The African tech and media ecosystems are both relatively young—many major startups and publications are only 10-16 years old 4. Independent creators are increasingly collaborating across borders to tell stories in fresh, compelling ways 5. Thorough research and genuine curiosity are central to Fatu's interview approach, allowing for deeper conversations with tech leaders Projects mentioned: - The Crossover Show 2024 - Ogwuche's year-end review featuring conversations with ecosystem leaders about significant trends and looking ahead to 2024 | Link: https://youtu.be/s31x58-EnJU?si=dvGqM9PDDnHFkSJP - "If Weekend Go Sweet" - A collaborative op-ed between Ogwuche and Masuku examining African tech's 2024 "Wednesday signals" | Link: https://www.africantechroundup.com/op-ed-if-weekend-go-sweet-fatu-ogwuches-reading-of-african-techs-2024-wednesday-signs-2/ - Backstories with Fatu - Ogwuche's interview series featuring tech entrepreneurs who don't typically do many interviews | Link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFlwhyjoaXiZl0M34txzp8ACjqAQt8wC&si=v3XWNApO8Hik1rWo Fatu approaches her work with an authenticity that makes interview subjects comfortable sharing insights they might not reveal elsewhere. As both she and Andile note, what sets her apart is her combination of strategic intelligence, legal background, natural curiosity, and creative spark—along with a commitment to presenting information in ways that engage and inform. As the African tech ecosystem continues to develop alongside its media landscape, voices like Fatu's provide not just reporting but vital context and nuance, helping audiences understand both challenges and opportunities in a balanced way.

This episode features an engaging conversation with Rob Bergman, Chief Investment Officer at Unicorn Factory, exploring the nuanced intersection of digital infrastructure investment and internet connectivity ecosystem development across Africa. Episode overview: Andile Masuku engages with Bergman to unpack his 12-year journey in African investment, examining how Unicorn Factory's distinctive two-pillar approach combines operational expertise with strategic advisory and deal brokering services to accelerate digital infrastructure development across the continent. Bergman reflects on his transition from traditional M&A in Europe to impact-driven infrastructure investment in Africa through Unicorn Factory, a family office and permanent capital vehicle focused on long-term investments across four main business segments, including digital infrastructure and communication technologies. He advocates passionately for his firm's vision for a highly-collaborative and mutually-beneficial carrier neutral setting for digital transformation in African markets. Key topics: - Carrier-neutral infrastructure development - Ecosystem-driven investment strategies - Digital infrastructure value chain dynamics - Market liberalisation and regulatory frameworks - Infrastructure financing models - Sustainable profitability versus charitable approaches Notable points: 1. The strategic importance of carrier-neutral infrastructure in African markets 2. Unicorn Factory's two-pillar business model combining operations and advisory 3. The catalytic role of WorkOnline as an IP transit provider 4. Current advisory mandates approaching $900 million for continental infrastructure 5. South Africa as a case study for successful market liberalisation Listen in for practical insights into infrastructure investment, ecosystem development and digital transformation across Africa's evolving technology landscape.

Episode Overview: This episode features a relaxed, peer-to-peer conversation between two media entrepreneurs—African Tech Roundup co-founder and executive producer Andile Masuku, and Money & Moves founder and writer Tinashe Mukogo. They explore how Mukogo draws on his background in consulting (Deloitte), corporate venture capital (Next47), and organisational finance (Siemens), along with his CA and INSEAD MBA credentials, to deliver sophisticated yet accessible analysis of African businesses. What starts as an origin story and a look into his approach to business journalism expands into a deep dive on turning media assets into sustainable businesses. Mukogo and Masuku explore strategic considerations, revenue model challenges, and innovation opportunities in building independent media ventures that balance public interest with commercial viability. Key topics: - Leveraging corporate experience for credible financial analysis - Strategic approaches to finding and maintaining "blue ocean" market positions - The geography advantage: How distance can aid editorial independence - Business model innovation in African media markets - Building personal brands alongside institutional credibility - The role of independent media in developing investment ecosystems Notable points: 1. How geographic distance from Zimbabwe enables more objective coverage of major corporations 2. The limitations of traditional advertising models when covering potential advertisers 3. The strategic value of building long-term credibility before monetisation 4. Why individual voices often carry more trust than institutional media 5. The "billionaire model" and its implications for editorial independence Listen in for an unfiltered discussion between two media entrepreneurs on the practical challenges and strategic opportunities in building independent financial media properties in African markets.

Episode Overview: This episode features a deep conversation with Joshua Bicknell, co-founder of Balloon Ventures, exploring how the organisation evolved from a non-profit connecting young people with informal entrepreneurs to becoming a financial institution that's deployed over $14 million in loans to SMEs across Kenya and Uganda, while openly sharing portfolio data to prove the viability of SME lending as an asset class. Key topics: - The false gospel of universal entrepreneurship - Defining and creating "good jobs" - Blended finance and return expectations - The power of boring businesses - Data transparency in impact investing - Cash-based economies and digitalisation Notable points: 1. Their portfolio businesses represent 8% of Eastern Uganda's GDP—approximately 0.5% of the country's total GDP 2. The institution provides loans of $10,000-$200,000 bundled with 6 months of business support 3. They're helping validate that SME lending can be viable with the right approach to data and risk 4. Their model challenges the "have your cake and eat it" narrative in impact investing 5. They're open-sourcing portfolio data to encourage other institutions to enter the space Listen in for practical insights into how traditional brick-and-mortar businesses can drive meaningful economic development and job creation in East Africa's emerging markets. Image credit: Balloon Ventures

This episode features a brief check-in with Ochuko Ogra, Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer at Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN), sketching Nigeria's digital infrastructure landscape. Episode overview: BCN has over 1,000 km of wholly-owned fibre infrastructure, primarily in the North-Central and North Eastern parts of Nigeria. Citing its stronghold in Northern Nigeria to its expanding national footprint, Ogra shares how BCN is leveraging its two decades of experience in Nigerian telecommunications to drive the country's digital transformation agenda. Key insights: - Nigeria currently has 8 subsea cables landing in the country - The country's 200+ million population presents significant opportunities across retail and enterprise segments in country and to its West African neighbours - A young, digitally-native population is driving content creation and digital service adoption - BCN's approach emphasises customer value creation across both enterprise and end-user segments - The company's strong presence in Northern Nigeria positions it well for national expansion - Strategic focus encompasses education, healthcare and public sector digitalisation - Government commitment to digital transformation includes a 92,000km fibre network initiative - Emphasis on business collaboration over competition in emerging technology integration Editorial Note: This podcast conversation was recorded at the fringes of NOVACOM Africa 1-to-1 Telco Summit 2024 in Franschhoek, South Africa, where African Tech Roundup's executive producer Andile Masuku attended as an independent media guest. African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight and is not affiliated with the event organisers. Image credit: Nova Summits Limited

