On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Felix Macharia, a trained medical doctor turned crypto entrepreneur who's revolutionizing financial access across Africa through Kotani Pay, a platform enabling people without smartphones to transact in cryptocurrency via simple USSD codes.Felix's journey began in 2016 at the University of Nairobi School of Medicine, where sharing a room with software developers exposed him to the transformative potential of fourth industrial revolution technologies.While his roommates experimented with VR headsets, robotics, and neural networks, blockchain technology captured their collective imagination not just for its financial potential, but because it was permissionless. For the first time, Felix could participate in global markets simply with an internet connection. The turning point came at a meetup in Kibra, where data annotators were being paid in stablecoins for training AI algorithms. The challenge? Converting crypto to cash required dangerous daily exchanges with cash couriers.Felix and his team solved this by bridging crypto wallets with local payment systems, eventually creating USSD-based wallets for feature phone users, bringing blockchain technology to refugees, farmers, and underserved communities across Africa.Today, Kotani Pay addresses Africa's critical dollar shortage crisis. With African nations importing heavily while holding dollar-denominated debts, local businesses face crippling currency scarcity.Stablecoins offer a lifeline $60 billion moved to Nigerian wallets alone between 2023-2024, with billions more across South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. From importers paying suppliers in Dubai to startups paying remote workers across borders, stablecoins are democratizing access to US dollars and slashing transaction costs from 8-16% to mere cents.Felix's vision extends beyond payments to wealth democratization. In societies where colonial legacies concentrated land ownership and banking systems prioritize collateral most young people don't have, blockchain offers an alternative path. A Gen Z with internet access can earn, hold, and use crypto assets to fund their dreams just as Felix funded Kotani Pay without traditional bank loans.Now licensed in South Africa and pursuing compliance in Kenya, Kotani Pay exemplifies how African innovators are shaping Web 3's promise: read, write, and own. Felix's message to the next generation is clear: learn these technologies, take courageous steps, build with aligned teams, and leverage the fourth industrial revolution to create opportunities that conventional systems cannot provide. The future of African prosperity may well be permissionless
To keep up with Felix's journey, check out his LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-machariaCheck out Kotani Pay:https://kotanipay.com/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, Alice sits down with Oscar Koome, an investment associate at Acumen and co-host of Mantalk.ke, to explore his remarkable journey from data protection advocate to venture capitalist and media entrepreneur.
Oscar's story began with an unexpected friendship that would shape his entire career trajectory. A high school connection with the son of Cisco's General Counsel led to an internship in London, where Oscar discovered data protection wasn't just compliance,it was a competitive moat.
This revelation sparked a decade-long passion for understanding how technology, governance, and economic opportunity intersect.
From his early work on Africa's data protection regulation to selling cybersecurity products in Nairobi's central business district, Oscar learned to bridge the gap between Fortune 500 frameworks and local African realities.
His path took him through legal practice, where he witnessed PPP deals and REITs transform balance sheets into student housing, revealing finance as the missing middle between big ideas and tangible impact.
Today at Acumen, Oscar focuses on early-stage ventures in climate tech, agriculture, and clean energy sectors he believes are the flywheels of East African growth. His investment philosophy is clear: measure business performance rigorously, eliminate bias, and define impact jointly with founders who know their terrain best.
But Oscar's most audacious experiment may be Mantalk itself. What started as a barbershop podcast evolved into a data-driven exploration of a 35-million-man market across East and Southern Africa, a demographic largely ignored by mainstream marketing. His thesis? While 95% of digital ad spend targets women, men represent an underserved opportunity for local brands beyond betting and alcohol.
Oscar's journey proves that non-linear paths create unique value. By wearing multiple hats, legal, financial, and entrepreneurial, he's positioned to de-risk ventures others might overlook. His anchor? A belief that this generation will witness the Africa that pan-African visionaries dreamed of, and a determination to play his part in making it real.
