I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mawingu’s CEO, Farouk Ramji, for an exclusive conversation on their latest milestone: a $15M fundraise and the acquisition of Tanzania’s Habari, a leading ISP based in Arusha. This move cements Mawingu’s position as East Africa’s largest ISP dedicated to rural and peri-urban markets.

Farouk shared insights into Mawingu’s disciplined expansion strategy, which focuses on bridging the digital divide in underserved areas. We discussed how Habari’s 30-year legacy aligns with Mawingu’s mission to deliver affordable, sustainable, and high-quality Internet connectivity. Farouk also revealed their decision to retain the Habari name while refreshing the brand to reflect Mawingu’s innovative ethos.

The $15M funding round, led by Africa Go Green Fund (Cygnum Capital) with support from InfraCo Africa and FMO, will accelerate Mawingu’s deployment of fiber and wireless networks across Kenya and Tanzania. Farouk detailed the challenges and teamwork behind the 18-month fundraising process and how this capital will enable rapid scaling.

Mawingu’s strategy addresses the “last mile” connectivity gap in East Africa, using a phased approach: deploying wireless technology to build customer bases before rolling out fiber in denser areas. With 175 towers supporting its operations, Mawingu is set to replicate its Kenyan success in Tanzania and beyond.

We also explored Mawingu’s people-first philosophy. Farouk highlighted stories of dedicated employees, like Martha, who rose from junior IT staff to a senior leadership role, showcasing the company’s commitment to nurturing talent.

Looking ahead, Mawingu’s 2028 vision to impact 1 million East Africans remains ambitious but achievable. With plans to explore Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, Mawingu is poised to redefine digital connectivity in the region.

Tune in to hear Farouk’s reflections on leadership, the acquisition journey, and what’s next for Mawingu as it scales new heights.

I recently had the privilege of joining Gideon Ruhara on the Kesho Insights Podcast, where we explored some of the most transformative aspects of digital transformation in Kenya Africa.

From mobile technology and AI to overcoming barriers to digital transformation, we had an in-depth discussion on the opportunities and challenges shaping the continent’s digital future. 🎯 Key Topics Discussed [0:00] Why digital transformation is no longer optional for African businesses: We kicked off by looking at the urgency for businesses to embrace digital tools to remain competitive globally.

[3:57] The evolution of Kenya’s digital landscape over 20 years: I reflected on how Dotsavvy grew alongside the digital revolution, from the early days of the internet to the current dominance of social media and mobile technologies.

[6:25] Digital in unexpected industries like construction: WhatsApp and mobile devices are revolutionizing even traditional sectors by streamlining processes and improving communication.

[12:37] Why low labor costs hinder automation in Africa: We discussed how the affordability of labor sometimes creates resistance to adopting digital systems, despite the opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.

[16:01] Mobile technology as Africa’s game-changer: Affordable smartphones, financing options, and increasing connectivity are enabling digital inclusion, even for underserved populations.

[19:40] The untapped potential of AI in Africa: Imagine AI tools tailored for local languages and contexts, bridging barriers in education, commerce, and agriculture. The possibilities are immense.

[21:59] My journey as a content creator: I shared insights on staying consistent, balancing personal branding with corporate goals, and building a niche as a technology and digital marketing thought leader.

[26:31] The rise of short-form video content: If I were starting today, I’d focus on short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, leveraging AI to enhance production.

[29:47] Repurposing content to reach diverse audiences: I explained how I turn podcasts into blog posts, YouTube videos, newsletters, and even social media snippets to maximize reach and engagement. 🎯 Takeaways

1. Digital transformation is essential for businesses: It’s about rethinking how processes work and leveraging technology to improve outcomes.

2. AI will be transformative for underserved populations: Tools tailored for local languages and contexts could bridge gaps in access and efficiency.

3. Content creation is a journey of consistency and passion: By staying curious and committed, I’ve built a platform that opens doors to new opportunities.

4. Personal branding amplifies corporate messaging: People connect with individuals, making personal branding a powerful tool for business growth. #Kenya #Africa #DigitalTransformation #Content #DigitalContent #ContentCreation #Influencers #PersonalBranding #KeshoInsights #Podcast #SmallBusiness #SME #Business #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology #DigitalMarketing #Marketing #SocialMedia

I’m excited to share highlights from the panel discussion I moderated on the 12th November 2024 at the launch of Adili Group’s Cyber Training Arena, Africa’s first and only advanced cybersecurity training facility. This discussion brought together experts from key sectors to explore the challenges and advancements shaping cybersecurity in Africa.