Listen in as Alan Knott-Craig Jr, son of Alan Sr, the pioneering co-founder and first CEO of Vodacom, one of South Africa's leading mobile network operators, and later the feisty CEO of challenger telco Cell C—takes us through a transformative career moment that set the stage for his future ventures. Episode overview This early 2016 conversation finds Alan Knott-Craig Jr in a moment of trademark forthrightness. Fresh from his tenure as CEO of Mxit, once Africa's largest social network with over 50 million registered users, he was already building Project Isizwe, a non-profit bringing free public Wi-Fi to South African townships, while laying the groundwork for HeroTel—reportedly the country's largest fixed wireless internet service providers. His journey would later lead to founding FiberTime, his current venture bringing pay-as-you-go fibre internet to townships through an innovative voucher-based model—an offering in a growing field of players serving underserved communities. Critical points - The fascinating disconnect between Knott-Craig Jr's prominent surname and admittedly privileged middle-class roots—his father never held Vodacom shares and put him through government schools - His journey from dutiful son following paternal direction until 25 to forging his own entrepreneurial path - The honest characterisation of Project Isizwe's non-profit work as "sincerely selfish" What we know now Viewed from 2025, this conversation foreshadowed key developments in Knott-Craig Jr's trajectory: - The evolution from running Africa's largest social network to pioneering township internet connectivity models - His transition through various ventures: from Project Isizwe's free township Wi-Fi network to HeroTel's rural broadband expansion, and now FiberTime's pay-as-you-go township fibre model - The emergence of his distinctive voice on entrepreneurship, particularly evident in his strongly-opinionated social posts and entrepreneurship books. Questions we're pondering - Could Mxit, with over 50 million registered users at its peak, have dominated African mobile social networking if it had doubled down on being a dating platform instead of taking WhatsApp head-on? - After writing several books about entrepreneurship over the last decade, has Knott-Craig Jr fully embraced vulnerability in "Life Lessons: How to fail and win" (June 2024)? - Will FiberTime's pay-as-you-go model or some derivative—no contracts, just vouchers for 24 hours of uncapped 100Mbps—prove to be the key that unlocks true digital inclusion in South African townships? Image credit: Stokoekeagan

Episode overview This unfiltered 2017 archive dialogue captures Maya Horgan Famodu (Founder and Partner, Ingressive Capital) before she became known for straight-talking LinkedIn posts about founder insights and personal growth. Fresh from investment banking, she was forging new pathways between Silicon Valley capital and African startup innovation via carefully-curated investor tours—laying the groundwork for the launch of Ingressive Capital's investment months later. Listening back, you can hear how the same independence and non-traditional EQ that helped a "small girl from a trailer park" believe she could launch a VC fund was already shaping her vision. Critical points - The early signs of the independent thinking that would later become her trademark - How her unconventional background shaped her approach to investment - Why bridging Silicon Valley and African tech required a translator's insight - The unexpected ways growing up between worlds prepared her for building cross-cultural understanding What we know now Looking back from 2024, this conversation reveals both professional and personal threads that would define Horgan Famodu's impact: - The shift from understated confidence to singular public voice - How her own story of independent creativity would later resonate with investors and founders - The evolution from curating entrees to the African tech startup opportunity to foreign investors to leading investments Questions we're pondering - How has Horgan Famodu's public sharing of her personal journey influenced African tech discourse? - What role does authentic leadership play in venture capital today? - How has the relationship between personal story and professional impact evolved in African tech?

As we wind down 2024, we're diving into our archives to serve up some memorable throwback conversations. Whether you're a long-time listener revisiting these gems or discovering them for the first time, these conversations capture pivotal moments in Africa's tech journey. In today's episode, we're rewinding to 2018... Episode overview: Join us as we eavesdrop on a fascinating corridor conversation from Afrobytes Tech Marketplace in Paris featuring Amadou Daffe, who has since transformed Gebeya from an Ethiopian tech talent marketplace into a pan-African hybrid organisation connecting African developers with global opportunities, and Adewale Yusuf, who went from leading the tech media platform Techpoint to founding AltSchool Africa, which is now expanding online tech education from Africa into Europe. What makes this chat particularly relevant today is how it foreshadowed Ethiopia's emergence as a tech talent powerhouse and Nigeria's developer compensation dynamics. Critical insights: 1. The "Andela Effect" on developer salaries in Nigeria and its impact on local startups 2. Ethiopia's unique developer culture characterised by quiet confidence and humility 3. The stark contrast between Ethiopian and Nigerian developer mindsets 4. An unexpected revelation about Paga's Ethiopian development roots Standout moments: - Daffe reveals why he chose Ethiopia over Nigeria and Kenya for his tech venture - A surprising disclosure about Ethiopian developers' role in programming Sophia the robot - The parallel drawn between Nigeria's music industry success and its tech ecosystem Market intelligence (circa 2018): - Ethiopia: 43 universities offering computer science degrees Nigeria: Developer salaries reaching $50,000, pricing out local startups - Ethiopian developers' competitive advantage: Similar quality at $10,000/year Looking back, looking forward: As we revisit this conversation in 2024, it's fascinating to see how many of these observations played out. Has Ethiopia realised its potential as a tech hub? Have Nigeria's developer salary dynamics stabilised? We're curious... - Did this episode resonate with your current experience in either market? - Should we get Daffe and Yusuf back on the show to discuss how things have evolved for them as founders? - Are you a developer from either country? We'd love to hear your perspective!

Meet Chijioke Dozie, the co-founder steering Carbon through Nigeria's increasingly noisy neobank scene. In this candid chat with Andile Masuku, Dozie makes a case for zigging while others zag—specifically, charging for value while competitors burn cash on free services. It's a stance that might raise eyebrows in Nigeria's price-sensitive market, but as you'll hear, it's backed by 12 years of hard knocks and savvy iteration. Episode Overview: Carbon spotted a massive gap in Nigeria circa 2012 - imagine a market of 180 million people where barely 200,000 had credit cards. It's the kind of statistical disparity that makes you do a double-take. The conversation reveals how this reality shaped Carbon's contrarian approach to building a licensed digital bank in Africa's largest economy. Key topics: - The distinction between neobanks across different markets - Trust-building in digital banking through institutional frameworks - The evolution from free services to value-based pricing - The impact of founder experience on investor confidence - Market size challenges in African banking Notable points: 1) Carbon achieved profitability in 2018 and 2019, having raised only $12 million in equity 2) The company has processed loans for over 5 million Nigerians across three economic cycles 3) Nigeria's credit-to-GDP ratio was only 6% compared to South Africa's 70% when Carbon started 4) The company is shifting away from digital-only to include offline touchpoints Be sure to listen out for a particularly candid moment when Dozie reflects on two key decisions made during pivotal moments in Carbon's history—choices he admits he would reconsider if given the chance.

