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1 Make Money with AI Appointment Setting | Matt Deseno 32:38
32:38
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Matt Deseno is the founder of multiple award winning marketing businesses ranging from a attraction marketing to AI appointment setting to customer user experience. When he’s not working on the businesses he teaches marketing at Pepperdine University and he also teaches other marketing agency owners how they created a software company to triple the profitability for the agency. Our Sponsors: * Check out Kinsta: https://kinsta.com * Check out Mint Mobile: https://mintmobile.com/tmf * Check out Moorings: https://moorings.com * Check out Trust & Will: https://trustandwill.com/TRAVIS * Check out Warby Parker: https://warbyparker.com/travis Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…
UNAJUA S13 EP2: How is the world taking to the crypto meltdown? feat. Kate Byrne
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Treść dostarczona przez African Tech Roundup. Cała zawartość podcastów, w tym odcinki, grafika i opisy podcastów, jest przesyłana i udostępniana bezpośrednio przez African Tech Roundup lub jego partnera na platformie podcastów. Jeśli uważasz, że ktoś wykorzystuje Twoje dzieło chronione prawem autorskim bez Twojej zgody, możesz postępować zgodnie z procedurą opisaną tutaj https://pl.player.fm/legal.
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.
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359 odcinków
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Treść dostarczona przez African Tech Roundup. Cała zawartość podcastów, w tym odcinki, grafika i opisy podcastów, jest przesyłana i udostępniana bezpośrednio przez African Tech Roundup lub jego partnera na platformie podcastów. Jeśli uważasz, że ktoś wykorzystuje Twoje dzieło chronione prawem autorskim bez Twojej zgody, możesz postępować zgodnie z procedurą opisaną tutaj https://pl.player.fm/legal.
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.
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359 odcinków
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Carrier Neutral: How Unicorn Factory Aims to Open Up Africa’s Internet Infrastructure 26:55
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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.…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Inside Money & Moves: Tinashe Mukogo On Merging Corporate Expertise With Independent Media 57:33
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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.…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Joshua Bicknell On How Balloon Ventures' 'Boring Business' Portfolio Drives 0.5% Of Uganda's GDP 41:05
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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…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Ochuko Ogra On Backbone Connectivity Network's (BCN) Nigeria Growth Strategy 10:35
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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…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Alan Knott-Craig Jr On Life After Mxit's Royal Fail (2016) 51:55
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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…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Building Bridges: Maya Horgan Famodu's Silicon Valley-Africa Crossing Playbook (2017) 1:14:53
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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?…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Talent Tales: Ethiopia's Quiet Tech Rise vs Nigeria's Developer Gold Rush (2018) 27:26
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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!…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Why Carbon CEO Chijioke Dozie Is Ditching Nigeria's Free Banking Playbook 19:40
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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.…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Ambar Van Der Wath Unpacks Baobab Network's $20K Toe-Dipping Investment Proposition 15:54
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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…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Koltronics Nigeria's Lanre Kolade and the inside story of Google's Equiano cable landing in Togo 19:40
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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.…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 This Is Connectivity a la VC With Accion Venture Lab's Jasiel Martin-Odoom 33:14
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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.…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Victor Mapunga On Building From First Principles In Africa's 'Tech Graveyard' 1:00:23
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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.…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Britam Director Shares Strategy on Modernising Insurance for Africa's Digital Age 30:14
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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…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Safaricom Ethiopia's Network Chief on Building Network Infrastructure From Scratch 18:06
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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…
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African Tech Roundup
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1 Future in the Humanities EP 3/3: Slave Ride 25:54
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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.…
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