Episodes
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In this episode of #Alitalkstech, host Ali Hussein Kassim speaks with Mzi Holmes, a telecom veteran and technical lead at Illitha Telecommunications. With over 26 years in the sector, Mzi shares the challenges and triumphs of expanding internet connectivity to underserved townships in South Africa. They delve into the historical and socio-economic factors behind limited access, the complexities of deploying infrastructure in cash-driven communities, and the social impact of bridging the digital divide. This conversation sheds light on the balance between social responsibility and business sustainability, the importance of patient capital, and the inspiring stories of lives transformed through connectivity. Tune in for an eye-opening look at how Elita Telecommunications is pioneering change and striving to connect half a million people within five years.
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In this insightful episode of #Alitalkstech, host Ali Hussain Kassim sits down with Imran Abbas, Group CEO of Link Africa, to dive deep into the transformative journey of Africa’s telecom landscape. With over 34 years of experience, Imran shares his journey from the early days of monopolistic telcos in South Africa to leading open access infrastructure initiatives across the continent. Discover how open access is reshaping Africa's connectivity and why competing on infrastructure alone no longer serves the industry or its customers. Listen in as Imran reveals the highs and challenges of advocating for a unified approach to telecom infrastructure and the future vision he’s crafting with Link Africa.
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In this exciting episode of #Alitalkstech host I sit down with Ashley Bruyns, Senior Manager of Software Engineering at MTN South Africa, to explore the technological evolution shaping Africa. From the rise of mobile money platforms like MTN Momo and their competition with Kenya’s M-Pesa, to the transformative potential of AI, Ashley shares valuable insights from his 20+ years in the tech industry. Tune in to hear how MTN is transitioning from a Telco to a Techco, its role in fostering financial inclusion, and the critical role of software solutions in integrating systems across Africa's diverse markets.
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In this insightful episode recorded at the Novacom Summit in Stellenbosch, Ali Hussein Kassim welcomes Bra Amadou, Head of Airtel Money in Niger. They dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in Niger’s mobile money ecosystem, highlighting the low penetration of digital financial services in a cash-dependent culture. Bra shares his experience leading projects aimed at financial inclusion, including his role as Vice President of Niger’s National Solidarity Foundation. Together, they discuss the complexities of introducing mobile money to rural areas, the influence of Sharia law on financial services, and the importance of education campaigns to demystify digital payments. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the future of mobile money in Niger and West Africa, emphasizing collaboration between banks, mobile operators, and local agents.
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🌟 In this new episode of #Alitalkstech, I sat down with Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the founding CEO of Future Africa and co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave. 🌍 Aboyeji shares his journey from growing up in Yaba, often referred to as "Yaba Valley," to becoming a pivotal figure in Africa's tech ecosystem. 🚀
He reflects on the evolution of entrepreneurship in Africa, the challenges of maintaining culture and social infrastructure within tech communities, and how Future Africa is working to rebuild the pipeline for African startups. 💡 Aboyeji also discusses the impact of funding crashes on the ecosystem and the importance of creating sustainable businesses that truly impact lives. 💼
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, this conversation offers a deep dive into the past, present, and future of African tech. 🌟
👉 Make sure to subscribe for more exclusive content! 🎥🔔
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Join Ali Hussein Kassim in a compelling conversation with Danielle Royston, also known as D-R, on Ali Talks Tech. Discover Danielle's remarkable journey from studying computer science at Stanford to becoming a turnaround CEO. Originally from Texas, Danielle's career path has been defined by her strong work ethic and diverse experiences in enterprise software sales.
As a turnaround CEO, Danielle specializes in revitalizing distressed companies through operational optimization, blending technical expertise with empathetic leadership skills honed during her tenure in human resources. Her insights into managing organizational transitions provide valuable lessons for leaders across industries.
The conversation spans technology, telecommunications, and AI, with a particular focus on Africa's telco sector. Explore Danielle's views on integrating AI and cloud computing into existing networks to propel technological advancement, alongside discussions on Elon Musk's Starlink and its potential impact on connectivity in remote areas.