Ambar van der Wath—who leads investor relations at one of Africa's leading accelerator slash VC firms, Baobab Network—discusses with Andile Masuku how the firm is creating accessible entry points for cautious investors interested in early-stage African tech startups. Episode Overview: Picture this: You're an international investor curious about African tech, but you're not quite ready to write million-dollar checks or commit to a 7-year fund lockup. That's exactly the puzzle Baobab Network is solving with their new-ish investment vehicle - allowing investors to back a batch of startups for as little as $20K. Key topics: Innovation in early-stage investment vehicles Market education and investor development Secondary markets and exit opportunities Equity considerations for early-stage founders The strategic role of venture debt Risk management across African markets Notable points: 1. Baobab Network is spreading bets across 16 markets (and counting) 2. Their portfolio has hit 60 companies, with half joining in just the last two years 3. They're actively hunting for founders who didn't go to Harvard (their words, not ours) 4. Sometimes they even manage early exits - Van der Wath shares about a secondary sale just 14 months post-investment Through their innovative batch investment approach, Baobab Network is creating what Van der Wath describes as a "trusted layer" between international capital and African startups. Listen in for her insights on secondary markets. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in African tech investment, especially newcomers exploring the ecosystem for the first time. Image credit: Nerene Grobler via Unsplash

This episode features an illuminating dialogue with Lanre Kolade, Chairman of ConnectedCompute, CEO of Koltronics Nigeria and former CEO of CSquared, exploring the intricate dynamics of infrastructure development and digital transformation across Africa. Episode overview: Andile Masuku engages with Kolade to unpack his 26-year journey in African broadband connectivity, examining the delicate balance between commercial viability and developmental impact in major infrastructure projects. Kolade shares profound insights on building sustainable digital infrastructure in African markets as he reflects on his experience leading groundbreaking initiatives at CSquared, including the Google Equiano Cable landing in Togo in 2022. Key topics: • Blended finance models for infrastructure development • Digital colonisation and sovereignty • Public-private partnerships in African markets • Infrastructure's role in ecosystem development • Patient capital versus commercial funding • Long-term impact versus short-term returns Notable points: 1. The landmark Google Equiano Cable landing in Togo through CSquared 2. Innovation in blended finance structures combining government, development, and private funding 3. The transformative impact of strategic infrastructure investments 4. The role of patient capital in African digital development Perspectives on emerging technologies like Starlink Listen in for practical insights into infrastructure development, innovative financing, and digital transformation across Africa's evolving technology landscape. Editorial Note: This podcast conversation was recorded at the fringes of NOVACOM Africa 1-to-1 Telco Summit 2024 in Franschhoek, South Africa, where African Tech Roundup's executive producer Andile Masuku attended as an independent media guest. African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight and is not affiliated with the event organisers.

In an era where authentic ecosystem engagement is highly-prized, this episode features a candid conversation with Jasiel Martin-Odoom, Africa Investment Officer at Accion Venture Lab, exploring the intersection of venture capital and connectivity-focused content creation and ecosystem building in African tech. Episode overview: Andile Masuku sits down with Jasiel Martin-Odoom to unpack his unique approach to ecosystem engagement, scaling personal impact through content creation and driving value for founders across Africa. Reflecting on his experience transitioning from investment banking to fintech-focused impact VC, Martin-Odoom offers actionable insights on building authentic connections in the digital age. Key topics: • Authenticity in digital ecosystem building • Content creation as deal flow mechanism • Impact investing in African markets • The evolution of venture capital engagement • Scaling personal impact through technology • Building sustainable founder relationships Notable points: 1) Martin-Odoom's consistent content creation spanning 792 days 2) His transition from 100 to 11,000 social media followers through authentic at-scale engagement 3) The development of AI-powered content scaling systems 4) Sneak-peek into Accion Venture Lab's investment thesis 5) Perspectives on democratising access to investor insights Listen in for practical insights into modern ecosystem building and venture capital engagement in Africa's dynamic tech landscape.

In a landscape where African tech startups often chase buzzwords and quick wins, some founders are taking a more fundamental approach to innovation. This episode explores how one Zimbabwean entrepreneur is building sustainable tech ventures by focusing on first principles. Episode overview: In this deeply candid conversation, Andile Masuku sits down with Victor Mapunga, the widely-covered founder of blockchain-based identity startup FlexID and authorised Starlink satellite internet service provider Shona Prince Technologies, to explore the intersections of digital identity, satellite internet and the future of connectivity in Africa. Drawing from his journey building multiple ventures in Zimbabwe, Mapunga shares hard-earned insights about the realities of African tech entrepreneurship and why solving fundamental infrastructure challenges must precede sophisticated technological solutions. Key topics: • First principles thinking in African tech • The reality of fundraising in emerging markets • Infrastructure challenges and tech innovation • Building products for African contexts • The myth of the founder as hero • Digital identity solutions for emerging markets • Internet connectivity challenges and solutions • The role of stealth mode in building • Startup ecosystem development • The future of African tech infrastructure Notable points: 1. Mapunga reveals that out of 500 VC pitches, fewer than five resulted in investment 2. The discussion explores why African tech needs to solve basic infrastructure before scaling 3. Insights into building FlexID and the challenges of digital identity in Africa 4. Analysis of why many well-funded African startups fail 5. Perspectives on the role of internet connectivity in enabling digital innovation Listen in for raw, unfiltered insights into building technology companies in Africa's challenging but opportunity-rich environment. Editorial Note: This episode was recorded at the fringes of the iFHP Big Ideas Workshop 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. While supported by the International Federation of Health Plans (iFHP), African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial independence, and the views expressed by the host and guests are entirely their own.

In a rapidly evolving financial services landscape, traditional African insurers are racing to modernise their operations and product offerings to meet changing consumer needs. This episode explores how one of East Africa's largest insurance providers is navigating this transformation. Episode overview: In this first instalment of a special two-part miniseries on digital transformation across Africa's insurance and healthcare sectors, Andile Masuku, sits down with Evah Kimani, director of partnerships and digital at Britam. With over 18 years' experience spanning telecommunications, ICT and financial services, Evah provides unique insights into how legacy insurers are embedding their products into everyday consumer touchpoints. Key topics: • Digital transformation strategies in traditional insurance • Embedding insurance in daily consumer moments • The influence of cultural practices on financial innovation • Product development in the digital age • Partnership strategies for insurance providers • The role of telco in modern insurance • Innovation in East African insurance markets • Traditional vs digital distribution channels • Consumer behaviour and insurance adoption • The future of African insurtech Notable points: 1) Kimani shares how Britam is modernising its product development approach to meet evolving consumer needs 2) The discussion explores how cultural practices like 'chamas' and 'harambees' are shaping financial services innovation 3) Insights into embedding insurance products within everyday activities like buying airtime or hailing rides 4) Analysis of how traditional insurers can compete in an increasingly digital marketplace 5) Perspectives on the intersection of telecommunications and insurance services Listen in for valuable insights into how Kenya's market-leading insurer is adapting to serve the next generation of African consumers whilst maintaining its commercial dominance. Editorial Note: This episode is part of a special two-part miniseries made possible through the support of the International Federation of Health Plans (iFHP). It was recorded at the fringes of the iFHP Big Ideas Workshop 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Whilst supported by iFHP, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial independence, and the views expressed by the host and guests are entirely their own. Image credit: Nappy / Unsplash