To keep up with Oscar's journey, check out his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-koome
Check out Mantalk Here:https://www.youtube.com/@ManTalkKe
__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Caine Wanjau, co-founder and CEO of Digitax, a visionary product thinker quietly revolutionizing Africa's digital financial infrastructure.In a continent where over 80% of economic activity thrives in the informal sector, tax compliance remains a critical barrier to SME growth and government revenue.This is where Caine steps in. Drawing from 15 years of technology experience across agritech, banking, and public transport, he tackles this challenge head-on with Digitax, a platform meticulously designed to make tax compliance accessible, reliable, and seamless for businesses across Kenya, Zambia, and Nigeria.The conversation reveals sobering realities: Sub-Saharan Africa loses over $500 billion annually in uncollected taxes, with 75% of Kenyan SMEs struggling to meet KRA deadlines. Yet Caine's approach offers genuine hope, building solutions that meet businesses exactly where they are, whether through USSD options, custom integrations, or intuitive user interfaces that require no technical expertise.Beyond technology, Caine shares hard-earned wisdom about entrepreneurship in Africa. From taking two years to land Digitax's first customer to navigating the challenging investment landscape since 2022, his insights emphasize conviction, long-term thinking, and starting with genuine problems rather than seeking problem-solving.His vision extends beyond compliance to regulatory innovation, positioning platforms like Digitax as bridges between government digitization efforts and the real needs of African entrepreneurs. As he puts it, "the best ideas normally come from a personal challenge or personal problem," a philosophy that's shaping Africa's digital transformation one tax invoice at a time.To keep up with Caine's journey, check out her LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cainewanjau/Check out Digitax :https://digitax.tech/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Ingashian Gibendi, product strategist and founder of the Career Whisperer, who shares her powerful journey of redefining career success beyond LinkedIn profiles and industry accolades.After losing her father in 2022 while working at what she thought was her "dream company," Ingashian experienced a pivotal moment that changed everything. Unable to work through her grief despite having unlimited leave on paper, she realized she needed "a career that allows you to live life when life happens" - a profound shift from chasing titles and status to designing a life-centered career.Having pivoted five times across multiple countries, Ingashian reveals the hidden costs of tech's hustle culture and offers practical frameworks for sustainable career navigation. She emphasizes that career success isn't about the company you join, but about choosing founders and managers carefully - particularly those who've successfully exited before and have families, as they better understand work-life integration.Her most controversial yet insightful advice? Stop creating "glass ceilings" through unfounded assumptions. Whether it's believing you need a master's degree for promotion or that networking is just nepotism, Ingashian challenges listeners to distinguish between facts and speculation that limit their growth.The episode dives deep into networking as a learnable skill, the five key areas for becoming hireable (activity, strategy, mindset, conversion, and visibility), and why 80% of jobs never make it to job boards. Ingashian's mission is clear: help Africans solve real problems with technology while building careers that truly serve their lives, not the other way around.To keep up with Ingashian's journey, check out her LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingashian-gibendi/Check out the Career Whisperer:https://thecareerwhisperer.net/Quiz:https://thecareerwhisperer.scoreapp.com/00:00 Intro01:00 Meet Ingashian Gibendi04:24 Tech Hustle Costs06:20 Titles as Currency07:45 Startup Reality Check09:00 Choosing founders & Managers16:43 LinkedIn Truth20:54 Career Navigation Skills25:12 Master's Degree Myth27:22 Networking vs Nepotism33:00 5 Areas of Hireability38:20 Data Solves Problems __________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
Season 4 is almost here!🚨Alice Kanjejo reflects on the transformative journey and growth of My Tech Story Africa, from a simple podcast idea to a full-fledged tech media and marketing studio.What started with Alice wondering if anyone would tune in has blossomed into a community of over 4,000 subscribers who believe in amplifying Africa's greatest digital innovators.This year marked a pivotal moment as she took the bold leap from her day job to pursue My Tech Story Africa full-time, registering the business and embracing new risks with unwavering determination.The past season delivered powerful content that showcased the depth and diversity of African tech talent. The standout "After Hours" series, produced in partnership with Tanqueray Africa, brought us 10 compelling episodes exploring the work-life balance and ambitions of Africa's most influential voices.From unpacking startup failures that led to breakthroughs to conversations about healthcare innovation, design thinking, presidential offices, and entrepreneurs who left prestigious positions at companies like Rolls-Royce to build their own data ventures.The success story continues with the tech roundtable hosted by Dominic and Evans, which evolved into "Admin Access" - the second in-house media product where two passionate tech enthusiasts dive