Don't miss out on this insightful dialogue highlighting Danielle Royston's resilience, business acumen, and commitment to transforming telcos worldwide. Subscribe to Ali Talks Tech for more exclusive interviews and industry insights!
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In this episode of #Alitalkstech, 📡 we bring you insights from the Novacom Summit. I had a chat with Tegene Tesfaye from Ethio Telecom, one of Africa's oldest and largest telecom companies with 127+ years in service and 74 million mobile customers 📱.
Tegan shares Ethio Telecom's journey into mobile, internet, and fintech with their digital currency service, Telebirr. With 30 million active users, Telebirr is transforming digital payments in Ethiopia 🇪🇹.
They discuss Ethio Telecom’s competition with Safaricom and their positive outlook despite the challenges. The conversation covers the rollout of 4G and 5G networks, affordability, and partnerships with banks to enhance the financial ecosystem through Telebirr 💳.
Wrapping up, Tegene talks about Ethio Telecom's vision of digitalizing Ethiopia, including projects with hospitals and schools 🏥🏫.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion on Ethiopia's telecom and digital transformation future, only on #Alitalkstech! 🎧
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Join us for an insightful conversation on #Alitalkstech with Ali Hussein Kassim, recorded live from the Novacom Summit. In this episode, Ali sits down with Mahey Rasheed, the influential Chairman of BCN Nigeria, to explore his remarkable journey and the groundbreaking strides BCN is making in the tech landscape of Nigeria. 🌍🚀
Mahey Rashied shares his transition from public service, where he served as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to his pivotal role in establishing Nigeria's Sovereign Wealth Fund. 💼🇳🇬 Dive into the conceptualization and impact of this fund, designed to bolster investments and drive economic growth through strategic initiatives. 💰📈
Discover how BCN Nigeria, under Mahey's leadership, is leading the charge in digital transformation by providing extensive internet and fiber connectivity across Northern Nigeria, covering more than 500 kilometers. 🌐🔗 Mahey elaborates on BCN's ambitious plans to expand into cloud services and develop inter-country networks, including a significant project connecting Nigeria to Chad. ☁️🇳🇬➡️🇹🇩
Ali and Mahey also delve into the critical role of technology in Africa's development, highlighting the surge of young tech entrepreneurs and successful startups like Flutterwave and OPay. 💡📱 This episode emphasizes the importance of local funding in fostering homegrown tech innovation and the dynamic future of Nigeria’s tech industry. 🌟🌍
Tune in to hear about the future of internet connectivity, the significance of local and international investments, and Mahey Rasheed’s visionary plans for BCN Nigeria and beyond. 🎙️🔮
Key Highlights:
Mahey Rasheed's career shift from public service to tech leadership. 🔄👔
The foundation and objectives of Nigeria's Sovereign Wealth Fund. 🏦💡
BCN Nigeria's role in enhancing digital infrastructure in Northern Nigeria. 🛠️🌐
Future expansion plans, including cloud services and international connectivity projects. 🚀☁️
The burgeoning tech ecosystem in Nigeria and the rise of youth-led startups. 👩💻👨💻
The importance of local investment in Africa’s tech innovation. 💵🌍
Don’t miss this episode packed with insights on the digital transformation of Africa and the inspiring leadership of Mahey Rasheed. Subscribe to our Spotify to listen! 🎧✨
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In this insightful episode of #Alitalkstech, Ali sits down with Alice Kariuki, Director of Public Policy at Airtel Africa, amidst the serene backdrop of Diani at the Novacom Summit 🌴. As they discuss the intersection of telecommunications and public policy, Alice provides a deep dive into her role and the significant impact of mobile financial services across Africa 🌍.