In October 2022, Safaricom launched its telecommunications services in Ethiopia, marking a major milestone as the first private operator to enter the Ethiopian telecom market. This move broke the long-standing monopoly of state-owned Ethio Telecom and was seen by many as a significant step towards liberalising the country's telecom sector. The company had officially been licensed in July 2021, with a record $850 million licensing fee—the largest foreign direct investment in Ethiopia at the time. Safaricom committed to investing around $8 billion over the next decade to build its infrastructure and services, aiming to enhance competition and improve connectivity for millions of Ethiopians. However, Safaricom's launch did not come without challenges. The rollout faced delays due to socioeconomic and security issues within the country. Initially planned for an earlier start, the company adopted a phased approach, beginning with services in Dire Dawa and targeting expansion to 25 cities by April 2023. That move reportedly saw significant infrastructure investments being made, including the construction of mobile towers and a national transmission network, alongside the importation of over $300 million worth of equipment. Episode overview: Fast forward to October 2024, in this episode of the African Tech Roundup Podcast, Yahya Banafa gives Andile Masuku a behind-the-scenes peek at the challenges and opportunities Safaricom is facing as it continues to establish itself in Ethiopia. He offers a practical perspective on building and deploying modern telecom infrastructure from scratch in a market that's evolving rapidly. Key topics: • Planning and engineering a mobile network in a new market • Tackling Ethiopia's unique terrain and altitude challenges • Balancing regulatory hurdles with business goals • Managing unexpected surges in data demand • Forming strategic partnerships within the telecom sector • Exploring the future potential of mobile money services • Optimising network coverage across diverse landscapes • Introducing 5G technology to meet growing demand • Meeting the digital needs of Ethiopia's younger generation • Addressing competition from new market entrants like Starlink Notable points: Banafa delves into the complex process of network planning, touching on the importance of meeting both regulatory standards and service quality benchmarks. He explains how Safaricom has adjusted its approach to handle Ethiopia's high-altitude regions and varied geography. The conversation reveals that higher-than-expected demand for data services has pushed Safaricom to accelerate its 5G rollout. There's also a discussion about the potential of mobile money services in Ethiopia, with insights drawn from the success of M-Pesa in Kenya. Banafa stresses the importance of collaboration across the telecom sector to enhance the customer experience. Listen in for valuable insights into the strategic decisions behind Safaricom's efforts to establish a cutting-edge telecom network in Ethiopia. It sheds light on how technology, regulations, and market dynamics intersect to shape the country's digital future. Editorial Note: This interview was recorded at the fringes of NOVACOM Africa 1-to-1 Telco Summit 2024 in Franschhoek, South Africa, where Andile Masuku attended as an independent media guest. African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight and is not affiliated with the event organisers. Image credit: Gift Habeshaw

In the opening episode of the Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series, titled "Touching Brains", Wits University research collaborators Sahba Besharati and Victoria Williams let us in on their multidisciplinary exploration of the complex impact of COVID-19 on human interaction and touch. Featuring insights from various studies and discussions around the experiences of parents and caregivers during the pandemic, Andile Masuku (host), examines the significance of physical contact, the resilience of human beings and the potential long-term effects of altered social interactions. Key themes: - Perception of touch across societies: We pose the question: Is touch perceived differently across cultures? This episode examines how various societies interpret and engage in physical contact, influenced by factors like cultural norms and societal structures. - COVID-19 and proximity: We discuss how the pandemic has reshaped perceptions of proximity and touch, as health protocols and safety measures have altered traditional practices and interactions. - Humanities and neurosciences connection: The episode connects the humanities and neurosciences, demonstrating that a greater understanding of localized experiences can enhance rather than challenge universal principles. Most of the world is not 'WEIRD' (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic), yet much research in fields like psychology and neuroscience has historically been conducted in WEIRD contexts. This raises questions about the applicability of such research to diverse populations. - Resilience of families: Despite the challenges, we explore the resilience of families in fostering connections during the pandemic and how lockdowns may have strengthened bonds. - Long-term implications of touch: We address the significance of touch in maintaining social relationships and contemplate the potential long-term effects of social deprivation on mental health and development. Learn more: Discover the ongoing research and work being conducted in the field of humanities and neuroscience by visiting the Wits Neuroscience Research Lab: https://www.witsneurl.com Production credits: Produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Written and hosted by Andile Masuku Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine

In this episode, Wits University media researchers Samuel Olaniran and Iginio Gagliardone guide an audio tour into the complex world of conspiracy theories in the era of social media and global crises. Drawing from multiple research findings and expert dialogues, Andile Masuku (host) grapples with the complex function of conspiracy theories in our society. Rather than dismissing them solely as social ills, he investigates their potential as tools for challenging authority and frameworks for understanding our social environment. This approach acknowledges that conspiracy theories can serve as a means for marginalised groups to question power structures and make sense of confusing or threatening events. Key themes: - Historical context of conspiracy theories - Impact of social media on the spread and study of conspiracy theories - The role of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic in shaping conspiratorial narratives - Technological advancements in studying conspiracy theories in real-time - Conspiracy theories as a form of social commentary and sense-making - The balance between critical thinking and supporting conspiratorial claims Learn more: Click here to discover the ongoing research and work being conducted in the field of media studies by visiting the Wits Department of Media Studies: https://www.wits.ac.za/mediastudies Production credits: Produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Written and hosted by Andile Masuku Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Voice acting by Nkululeko Sibiya and Damilola Oladokun Editorial Note: The Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series is made possible through support from the Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand. Views expressed by the host and contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of African Tech Roundup or the University of the Witwatersrand. All rights reserved by the University of the Witwatersrand.

In the third and final episode of the Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series, titled "The Gig Economy's Hidden Costs", Wits social scientist and researcher Fikile Masikane guides an exploration of the complex realities facing gig workers in the Global South, particularly food courier riders in Africa. Featuring insights from a study conducted with Edward Webster, Andile Masuku delves into the challenges and contradictions of the gig economy, examining how promises of entrepreneurship and freedom often lead to harsher working conditions and increased precarity. Key themes: - Expansion of e-hailing and e-delivery platforms in the Global South - Promises vs. realities of gig work entrepreneurship - Impact of profit-driven policies on driver conditions - Vulnerability of migrant and economically disadvantaged populations - Contrast between company narratives and worker experiences - Long-term implications of gig economy practices on labor rights and social equity Learn more: Click here to discover the ongoing research and work being conducted in the field of labor studies and inequality by visiting the Wits Southern Centre for Inequality Studies: https://www.wits.ac.za/scis Production credits: Produced by Andile Masuku and Iginio Gagliardone Co-produced by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Written and hosted by Andile Masuku Recording, editing, sound design and mixing by Brendan "Spike" Ballantine Editorial Note: The Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series is made possible through support from the Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand. Views expressed by the host and contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of African Tech Roundup or the University of the Witwatersrand. All rights reserved by the University of the Witwatersrand.

