<description>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.</description>

This episode features a candid conversation with …

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.

This Is Connectivity a la VC With Accion Venture Lab's Jasiel Martin-Odoom

<description>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.</description>

In a landscape where African tech startups often …

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.

Victor Mapunga On Building From First Principles In Africa's 'Tech Graveyard'

<description>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</description>

In a rapidly evolving financial services landscap…

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

Britam Director Shares Strategy on Modernising Insurance for Africa's Digital Age

<description>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</description>

In October 2022, Safaricom launched its telecommu…

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

Safaricom Ethiopia's Network Chief on Building Network Infrastructure From Scratch

<description>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.</description>

In the third and final episode of the Future in t…

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.

Future in the Humanities EP 3/3: Slave Ride

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