deep into data, plugins, macroeconomics, and fintech discussions.My Tech Story Africa has expanded beyond storytelling into strategic partnerships, working with fintech clients and launching "Peer Pressure," their third show.With over 65 interviews conducted across multiple African markets including Kigali, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.The mission remains clear: share impactful, everyday stories of tech industry trailblazers while contributing to the growth of Africa's tech ecosystem. __________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, we sit down with James Ahere, co-founder and business development lead at Weza Interactive Entertainment, to explore the emerging African video game industry.James shares his journey of starting a gaming studio at just 23 years old alongside his brother. With his background in law and business, and his brother's software engineering expertise, they set out to create games that showcase African culture, history, and identity to the world.Their first game, "Mzito," launched in 2017 after the team was selected for the prestigious French Tech ticket incubator program. James reveals how the game takes players on a journey across Africa's beautiful destinations while addressing themes of leadership, awakening potential, and conquering corruption.The conversation offers fascinating insights into the challenges of pioneering in an industry still in its infancy in Africa. James candidly discusses team dynamics, funding challenges, and the steep learning curve they faced as young entrepreneurs. Despite these obstacles, Weza Interactive has expanded its vision to create the "Mzito Universe," with their second game, "Riziki," focusing on uniting Africa through music.James highlights the growth of Kenya's gaming ecosystem, mentioning several successful local studios and developers who are making their mark globally. He also explores how gaming technology can benefit African businesses through gamification, experiential marketing, and educational applications.Throughout the discussion, James emphasizes their mission to tell authentic African stories through interactive entertainment. "The world wants to see what Africa has," he explains, pointing to the success of Afrobeats music and films like Black Panther as evidence of global appetite for African creativity.__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Michelle Watiki, Co-founder and COO at Duck ( Techstars). Michelle shares her remarkable journey from a chemical engineering career in the UK to becoming a tech entrepreneur in Kenya.Michelle's story begins with her strategic approach to education, pursuing chemical engineering based on salary prospects. Despite facing setbacks in her A-levels, she persevered through her undergraduate degree at Aston University and later redeemed herself with a fully-funded master's program. Her career path led her to Rolls-Royce, where she secured internships through networking and eventually became a graduate trainee.Despite professional success at Rolls-Royce, Michelle describes feeling an "itch" - a persistent desire to build something of her own while facing the reality of a glass ceiling as a Black woman in engineering. This itch wasn't new; she had entrepreneurial tendencies since age 16 when she would buy waist beads in Kenya to sell in the UK, later venturing into makeup sales.The pivotal moment came when she met her co-founder, Alex Mativo, who inspired her with the simple yet profound advice: "The only way to know how to start a business is to start a business." Michelle took the leap, leaving her stable corporate job and moving to Kenya to build Duck Analytics, a data company bridging the information gap between FMCG brands and retailers.Michelle offers powerful insights about entrepreneurship: fundraising buys you time to fail and learn; the journey is mentally challenging, not because of the tasks themselves but because of the self-discipline required; and entrepreneurial success requires comfort with discomfort and the ability to persevere through uncertainty.Her most powerful advice? "Bet on yourself" and "follow your itch." She emphasizes patience in the entrepreneurial journey, comparing it to fitness goals that take consistent effort over time to achieve results.Duck Analytics is now working with major enterprise brands and supermarkets, helping FMCG companies understand their in-store performance through data, addressing inventory management, customer insights, and optimization opportunities that were previously invisible to brands once products left their warehouses.Michelle's story exemplifies how recognizing limitations in one environment can fuel the courage to create opportunity elsewhere, turning challenges into innovation with the right mindset, vision, and willingness to take calculated risks.To keep up with Michelle's journey, check out his LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-watiki-Check out Duck :https://www.getduck.co/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, we sit down with Brian Abel, Head of Growth at Welcome Tomorrow, to explore his journey in the tech marketing landscape across Africa.Brian shares his unexpected path from aspiring accountant to becoming a leader in growth marketing, highlighting how his experience with global brands like Twitter, Snapchat, Spotify, and TikTok at Aleph (formerly Adynamo) shaped his approach to bringing world-class marketing strategies to African businesses.Brian emphasizes two core principles that fueled his rapid career advancement: an unwavering work ethic and a perpetual beginner's mindset. "The ultimate seduction in life should be your work," he shares, explaining how this philosophy