In this special edition of the African Tech Roundup podcast, taped at the fringes of the inaugural Africa Digital Transformation Strategy Summit (convened by NOVACOM Summits), Refiloe Mpakanyane investigates the state of digital transformation in Africa through conversation with four seasoned corporate C-suite executives spearheading corporate innovation in Africa. Dr Juliet Ehimuan is formerly Director of Google West Africa. Juliet posits three critical pillars of digital transformation: access, local content development, and tech entrepreneurship. Citing the role of smartphone adoption in driving digital access across Africa, Juliet believes that skills development is essential for participation in the digital economy and that governments can play a significant role in digitizing services, enhancing efficiency, and promoting digital skills among citizens. As the Chief Strategy Officer of Liquid Intelligence Technologies, Dr Willie Oosthuysen serves a Cassava Technologies subsidiary with an extensive presence in over 20 African countries and a fibre optic network spanning more than 110,000 kilometres. Willie holds that even as regulatory challenges persist across the continent, with governments often struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology and innovation, Africa adapts successful technology models from more developed regions, with a lag of 2 to 3 years. Varun Giridhar is the CEO of Continuous Power Africa. The episode acknowledges the challenges of infrastructure, energy costs, and other hurdles in Africa's digital transformation. Varun is inclined to view Africa's energy challenges as opportunities for innovation. He is upbeat as he reflects on the continent's progress since Continous Power Africa started providing nimble, cost-effective distributed energy to telecommunications partners in Africa and beyond. He is particularly bullish on more recent trends towards the deployment of remote control and autonomous interventions. Elhad Kassim Said Ahmed is the Head of Submarine Optical Fiber Network at Comoros Cables. Comoros Cables is a company from a small island nation with a grand vision for connectivity. Elhad sheds light on Comoros Cables' ambitious vision to position itself as a pivotal hub for broadband connectivity. This vision is underpinned by Comoros' strategic geographical location, nestled in the Mozambique Channel. This location allows them to connect not only with the Asian markets but also with the northern and southern regions of the African continent. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content. Image credit: Gabriel Meinert

In this African Tech Conversations episode, guest host Kate Bryne chats with avid AI proponents Jania Okwechime (Partner at Deloitte - West Africa Data Analytics Leader) and Wessel Oosthuizen (AI Lead - Deloitte Analytics). Listen in for deep insights about the pros and pitfalls of AI and to grasp the profound potential impact AI might have on the Web3 universe as we build it out. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this African Tech Conversations episode, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

In this UNAJUA episode, Kate Byrne parses through majorly-hyped trends like "play-to-earn" to pinpoint the true potential of the extraordinary new level of connectivity and engagement enabled by applied Web3 technologies. This podcast is the third and final instalment of the three-part UNAJUA Series focused on distilling a handful of global Web3 buzz trends like crypto, NFTs, the metaverse and even AI— reflecting how they are unfolding within an African context. Kate has served as a C-Suite executive leader at blue chip brands such as Katapult X, SOCAP Global, Inc, Fast Company and the George Lucas Education Foundation. She is currently the Chief Impact Officer of PopVenture— a new financial system enabling everyone to invest in entrepreneurs and innovations that will impact all our lives. She is an experienced, strategic self-starter intent on channelling her many years of hands-on experience in traditional and new media, fintech, and tech community building to create useful products people need and love. Kate is also the host of two great podcasts worth checking out, Women Advancing and Rebels with a Purpose. OP-ED: Africa's biotech industry can deliver social and economic returns by Sona Mahendra for African Tech Roundup (www.africantechroundup.com/africas-bio…-mahendras/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

In this UNAJUA episode, Kate Byrne gauges the ongoing fallout of the current global meltdown in crypto markets and speaks on the current international tenor in crypto adoption. This is the second instalment of a three-part UNAJUA Series focused on distilling a handful of global Web3 buzz trends like crypto, NFTs, the metaverse and even AI— reflecting how they are unfolding within an African context. Kate has served as a C-Suite executive leader at blue chip brands such as Katapult X, SOCAP Global, Inc, Fast Company and the George Lucas Education Foundation. She is currently the Chief Impact Officer of PopVenture— a new financial system enabling everyone to invest in entrepreneurs and innovations that will impact all our lives. She is an experienced, strategic self-starter intent on channelling her many years of hands-on experience in traditional and new media, fintech, and tech community building to create useful products people need and love. Kate is also the host of two great podcasts worth checking out, Women Advancing and Rebels with a Purpose. OP-ED: Africa's biotech industry can deliver social and economic returns by Sona Mahendra for African Tech Roundup (https://www.africantechroundup.com/africas-biotech-industry-can-deliver-social-and-economic-return-sona-mahendras/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the first episode of a UNAJUA Series focused on distilling a handful of global Web3 buzz trends like crypto, NFTs, the metaverse and even AI— reflecting how they are unfolding within an African context. Offering minimum viable insight in this series is the inimitable Kate Byrne. Kate has served as a C-Suite executive leader at blue chip brands such as Katapult X, SOCAP Global, Inc, Fast Company and the George Lucas Education Foundation. She is currently the Chief Impact Officer of PopVenture— a new financial system enabling everyone to invest in entrepreneurs and innovations that will impact all our lives. She is an experienced, strategic self-starter intent on channelling her many years of hands-on experience in traditional and new media, fintech, and tech community building to create useful products people need and love. Kate is also the host of two great podcasts worth checking out, Women Advancing and Rebels with a Purpose. So, are NFTs over? Listen in for Kate's nuanced international take. OP-ED: Africa's biotech industry can deliver social and economic returns by Sona Mahendra for African Tech Roundup (https://www.africantechroundup.com/africas-biotech-industry-can-deliver-social-and-economic-return-sona-mahendras/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the final episode of the three-part UNAJUA Series focused on what sets blockchains apart. Seasoned Kenyan blockchain developer and Web3 enthusiast Jordan Muthemba is on strike for this series. In this podcast, Jordan Muthemba explains how blockchain (network) users vote and elect delegates to validate the next block using a concept called Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS). Jordan is a full-stack developer with over five years of experience in Kenya's buzzy IT scene. He is currently serving as a smart contract developer and Web3 project advisor on a handful of projects for the likes of Canza Finance, SendVillage and Ubrica. He is also an active Celo Community educator and advocate. OP-ED: Crypto adoption in Nigeria keeps chugging along by Oluwaseun Adegoke Oyeniyi (www.africantechroundup.com/cryto-adopt…ging-along/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is Part 2 of a three-part UNAJUA Series focused on what sets blockchains apart from each other. Seasoned Kenyan blockchain developer and Web3 enthusiast Jordan Muthemba shares insights on this series. Jordan is a full-stack developer with over five years of experience in Kenya's buzzy IT scene. He is currently serving as a smart contract developer and Web3 project advisor on a handful of projects for the likes of Canza Finance, SendVillage and Ubrica. He is also an active Celo Community educator and advocate. In this podcast, Jordan explains what consensus mechanisms are and breaks down how 'proof of work' and 'proof of stake' work. OP-ED: Crypto adoption in Nigeria keeps chugging along by Oluwaseun Adegoke Oyeniyi (www.africantechroundup.com/cryto-adopt…ging-along/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is Part 1 of a three-part UNAJUA Series focused on what distinguishes different types of blockchains from each other. Seasoned Kenyan blockchain developer and Web 3 venture builder Jordan Muthemba shares insights on this series. Jordan is a full-stack developer with over five years experience in Kenya's buzzy IT scene. He is currently serving as a smart contract developer and Web3 project advisor on a handful of projects for the likes of Canza Finance, SendVillage and Ubrica. He is also an active Celo Community educator and advocate. On this podcast, Jordan offers a concise, accessible answer to the question, Are all blockchains the same? OP-ED: Crypto adoption in Nigeria keeps chugging along by Oluwaseun Adegoke Oyeniyi (https://www.africantechroundup.com/cryto-adoption-in-nigeria-keeps-chugging-along/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This special piece of podcast storytelling offers a compelling glimpse into the heart and mind of one of Africa's most gifted multi-hyphenate technological innovators, Babusi Nyoni. Babusi is a Zimbabwean creative technologist, social entrepreneur and gqom producer with an extraordinary personal story. He is a self-taught tech pro whose project credits include creating what Forbes magazine described as “the world's first AI football commentator” for the UEFA Champions League final (on behalf of Heineken) in 2016. In the same year, he built a prototype for predicting human displacement in Africa using AI. The latter initiative led to him launching an AI project pilot for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). In 2019, Babusi built a prototype app for Parkinson's disease early diagnosis using computer vision and presented his findings at the Skoll World Forum at Oxford University. In 2020, he co-founded Sila Health, a healthtech startup that provides last-mile health care access across Africa using chat platforms and creates comprehensive datasets to advance healthcare in the region. SPECIAL THANKS: This podcast was written, produced and narrated by Andile Masuku, with invaluable editing and soundscaping assistance provided by Spike Ballantine and Rasmus Bitsch. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