Alice elucidates the critical role that telecom companies like Airtel Africa play in bridging the financial inclusion gap 📱💰. She shares how mobile financial services are revolutionizing access to banking for the unbanked rural populations, highlighting the transformative power of entities like Airtel Money, MTN Momo, and M-Pesa. By providing financial services through mobile connectivity, telecoms have enabled millions to engage in economic activities, thereby enhancing their quality of life 🌟.
The conversation also touches on the complexities of navigating multiple regulatory landscapes 🏛️. Alice gives a glimpse into her day-to-day life, managing interactions with communication authorities and central banks across the continent. Her story of how Airtel Kenya ventured into mobile financial services and expanded these learnings to a Pan-African scale is particularly compelling 📈.
One of the standout discussions revolves around the use of Universal Service Funds (USF) to improve connectivity in underserved areas 📶. Alice praises Rwanda's effective utilization of USF to subsidize operational costs for telecom companies, thereby encouraging infrastructure development in less commercially viable regions. This model contrasts sharply with other countries where USF remains underutilized, highlighting the importance of government commitment to public objectives 🔍.
Alice also shares personal insights on work-life integration and the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life 🏡💼. Her pragmatic approach to dealing with crises and her reflections on the need for innovative, home-grown solutions to alleviate poverty in Africa make for a thought-provoking listen 🤔.
Join Ali and Alice as they explore the pivotal role of telecommunications in driving socio-economic development across Africa, the challenges of public policy, and the vision for a more connected and prosperous continent 🌐.
Subscribe to our Podcast and tune in to episode 3 of season 3 of #Alitalkstech for a captivating conversation filled with industry insights, personal anecdotes, and a hopeful outlook for the future of tech and finance in Africa 🎙️📊.
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In this electrifying episode of #Alitalkstech, join host Ali Hussein Kassim as he delves into the remarkable tale of how Totogi, led by CEO Danielle Royston, and Zain Sudan, under the guidance of IT Director Abdallah Hamid, teamed up to overcome an unprecedented crisis.
As Sudan faced a dire humanitarian situation due to a 40-day outage of telecommunication services, Totogi's Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) Solution emerged as a beacon of hope, offering Zain Sudan an alternative to its on-premise charging service and ensuring swift business continuity.
Discover how Danielle's innovative approach, rooted in cutting-edge technology and the power of the public cloud, enabled Totogi to deploy its solution in a record-breaking 18 days, defying industry norms and traditional timelines.
Listen as Danielle and Abdallah share insights into their partnership, transcending the typical vendor-buyer relationship to become true partners in success. From the challenges faced to the triumphs achieved, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of technology and collaboration in the face of adversity.
Join the conversation as Ali and his guests explore the future implications of their partnership, from integrating AI into 2G networks to revolutionizing the telco industry with cost-effective, scalable solutions.
Don't miss this riveting discussion on how technology, innovation, and a shared commitment to serving communities can change the world. Tune in to #Alitalkstech and witness the journey of resilience, ingenuity, and triumph in the world of telecommunications
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Unlocking Digital Frontiers: Mastercard's Approach to Telcos and Fintech in Africa- In the electrifying Season 3 premiere of #AliTalksTech, your host Ali delves deep into the heart of Africa's digital payment landscape with none other than Lenin Oyuga, the Head of Telco and Digital Partnerships for the Middle East and Africa at Mastercard.Kicking off with an exploration of Lenin's journey into the tech world, including his tenure at Oracle and the transformative impact of COVID-19 on digitalization, the conversation swiftly pivots to his role at Mastercard and the intricacies of their partnership approach.As Ali probes into the recent news surrounding Mastercard's strategic alliances, Lenin offers insights into the challenges and opportunities facing digital payments in Africa. Together, they dissect the prospects of Africa achieving an 80% mobile money penetration rate, while addressing the formidable roadblocks hindering interoperability.With the spotlight on the recent groundbreaking Mastercard-MTN deal, Ali leaves no stone unturned as he navigates through the complexities of bridging the gap between similar technologies.Tune in to #AliTalksTech Season 3, Episode 1, for an enlightening dialogue on the future of digital payments, Telcos, fintech, and Mastercard's pivotal role in shaping Africa's digital frontier.