helped him rise to leadership positions by his mid-twenties. His willingness to pivot, learn, and unlearn has been instrumental in navigating the evolving digital marketing landscape.At Welcome Tomorrow, Brian and his team focus on three key pillars: data and measurement, performance marketing, and content strategy. They specialize in localizing advanced growth marketing techniques for ambitious African brands, helping them build robust measurement frameworks and leverage first-party data while ensuring the solutions match each client's digital maturity. Their unique approach combines creative strategy with data science, moving beyond traditional "madman era" advertising to deliver measurable results.Looking toward the future of marketing in Africa, Brian highlights the continent's growing digital adoption and the rapid shift from traditional to digital advertising.He sees tremendous opportunities for tech marketers who can bridge marketing knowledge with technical expertise, particularly in building and implementing appropriate tech stacks for businesses at various stages of growth.His advice to aspiring tech marketers? "Invest in yourself so that when you decide to get into the market, you're buyable." Brian encourages continuous learning through certifications and training to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field where understanding when and how to implement new technologies is just as important as knowing how to use them.To keep up with Brian's journey, check out his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-abelCheck out Welcome Tomorrow:https://welcometomorrow.io/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with John Wachira Wahome, a software engineer turned real estate entrepreneur.With 15 years of experience in the software industry, John shares his journey from working across various sectors including banking, healthcare, and business operations, to Finsco Africa, a real estate firm specializing in plot sales, housing, and custom design-build solutions.John emphasizes the importance of starting entrepreneurship early, highlighting the crucial lessons he learned. He candidly discusses working for free to gain experience, facing rejection when marketing his first school management software, and the challenges of trying to do everything himself instead of building a team early on.A pivotal insight from John's journey is recognizing that "you cannot be a thinker and a doer at the same time." He advises entrepreneurs to identify their strengths and find complementary partners, noting that most successful business leaders have someone who balances their skills—either a thinker paired with a doer, or vice versa.John's venture into real estate began in 2015 with a concept called "Property Center," which eventually evolved into Finsco Africa by 2021. Recognizing that the housing problem is universal and enduring, he saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between financing and construction through technology. This led to the creation of Home Direct, a construction subsidiary of Finsco Africa.His latest innovation is an AI-powered app that helps users estimate construction costs for their dream homes based on descriptions or uploaded images. It also provides access to mortgage options. His vision addresses Africa's housing crisis by connecting financing and construction through technology, making homeownership more accessible.Throughout the episode, John's resilience, adaptability, and commitment to solving real problems shine through as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, Alice Kanjejo sits down with Hannes Bend, founder of Breathing AI and Vital Sign AI.Hannes shares his remarkable journey from artist to AI entrepreneur, highlighting how personal struggles shaped his vision for more human-centered technology.Born with mild cerebral palsy and having nearly died at birth, Hannes experienced intense physical pain in his early years, which later led to depression. This disconnection from his body eventually guided him toward mindfulness practices that transformed his life.His deep appreciation for breathwork became so profound that he claims he wouldn't trade this awareness "for a trillion dollars" because of the joy, health benefits, and stress management it provides.Hannes' path to technology wasn't direct.He first gained recognition as an artist featured in Vogue and New York exhibitions, but internally felt unfulfilled. His curiosity led him to research how the brain responds to visual stimuli and meditation, eventually incorporating these insights into technology through VR, AR, and ultimately AI.His companies now focus on creating "bio-adaptive interfaces" - technology that personalizes user experiences based on vital signs, emotions, and posture. Breathing AI offers browser extensions with features like color filters to reduce eye strain and reminders to drink water or take deep breaths. Vital Sign AI detects emotions and physical metrics using just a webcam and machine learning algorithms.What makes Hannes's approach unique is his emphasis on individual differences. He explains how the same colors or fonts can trigger completely different physiological responses in different people, demonstrating why AI-powered personalization matters.Throughout the conversation, Hannes emphasizes two values he considers invaluable: curiosity and care. He believes these qualities can open doors in any field, encouraging listeners from all backgrounds to explore AI without hesitation, as everyone brings unique insights.To keep up with Hannes's journey, check out his linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannesbend/Check out his start-ups