Standing in for Musa Kalenga on this African Tech Conversations instalment is Andile Masuku, whose day job is serving as Head of Community at Founders Factory Africa (FFA). Andile extends a recent lunch break exchange he had with his FFA colleagues Hope Ditlhakanyane (Head of Venture Sourcing) and Nzwisisa Chidembo (Head of Engineering) at the office. This podcast offers a candid glimpse into the personal blockchain investment and venture building proclivities of two top-drawer African tech industry pros. It's a show not to miss. Editorial Disclaimer: While the Celo Community Fund supports this African Tech Conversations episode, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by the host, Musa Kalenga, and his guest do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (https://www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the final episode of a three-part UNAJUA Series focused on the Blockchain Africa investment opportunity, featuring venture capitalist Hope Ditlhakanyane and venture builder Nzwisisa Chidembo. In their respective roles at hybrid investor, venture builder and accelerator company, Founders Factory Africa (FFA), Hope and Nzwi have recently collaborated to vet the investment worthiness of two African blockchain tech startups, which eventually landed FFA's backing. In this episode, Hope and Nzwi share practical approaches to systematically assessing the commercial credentials of startups building in the blockchain space. OP-ED: Taking art onto a global stage through digital technology by Andile Masuku for Business Report - IOL News (www.iol.co.za/business-report/en…-a6b9-53e65c367a1c) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the second episode of a three-part UNAJUA Series focused on the Blockchain Africa investment opportunity, featuring the passionate South African venture capitalist Hope Ditlhakanyane and seasoned Zimbabwean venture builder Nzwisisa Chidembo. In their respective roles at hybrid investor, venture builder and accelerator company, Founders Factory Africa, Hope and Nzwi have recently collaborated to facilitate VC investment in two promising African blockchain tech startups. Nzwi was an early adopter of Bitcoin and other blockchain applications on the private investment side of things. He now has a growing personal portfolio of blockchain investments. Meanwhile, Hope is a confessed late-joiner to the space both as a private and corporate investor. But, she's keenly making up for the lost time by finessing smart blockchain investments in her personal capacity while refining her playbook for backing the space as an institutional VC. So, is there a helpful framework for thinking about crypto as a personal investment opportunity? Listen in to hear Nzwi and Hope offer some pointers. OP-ED: Taking art onto a global stage through digital technology by Andile Masuku for Business Report - IOL News (www.iol.co.za/business-report/en…-a6b9-53e65c367a1c) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the first episode of a three-part UNAJUA Series dealing with investing in African blockchain tech. And we're stoked because it's the first to feature two voices. The first voice you'll hear is that of Hope Ditlhakanyane. Hope is a venture capital pro helping African tech founders land the resources and support they need to build and scale their startups. Hope is particularly committed to backing woman founders, and to that end, she's an active woman-focussed angel investor. She currently serves as Head of Venture Sourcing at the Pan-African investor, venture builder and accelerator company, Founders Factory Africa. Joining Hope on the mic is her work colleague and friend, Nzwisisa Chidembo. Nzwi is the Head of Engineering at Founders Factory Africa, and over the last few years, he's helped build and scale numerous tech-enabled ventures across the continent. He's also an entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience across various industries such as telecoms, e-commerce, biotechnology, retail and, more recently, blockchain tech. In their respective roles at Founders Factory Africa, Hope and Nzwi have recently collaborated to facilitate VC investment in two promising African blockchain tech startups. Nzwi was an early adopter of Bitcoin and other blockchain applications on the private investment side of things. He now has a growing personal portfolio of blockchain investments. Meanwhile, Hope is a confessed late-joiner to the space both as a private and corporate investor. But, she's keenly making up for the lost time by finessing smart blockchain investments in her personal capacity while refining her playbook for backing the space as an institutional VC. In this episode, Hope and Nzwi reflect on how Africa's VC industry currently frames blockchain tech as a viable investment opportunity. OP-ED: Taking art onto a global stage through digital technology by Andile Masuku for Business Report - IOL News (https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/entrepreneurs/taking-art-onto-a-global-stage-through-digital-technology-41dcb280-a61a-4b77-a6b9-53e65c367a1c) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This throwback bonus episode features a chat with Ray Youssef taped in 2019. Ray is Co-founder and CEO of Paxful, a US-headquartered peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace he dubbed at the time the "Uber for money" with a mission to “make the poor rich”. (A rambunctious ambition, to be sure.) That year, Ray was one of the speakers at the Blockchain Africa Conference, and we thought it might be handy to reshare this podcast as a reflection cue for deliberations at this year's virtual instalment of the event. Enjoy! Editorial Disclaimer: Bitcoin Events is the presenting sponsor of this podcast conversation. Bitcoin Events are the convenors of the Blockchain Africa Conference (http://blockchainafrica.co) happening online on 17-18 March 2022. African Tech Roundup is pleased to be a media partner to the event. Register for FREE: https://blockchainafric.floor.bz African Tech Roundup is pleased to be a media partner to the event. The African Tech Roundup team maintains complete editorial oversight, and opinions expressed by the podcast host, Musa Kalenga, do not necessarily reflect the views of the presenting sponsor, Bitcoin Events. OP-ED: How African Digital Currency Innovation Found Roots in a Village by Michael Kimani for Kenyan Wallstreet (khttps://kenyanwallstreet.com/sarafu-communi…al-currencies/) SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This African Tech Conversations episode features Sonya Kuhnel. In 2014, Sonya co-founded Bitcoin Events, a company that hosts some of South Africa's leading cryptocurrency and blockchain events - not least, the annual Blockchain Africa Conference. Sonya is also the Co-founder at Xago, a startup offering an XRP cryptocurrency exchange, gateway and payment platform built on the Ripple blockchain. In this conversation, Musa Kalenga invites Sonya to leverage her enviable ecosystem vantage point and live in-trench experience to reflect on how the continent's blockchain tech landscape is shaping up and her sense of how Web3 adoption is emerging in different markets. Editorial Disclaimer: While the Celo Community Fund supports this African Tech Conversations episode, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by the host, Musa Kalenga, and his guest do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (https://www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