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On this episode of #AliTalksTech, We speak to Taha Jiwaji, a seasoned Tech entrepreneur and founder of Beem - a Pan-African communications provider that enables enterprises to sell, serve, authenticate, and create lasting relationships with their customers through SMS, USSD, airtime, payments, and chat. Businesses leverage our engagement platform Beem Engage, our unified chat contact center Beem Moja, and automate experiences through BeemAPIs. they are present across 25 countries, work with 60+ mobile networks, and serve 10,000+ businesses and startups. Beem just recently opened it’s offices in Nairobi. Beem is an integrated communications & financial services platform with the largest mobile network reach in Africa, empowering enterprises to scale quickly and effectively throughout the African continent. Taha takes us through his journey as an entrepreneur, how Beem started, what inspired him, up to the company’s present day evolution. Tune in for an insightful and informative conversation!
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Did you know that In African markets, food inflation remains a pressing issue, with Nigeria experiencing a 7-year high inflation rate, and Ghana facing a 43% inflation rate attributed to the surge in food costs?
This is further fueled by a report showing that nearly 50% of the food produced in Africa, which could nourish 300 million people, goes to waste, straining sustainability efforts.
On this episode of #AliTalksTech, we speak to Tunde Kara, CEO of Vendease, a pioneering FoodTech company automating food supply across Africa by simplifying procurement processes and reducing bottlenecks in business management. Its comprehensive solutions encompass credit financing, real-time inventory tracking, and predictive analytics to optimize operations, reduce waste, and make data-driven decisions.
Vendease has empowered over 4,000 customers, resulting in savings exceeding $10 million in procurement expenses and over 35,000 man-hours.
Tune in for a compelling and informative conversation!
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During our time at Safaricom, we had the privilege of speaking to two engineers, the first being - John Masharia, a Technical product owner at Safaricom. We speak about what his job is within Safaricom Engineering and how he contributes to the whole ecosystem. This is a direct look into the human beings behind Safaricom's engineering initiative. Tune in!
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On this episode of AliTalksTech, we are joined by Dan Kwach, Managing Director at Africa Data Centers. In this insightful conversation, On site at ADC, We touch on the different tiers of Data Centers and their implications and capacities, cloud computing, data security and how ADC hosts various cloud service providers all over Africa. We also spoke to one of the engineers and the HR manager to get a deeper look into what goes on at ADC. At the end we were granted a tour of the whole complex, tune in for a fascinating and insightful experience!
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On Episode 9 of AliTalksTech, we are joined by Moses Kemibario, CEO, Founder of Dotsavvy, one of Kenya’s first digital business agencies. Moses is an entrepreneurial digital media and marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in some of Africa’s most successful internet companies. We start by discussing his history, beginning at 3 mice interactive media, we also talked about the evolution of technology and the internet from then till now, the seemingly ever present AI conversation and much more!
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On this Episode of Ali Talks Tech we are joined by Catherine Muraga, Managing Director, Africa Development Center at Microsoft. We chat about her history and wealth of experience in the tech industry, financial services, translating tech needs into business requirements, how work changed after covid, Africa's youth bulge and much more!
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On this Episode of AliTalksTech we are joined by Imelda Ngunzu, Director, Global partnerships and segments at mastercard, with a focus on consumer goods companies and figuring out how they can commercialize and enable digital payments in the eco-system. We discuss her work at mastercard, her passion for women’s and youth economic empowerment, tech, philanthropy, agriculture and technology, and much more!
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On this episode of Ali Talks Tech we are joined by Abraham Mbuthia, a young Tech-Preneuer who is running two companies simultaneously - UZAPoint and Dolcepay. We discuss the significance of fintech’s in serving SMEs, the challenges SMEs face with regard to capital, how data plays a role in helping them get financing, we also delve into Abraham as a person as we figure out what makes him tick and much more!
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