at:https://breathing.ai/https://www.vitalsign.ai/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Maureen Onyango, CEO and co-founder of Madata Limited, who brings her wealth of experience.Maureen shares her 16-year career at Kenya Airways, where she rose through the ranks, managing operations across different African markets, including Kenya, Cameroon, and Senegal. Her extensive Pan-African experience gave her valuable insights into different consumer behaviors and market strategies across the continent.The conversation delves into her pivot from corporate life to entrepreneurship, with Maureen explaining how curiosity about what her business-class customers were doing sparked her own entrepreneurial journey. She now runs two ventures: More Solutions Ltd, which works with FMCG companies and NGOs in the supply chain space, and Madata Limited, a tech company she co-founded after participating in the Antler accelerator program.Madata addresses a critical pain point for organizations: measuring and optimizing marketing spend. The platform provides a unified dashboard that combines both digital and traditional marketing metrics, using data analytics to help businesses make informed decisions about their marketing investments.Maureen also offers candid insights about being a woman in male-dominated spaces, emphasizing the importance of showing up with confidence rather than focusing on gender barriers. "I don't lead with it, I don't talk about it," she says, "It's how you choose to identify with it and move with it. And then people see your value, people respect you."Her parting advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? "Just start. The cost of waiting is higher than the cost of starting." She also highlights the incredible value of relationships built throughout one's career journey, crediting her network for opening doors and making her success possible.To keep up with Maureen's journey, check out her LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-onyangoCheck out Madata Limited:https://www.linkedin.com/company/madata-limited/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, we sit down with Maxine Kinyua, founder of Tui Beauty, an AI-powered beauty tech platform offering skin diagnostics and product recommendations. Maxine shares her entrepreneurial journey from a campus-based skincare business to a full-fledged beauty tech startup.Maxine's story begins with her early interest in both tech and business during high school. Although she studied PR and communications in university, her entrepreneurial spirit emerged when she experienced skin issues and discovered counterfeit skincare products in the market. This frustration inspired her to source authentic products, starting an Instagram page that eventually evolved into a successful business called MK Store.The conversation delves into the challenges of transitioning from a traditional retail business to a tech-focused company. Maxine candidly discusses her first-time founder mistakes, including not having proper insurance for imported goods and lacking structured systems and processes. After experiencing a significant setback with a lost shipment, Maxine made the bold decision to pivot entirely to tech.A key insight Maxine shares is that "business mistakes are not business problems; they are founder problems." She explains how a founder's weaknesses and strengths directly impact their business, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement alongside business development.The development of Tui Beauty wasn't without struggles. Maxine reveals the "dark days" of bootstrapping, facing doubts about her vision, and twice delaying product launches until they were truly ready. She highlights how involving customers in product testing and validation was crucial to their eventual success.As the conversation concludes, Maxine offers valuable perspectives on bootstrapping versus seeking investment. She advocates for thoroughly validating ideas before approaching investors and shares her guiding philosophy: "Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor."The episode provides an authentic look at entrepreneurship in Africa's tech ecosystem, highlighting both the challenges and the supportive community that exists for founders. Maxine's journey exemplifies resilience, adaptation, and the transformative potential of tech innovation in traditional industries.To keep up with Maxine's journey, check out her LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-kinyuaCheck out https://tuibeauty.com__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Dr. Nick Were, an orthopedic resident at the University of Nairobi and health tech entrepreneur at Padel Kenya on Peponi Road. Between rounds of padel, Dr. Were shares his journey from aspiring engineer to medical doctor, inspired by his father's career in medicine.He discusses his innovative work with Prothea Kenya, where he leverages 3D printing technology to create affordable prosthetics for amputees. Traditional prosthetics in Kenya can cost up to a million Kenyan shillings and aren't typically covered by national insurance. Through 3D printing, Dr. Were's team has drastically reduced costs while improving comfort and weight. In just two years, they've served nearly 500 patients, including donating 300 free prosthetics last year.The process is remarkably efficient: after scanning an amputee's stump with specialized iPhone software, they create a 3D model that's printed in just eight hours. Dr. Were has even had patients fly in from Burundi who receive their fitted prosthetic the very next day.Beyond manufacturing prosthetics, Dr. Were is dedicated to empowering amputees through innovative initiatives like Kenya’s first "Mr. and Ms. Amputee Kenya" fashion show (boosting confidence and awareness) and a pilot program pairing prosthetics with electric bikes for economic independence. His tech-driven vision extends to broader healthcare solutions, including 3D-printed medical training mannequins, VR for psychiatric therapy, and smart glasses enabling remote surgical guidance in rural areas.The episode concludes with Dr. Were demonstrating VR fitness equipment and smart glasses that enable remote surgical guidance. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes his passion for using technology to overcome healthcare challenges in low and middle-income countries, encouraging listeners to identify problems and create meaningful solutions.To keep up with Nick's journey, check out his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnickomollowere/Learn more about his tech start up (Prothea Kenya)https://www.prothea.co.ke/_________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: / mytechstoryafrica 💼 LinkedIn: / my-tech-story-africa ♪ TikTok: / mytechstoryafrica Join our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, host Alice Kanjejo engages in an insightful conversation with Dominic Kimathi, a senior product manager at Co-creation Hub, where he advises startups on product optimization to help them scale. Dominic describes himself as a "people person" whose interpersonal skills have significantly shaped his career trajectory.The episode begins with a lively "hot takes" segment about product management. Dominic shares his perspectives on whether early-stage startups need product managers, if PMs should code, how to handle feature requests, and the value of MVPs in product development.Dominic reveals his fascinating journey from aspiring pilot to marketing professional and eventually to product management. He explains how witnessing Instagram's billion-dollar acquisition with just 13 employees sparked his interest in tech's scalable impact. Throughout his career, Dominic has embraced pivoting as a natural response to evolving interests and market demands, having changed direction multiple times in his professional life.Beyond his role at CC Hub, Dominic runs Lowky, a production company supporting Kenyan creatives, particularly focusing on helping artists create high-quality music videos. He also teaches product management through a 10-week masterclass, believing that "everybody is a product manager, they just don't know it."At CC Hub, a pan-African tech hub with presence in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Namibia, Dominic works across various sectors including fintech, edtech, health tech, and the creator economy. The hub provides capital and expert support to help startups optimize their products and scale across markets.Dominic emphasizes the importance of community in the startup ecosystem, noting that "there's strength in numbers" and that successful entrepreneurs recognize their customers as communities with shared interests or problems. He advocates for collaboration, prioritization, and focusing on "low effort, high reward" initiatives.The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring tech professionals: take calculated risks, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, consider the value of being both a generalist and specialist, maintain good personal PR, and seek mentorship—even from people who don't know they're mentoring you.To keep up with Dominic's journey, check out his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-kimathi-8b1533134/ Useful links:Lwky Studio:https://www.lwky.studio/Co-creation Hub: https://cchub.africa/Zindua School:https://zinduaschool.com/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, Host Alice Kanjejo takes us to the Royal Nairobi Golf Club for a refreshing change of pace, combining her passion for golf with valuable insights on marketing strategies for tech startups. As she practices her swing, Alice draws parallels between golf's principles of patience and resilience and the journey of building a successful business.Alice emphasizes that while many founders focus heavily on product development, distribution and marketing deserve equal attention. She shares four key strategies for growing your tech business without breaking the bank:1. Build valuable connections - Seek out mutually beneficial collaborations with partners, guests, and organizations that can help amplify your message and reach new audiences.2. Create a sense of FOMO - Get your audience invested in your journey from the very beginning by sharing your vision and documenting your progress, much like how Gimlet Media's Startup Podcast captured listeners' attention before being acquired by Spotify for $230 million.3. Onboard a communication specialist early - Even the best products can be outperformed by competitors with better marketing. Bringing in marketing expertise early allows them to fully understand your product and craft effective messaging.4. Build strong digital marketing channels - Leverage social media platforms strategically and create viral loops or distribute enough content that some pieces break through. Focus on the experience your product provides rather than just its features.Alice concludes with exciting news about My Tech Story Africa's expansion beyond storytelling to offering marketing services for tech companies looking to break through the noise. Whether it's branded content creation, content marketing strategies, or user acquisition, My Tech Story Africa is now positioned to help tech startups take ownership of their narratives and increase visibility across the continent.