Thinking about starting or joining a DAO? In the last of a three-part share focusing on how DAOs work, Nigerian creator, scientist and knowledge worker Justin Irabor offers a handy take about whether or not you should. OP-ED: How African Digital Currency Innovation Found Roots in a Village by Michael Kimani for Kenyan Wallstreet (kenyanwallstreet.com/sarafu-communi…al-currencies/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

Self-taught software developer and serial digital product creator Emmanuel Babalola is Director for Africa at the world's largest crypto exchange, Binance. Emmanuel is also the interim CEO of a social payments app for cash and crypto called Bundle. In this conversation with Musa Kalenga, Emmanuel shares a little bit about his personal Web3 journey to date and outlines Binance's 'Blockchain Africa' aspirations. Editorial Disclaimer: Bitcoin Events is the presenting sponsor of this podcast conversation. Bitcoin Events are the convenors of the Blockchain Africa Conference (http://blockchainafrica.co) happening online on 17-18 March 2022. African Tech Roundup is pleased to be a media partner to the event. Register for FREE: https://blockchainafric.floor.bz The African Tech Roundup team maintains complete editorial oversight, and opinions expressed by the podcast host, Musa Kalenga, do not necessarily reflect the views of the presenting sponsor, Bitcoin Events. OP-ED: How African Digital Currency Innovation Found Roots in a Village by Michael Kimani for Kenyan Wallstreet (khttps://kenyanwallstreet.com/sarafu-community-governed-digital-currencies/) SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the second of a three-part share explaining how DAOs work. In this episode, Nigerian creator, scientist and knowledge worker Justin Irabor offers pointers on setting up a DAO. OP-ED: How African Digital Currency Innovation Found Roots in a Village by Michael Kimani for Kenyan Wallstreet (kenyanwallstreet.com/sarafu-communi…al-currencies/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the first episode of a three-part UNAJUA series that explains how Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) work. Nigerian creator, scientist, and knowledge worker Justin Irabor presents the series. ‌‌On this podcast, Justin tackles the question, Why DAO? by offering reasons why anyone intent on building valuable things on the Web would do well to lean into the decentralised autonomous organisation trend. Now, the last five years have seen Justin go from being a content writer to working as a performance marketer, then on to becoming a director of growth at Eden Life, and eventually morphing into a full-stack web developer. When Justin isn't posting viral hot-takes on Twitter and writing widely-read think pieces, he works as a dev at the Serbian platform-as-a-service provider, TradeCore—where he's helping build next-generation banking and investment products. OP-ED: How African Digital Currency Innovation Found Roots in a Village by Michael Kimani for Kenyan Wallstreet (https://kenyanwallstreet.com/sarafu-community-governed-digital-currencies/) EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: While the Celo Community Fund supports this UNAJUA Series, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (https://www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

In this instalment of African Tech Conversations, Michael Kimani talks Musa Kalenga through his somewhat unlikely personal blockchain journey—a story that begins with a laptop, $600 and repurposed writing skills and leads to the birth of the Blockchain Association of Kenya. Michael is a Kenyan blockchain enthusiast, data wrangler and entrepreneur based in Nairobi. Michael has advised numerous Africa-focused blockchain projects and is currently co-founder at airtime digital money marketplace, Fonbnk, where he spearheads growth for African markets. Editorial Disclaimer: While the Celo Community Fund supports this African Tech Conversations episode, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by the host, Musa Kalenga, and his guest do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund. SUPPORT US: Value our work? Then, join our Patreon Community (https://www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/) and help the African Tech Roundup platform remain single-mindedly focused on serving Africa's tech and innovation ecosystem with robust independent insight and learning content.

This is the second episode of the African Creative Business, Today (ACBT) capsule mini-series, which explores in-trench personal and professional realities at the intersection of creativity, business, and technological change. In this podcast, Nigerian visual artist Ayanfe Olarinde talks about how her art journey emanated from personal scribbles grappling with imperfection and a quest for acceptance. In her art, Ayanfe exploits several mediums, including ink, paint, wire, and discarded objects. Her scribbles, doodles, sculptures, paintings, digital art, upcycled artworks explore a broad range of social issues and matters of self-exploration. Her work has evolved to include photography and mixed media collages. More recently, she's started leaning into the global NFT art trend, which has helped grow her already impressive international profile. Ayanfe's career highlights include being nominated for the Future Awards Prize for Arts in 2019, exhibiting solo at the 25th Bamako Encounters exhibition, being part of group exhibitions at SMO Contemporary Arts at the Wheatbaker, Retro Africa, AAF Lagos, Rele Gallery, Moeshen Art Gallery and Thoughts Pyramid, and having her work featured by Vogue, Konbini, RADR Africa, Reuters, CNN, NowThis News, Euro News, MSN among other outlets. Editorial Disclaimer: African Creative Business, Today (ACBT) is a collaboration between African Tech Roundup and Ahmed Amine Azouzi's media production imprint, Qlam. This project's inaugural four-part capsule series is kindly supported by the BMW Foundation and the Segal Family Foundation. SUPPORT US: Support African Tech Roundup's independent media-making efforts by becoming a Patreon ( https://www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/).

This is the third and final instalment of our three-part Web3-themed UNAJUA series featuring Kenyan blockchain enthusiast, data wrangler and entrepreneur Michael Kimani. On this podcast, Michael will draw on his live industry experience to offer examples of Web3 plays in Africa worth keeping an eye on, and he'll hint at trends in the space that he's backing with his own time, effort and money. Michael is a Kenyan blockchain enthusiast, data wrangler and entrepreneur based in Nairobi. Michael has advised numerous Africa-focused blockchain projects and is currently co-founder at airtime digital money marketplace, Fonbnk, where he spearheads growth for African markets. Editorial Disclaimer: While this UNAJUA Series is kindly supported by the Celo Community Fund, African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the African Tech Roundup or the presenting sponsor, Celo Community Fund.

On this UNAJUA podcast, Michael Kimani briefly introduces Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (commonly known as DAOs). He also shares a bit of the emerging trend of building internet businesses designed to share the commercial upside with users, explaining how internet entrepreneurs interested in building Web3 solutions would do well to lean into this dynamic. Michael is a Kenyan blockchain enthusiast, data wrangler and entrepreneur based in Nairobi. Michael has advised numerous Africa-focused blockchain projects and is currently co-founder at airtime digital money marketplace, Fonbnk, where he spearheads growth for African markets.

In this opening episode of an UNAJUA Series focused on demystifying the ‘Web3' trend and unpacking how it is unfolding within an African context, Michael Kimani offers ‘minimum viable responses' to pertinent crowdsourced questions. Michael is a Kenyan blockchain enthusiast, data wrangler and entrepreneur based in Nairobi. Michael has advised numerous Africa-focussed blockchain projects and is currently co-founder at airtime digital money marketplace, Fonbnk, where he spearheads growth for African markets. On this podcast, Michael tackles the question, What is Web3? by answering two related sub-questions: How has the internet experience of the everyday African evolved since they began to adopt its use in earnest in the 2010s? and How might we frame the potential impact of the Web3 trend on the continent's digital transformation journey?