__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Nimara Newa, a clinical psychologist and creative writer, about cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making in the tech ecosystem. Hosted by Alice Kanjejo, this special International Women's Month edition explores how our subconscious thought patterns influence business decisions and team leadership.Nimara explains that while our brains process millions of bits of information subconsciously, we consciously focus on only 50-60 bits. To manage this gap, our minds create shortcuts (cognitive biases) that prioritize efficiency over accuracy. These biases can be both beneficial and detrimental to business success.The conversation explores five key cognitive biases:1. Confirmation Bias: We tend to seek information that confirms what we already believe rather than looking for contradictory evidence.2. Anchoring Bias: The first piece of information we receive heavily influences how we process everything else—something marketers and negotiators use strategically.3. Bandwagon Effect: Jumping on trends because they're popular without thoroughly researching them—like the NFT boom.4. Sunk Cost Fallacy: Continuing to invest in failing projects because of previous investments rather than cutting losses.5. Dunning-Kruger Effect: Newcomers overestimating their abilities while experienced professionals recognize complexity and approach challenges with appropriate caution.Alice and Nimara emphasize the importance of awareness and team diversity to combat these biases. They note that 60% of businesses fail due to poor decision-making, often stemming from unchecked biases. The conversation underscores the value of including different perspectives, creating safe spaces for dissenting opinions, and implementing strategies like designated "devil's advocates" in meetings.The conversation reminds tech founders and ecosystem players to balance conviction with awareness of their cognitive biases, creating more holistic approaches to business challenges.The episode concludes with reflections on what it means to be "unmistakably her" during International Women's Month. Nimara shares that for her, it means embracing both traditionally feminine and masculine traits, pushing boundaries, and helping others explore beyond societal expectations._________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: / mytechstoryafrica 💼 LinkedIn: / my-tech-story-africa ♪ TikTok: / mytechstoryafrica Join our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this My Tech Story Africa episode, we sit down with Collins Donye, founder of Rvysion Design Studio, the company behind her newly launched website. Collins shares his inspiring journey from childhood curiosity to tech entrepreneurship.Growing up with a natural desire to build and create, Collins recalls dismantling toys and crafting his own playthings as a child. His father fostered this creativity by purchasing him his first laptop at age seven and enrolling him in a cyber training center by age ten. This early exposure to technology opened Collins' mind to the possibilities of digital creation.While studying computer science at university, Collins found traditional education underwhelming and sought additional challenges. He began offering design services to classmates and lecturers, creating digital flyers and websites while developing his skills. When not creating digital products, he applied his culinary background by selling shawarma to peers,showcasing his entrepreneurial mindset from the start.Collins secured his first tech internship during his first year of university, working at a WordPress design studio while continuing his studies. His career progressed rapidly as he deliberately accumulated diverse skills across design, development, product management, and marketing. He credits his success to cultivating curiosity, asking questions, and learning from colleagues in different departments.The creation of Rvysion came from Collins' desire to solve problems he personally experienced. As his responsibilities grew in management roles, he found himself with less time to pursue personal projects. He began by collaborating with people he was mentoring, eventually formalizing these relationships by hiring them as Ryvsion's first employees.Today, Rvysion operates as a venture studio with multiple platforms under its umbrella. These include MyDesignWiz.com (a community platform connecting African designers with clients worldwide), Reyna UI (a component library for website building), One Draft Design (a marketplace for no-code solutions), and Rvysion Studio (the client services arm).Throughout the conversation, Collins emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and creating value. His story exemplifies how purposeful exploration, combined with practical problem-solving, can lead to meaningful career development and entrepreneurial success, a powerful blueprint for aspiring tech professionals across Africa.To keep up with Collin's journey, check out his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collins-donye/ and website: https://www.rvysionstudio.com/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Laban-Cliff Onserio, Africa's Regional Director at the Chief of Staff Association. Laban shares his diverse career journey spanning from General Electric to CNBC, Nation Media Group, and government service in the Office of the President.Born and raised in Nakuru, Laban credits his "fire in the belly" mindset to his humble beginnings and formative years at Strathmore University. He emphasizes the value of building strong foundations through education while simultaneously gaining practical experience through work-study programs. His non-linear career path exemplifies what he calls a "career lattice" approach – strategically