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen In the third and final episode of this music industry-themed UNAJUA series featuring Yaw Asamani, Yaw takes sets out the pros and pitfalls of music streaming and outlines the potential for smaller artists to enter the orbit of some of the world's biggest musical acts. Yaw reckons that the music industry is the cornerstone of the current global 'creator economy' boom—a trend he expects to expand even further. Yaw Asamani is a music tech entrepreneur. Yaw previously founded DooWapp, an app for adding playable song lyrics to messages and posts—think musical emojis. He was also formerly MD at Airbit, a leading Marketplace for selling beats online. He has recently founded and leads Bawse, a pre-launch platform looking to empower DIY artists, creators and music executives. Click here (or on the microphone icon on the right of your screen) to leave us a 60-sec voice note with your reactions to any of the topics raised in the UNAJUA Series. (We will include some of your audio takes in future follow-up episodes.) PROMO: African Tech Roundup is partnering with Socialstack to launch a social token ($ATRU) on the Cello blockchain to drive community engagement. Listen in to today's episode to see how you could be one of the first few to receive some $ATRU social token. USEFUL RESOURCES: JOIN THE REVOLUTION: Create a Celo Account via Socialstack EARN $ATRU TOKEN: Click here to complete the form and earn your $ATRU. SUPPORT US: Support our independent media-making efforts by becoming a Patreon.

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen The second instalment of this music tech-themed UNAJUA series featuring Yaw Asamani addresses how global streaming platforms aren't necessarily geared towards enabling African artists to cultivate sustainable livelihoods. Yaw also explains how artists might make leverage audience analytics to build and expand their reach. Yaw Asamani is a music tech entrepreneur. Yaw previously founded DooWapp, an app for adding playable song lyrics to messages and posts—think musical emojis. He was also formerly MD at Airbit, a leading Marketplace for selling beats online. He has recently founded and leads Bawse, a pre-launch platform looking to empower DIY artists, creators and music executives. Click here (or on the microphone icon on the right of your screen) to leave us a 60-sec voice note with your reactions to any of the topics raised in the UNAJUA Series. (We will include some of your audio takes in future follow-up episodes.) PROMO: African Tech Roundup is partnering with Socialstack to launch a social token ($ATRU) on the Cello blockchain to drive community engagement. Listen in to today's ep‌isode to see how you could be one of the first few to receive some $ATRU social token. USEFUL RESOURCES: JOIN THE REVOLUTION: Create a Celo Account via Socialstack EARN $ATRU TOKEN: Click here to complete the form and earn your $ATRU. SUPPORT US: Support our independent media-making efforts by becoming a Patreon.

In this music tech-themed UNAJUA series, Yaw Asamani taps his live industry experience to explore how African artists are using a plethora of social and technological platforms to find their voices, build audiences and monetise their art. Listen in to learn how the streaming era has ushered in lucrative opportunities for African artists to develop and dominate niche audiences and serve loyal international fan bases. Yaw Asamani is a music tech entrepreneur. He previously founded DooWapp, an app for adding playable song lyrics to messages & posts, think musical emojis. Former Managing Director at Airbit, a leading Marketplace for selling beats online. Currently, founder at Bawse, a pre-launch platform looking to empower DIY Artists. Click here (https://telbee.io/channel/uuatbnkraty1vn-nkazpcg/index.html) to leave us a 60-sec voice note with your reactions to any of the topics raised in the UNAJUA Series. (We will include some of your audio takes in future follow-up episodes.) PROMO: African Tech Roundup is partnering with Socialstack to launch a social token ($ATRU) on the Cello blockchain to drive community engagement. Listen in to today's episode to see how you could be one of the first few to receive some $ATRU social token. JOIN THE REVOLUTION: Create a Celo Account via Socialstack(https://wallet.socialstack.co/) EARN $ATRU TOKEN: Click here to complete the form and earn your $ATRU(https://forms.gle/CE7DrkszZzLXDCA6A). SUPPORT US: Support our independent media-making efforts by becoming a Patreon (https://www.africantechroundup.com/patreon/).

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen Christiaan Steyn is the head of a new South African insuretech startup called MiWay Blink. In the second episode of this two-part conversation, Christiaan lets us in on developing an insuretech startup during a pandemic and building on the success of its incumbent parent company. MiWay Blink was launched in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the thick of the COVID pandemic. In this instalment, Christiaan taps into the launch of MiWay Blink and how the culture of scaling what works and ditching what doesn't has proven to be the right formula. He further expands on how to navigate the corporate challenges and drawbacks that working with established boards can have on startups. Editorial Disclaimer: MiWay Blink is the presenting sponsor of this two-part podcast conversation. African Tech Roundup maintains complete editorial oversight, and opinions expressed by the podcast host, Andile Masuku, do not necessarily reflect the views of the presenting sponsor, MiWay Blink. USEFUL RESOURCES: SUPPORT US: Support African Tech Roundup's independent media-making efforts by becoming a Patreon.

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen In the fourth and final instalment of this blockchain-themed UNAJUA series with Citi Group's Ronit Ghose, Ronit explores the philosophical basis for backing the centralisation or decentralisation of global finance. He also tackles the notion of tokenisation and how societal consensus regarding the value of money shapes commerce and culture. Ronit Ghose is the Global Head of Banking, Fintech, and Digital Assets for Citi Global Insights (Citi Group). Ronit is also the lead author of the Citi Global Perspectives & Solutions (Citi GPS) insights platform. He advises Pan-African VC, Launch Africa Ventures and talent search startup Remotexec, and sits on the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) advisory board. Click here (or on the microphone icon on the right of your screen) to leave us a 60-sec voice note with your reactions to any of the topics raised in the UNAJUA Series. (We will include some of your audio takes in future follow-up episodes.) PROMO: African Tech Roundup is partnering with Socialstack to launch a social token ($ATRU) on the Cello blockchain to drive community engagement. Listen in to today's episode to see how you could be one of the first few to receive some $ATRU social token. USEFUL RESOURCES: JOIN THE REVOLUTION: Create a Celo Account via Socialstack EARN $ATRU TOKEN: Click here to complete the form and earn your $ATRU. SUPPORT US: Support our independent media-making efforts by becoming a Patreon.

Enjoy the first episode of the four-part mini-series African Creative Business, Today (ACBT) capsule mini-series in a slight change of pace. The ACBT series explores in-trench personal and professional realities at the intersection of creativity, business and technological change. In this podcast, self-titled "professional music enthusiast" and live music curator Christine Msibi talks about navigating the post-COVID realities within South Africa's vibrant creative industry. Christine is an arts administrator and co-founder/managing director of Jozi Unsigned; an agency positioned as an independent musical talent incubator specialising in project managing, producing, and promoting the live music experience. She is presently contracted to The Music In Africa Foundation as a project coordinator. Some of Christine's career highlights with Jozi Unsigned include curating the first two UJ Weekend of Jazz festivals (2018/2019), curating the headliners for the award-winning I Love Soweto Market (2014 to date), leading the promotion of Msaki in Joburg (2014- 2016) and engaging in a pioneering partnership with Concerts SA (2014 to date). Editorial Disclaimer: African Creative Business, Today (ACBT) is a collaboration between African Tech Roundup and Ahmed Amine Azouzi's media production imprint, Qlam. This project's inaugural four-part capsule series is kindly supported by the BMW Foundation and the Segal Family Foundation. SUPPORT US: Support African Tech Roundup's independent media-making efforts by becoming a Patreon.