connecting seemingly unrelated experiences into a cohesive professional narrative.Laban provides insights into the evolving role of a Chief of Staff, highlighting the strategic value of this position in both corporate and government settings. He outlines the three key pillars of the role: strategic communications, strategic operations, and strategic initiatives. For startups and tech companies, he recommends this position as a crucial investment for founders looking to scale effectively while maintaining focus on core business priorities.The conversation explores how technology has transformed various industries, particularly media. Laban discusses the importance of embracing digital platforms while still leveraging traditional media foundations. He advocates for a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both worlds rather than abandoning established methods entirely.Throughout the discussion, Laban shares practical advice for young professionals: be highly organized, communicate effectively, focus on results, take calculated risks, and maintain a 360-degree perspective on global trends. He also touches on his passion for motorsport as a rally co-driver, demonstrating how diverse interests can complement professional growth.This engaging conversation offers valuable insights for founders, aspiring Chief of Staff professionals, and anyone looking to navigate today's rapidly evolving career landscape._________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: / mytechstoryafrica 💼 LinkedIn: / my-tech-story-africa ♪ TikTok: / mytechstoryafrica Join our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
After months of engaging in tech discussions on My Tech Story Africa, Tech Roundtable is taking a bold leap forward, rebranding as "Admin Access" (AA) - where regular "AA meetings" promise even deeper dives into the tech ecosystem. This exciting shift marks the first spin-off show in MTS Africa's expanding network of media products.
In today's episode, Evans Munene and Dominic Mulinda tackle the seismic shifts in the AI landscape following Deep Seek dramatic entrance into the scene. The open-source model's ability to achieve impressive results with significantly lower training costs sent ripples through the industry, challenging assumptions about the resources needed for AI development. While some saw this as evidence of overvaluation in companies like Nvidia, the hosts explore a more nuanced reality where the demand for specialized AI hardware remains strong, just distributed differently across a broader range of players.
The conversation then steers into a passionate debate about the African tech ecosystem, particularly the prevalence of fintech startups. While some question whether there are too many players in the space, the hosts argue that this abundance of innovation is actually a sign of a healthy market working to solve complex, region-specific challenges. They emphasize how the fragmented nature of African markets requires multiple approaches and solutions, making room for various players to coexist and innovate.
The episode wraps up with an energetic discussion about the future of electric vehicles, with bold predictions flying about adoption timelines in Africa. The hosts dissect the strategic implications of rebranding in the automotive industry, using Jaguar's all-electric pivot as a case study, and explore how Tesla's valuation is inextricably linked to Elon Musk's personal brand.
Stay tuned for more "AA meetings" as the show embarks on this exciting new chapter!
__________________________________________________________________Join us as we explore the world of tech and shares impactful stories on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: / mytechstoryafrica 💼 LinkedIn: / my-tech-story-africa ♪ TikTok: / mytechstoryafrica Join our community: https://www.mtsafrica.coInterested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧
On this episode of "After Hours, in partnership with Tanqueray Africa," we speak with Sean Muraya, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who shares his compelling journey of building innovative tech solutions in Kenya's real estate and technology landscape.
Through a series of entrepreneurial attempts, including a fintech venture called Tova, a food delivery app named Grub, and a woodworking technology project called Iota.Sean learned critical lessons about startup challenges, the importance of research, and the value of a supportive co-founder.
Currently, Sean is the co-founder of Siteseer, a groundbreaking technology platform aimed at revolutionizing real estate project delivery. Recognizing the significant inefficiencies in the African construction industry, where 75% of projects are delayed by over a year and incur 20-30% cost overruns Siteseer seeks to create a unified ecosystem that connects designers, construction workers, and financial institutions.
The startup's innovative approach involves using advanced technologies like 360-degree cameras, IoT sensors, and AI models to provide real-time project tracking and insights.
Sean emphasizes their commitment to ethical data handling, ensuring client confidentiality by storing sensitive information on-site servers and using AI as a "golden compass" to help projects meet their specific design and construction goals.
Beyond the technical innovation, Sean's narrative is a testament to resilience, family support, and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and maintaining a clear vision while being open to feedback, key principles for success in Africa's evolving tech landscape.
_________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!
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