Our Expert Panel Included:

• Rosa Nduati-Mutero (ALN Kenya): She shared her expertise on how governance and regulatory frameworks are critical for cybersecurity.
• Ofir Hason (CyberGym): With extensive experience in cybersecurity, Ofir discussed the threats facing Africa’s critical infrastructure.
• Esther Masese Waititu (Safaricom): Esther provided insights into balancing innovative digital finance solutions with strong security measures.
• Njeri Jomo (Jubilee Health Insurance): Njeri emphasized the need for cybersecurity to protect sensitive health data.
• Joylynn Kirui (Microsoft): Joylynn explained the role of DevSecOps in embedding security into cloud-based development workflows.

Discussion Highlights:

• Global Cyber Threats and Africa’s Landscape: We looked at the global rise in cybercrime and its significant impact on Africa’s finance, healthcare, and critical services.
• AI’s Dual Impact on Cybersecurity: AI is transforming cybersecurity by enabling both attackers and defenders to enhance their capabilities.
• Supporting Cybersecurity for SMEs: Practical ways for small businesses to address cybersecurity, despite limited resources, were also discussed.

Key Takeaways:

1. People, Platforms, and Processes are essential for effective cybersecurity.
2. AI’s Dual Role: AI is an asset and a challenge in cybersecurity.
3. Building Cyber Resilience: Collaboration with regulators, tech providers, and business leaders is key.

Last week, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion at the highly anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE at the new Samsung brand shop in Shujaah Mall, Nairobi.

It was an insightful conversation with George Kebaso, Head of Product Marketing and Mobile Experience, and Evelyn Munene, Product & Marketing Lead at Samsung.

Together, we explored how this new device is set to redefine the mobile experience in Kenya and East Africa, blending premium features with affordability.

Highlights from the Discussion:

1. Vibrant Mobile Landscape in East Africa: George kicked things off by discussing the dynamic and ever-evolving mobile market in Kenya and East Africa. He highlighted Samsung’s unique position, offering a range of devices from entry-level to flagship, and explained how the Galaxy S24 FE introduces a new category: the “premium entry” smartphone. At a price under 100,000 KES, it combines affordability with flagship-like features.
2. AI-Powered Capabilities: We explored the role of AI in transforming the user experience. George emphasized Samsung’s pioneering efforts in AI, with features like Circle to Search and AI Translate that are making everyday tasks simpler and more efficient. These features, previously available only in high-end models, are now accessible in the Galaxy S24 FE, driving consumer interest.
3. Significant Upgrades from the S23 FE: Evelyn walked us through the upgrades from the previous S23 FE model. The new S24 FE boasts a more powerful processor, extended battery life, a larger display, and cutting-edge AI functionalities like Nightography for low-light photography and on-device document summarization.
4. Enhanced User Experience: Evelyn emphasized how the S24 FE provides an intuitive and seamless user experience, perfect for both content creators and productivity-focused individuals. The integration of AI features ensures smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable interactions with the device.
5. Impressive Market Growth: George shared insights into the success of the S-series, noting that sales of the S24 series have nearly doubled compared to its predecessor. The Kenyan and East African market’s appetite for premium yet affordable smartphones continues to grow, and Samsung is well-positioned to meet this demand.
6. Flexible Financing Options: Affordability is a key focus for Samsung. Evelyn and George discussed partnerships with NCBA Loop, BuySimu, and Watu, offering consumers the option to pay a 20% deposit and finance the remaining balance over 6 to 12 months. This makes the Galaxy S24 FE accessible to a wider audience, ensuring more people can experience its advanced features.
7. Integration into the Samsung Ecosystem: The S24 FE fits seamlessly into Samsung’s ecosystem, connecting effortlessly with wearables, smart appliances, and more. Evelyn highlighted how this integration enhances everyday life, from managing home devices to tracking health metrics through Samsung’s smartwatches.
8. Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability remains a top priority for Samsung. George elaborated on efforts like using recycled materials in packaging, offering vegan leather phone cases made from fruit pulp, and reducing e-waste by excluding chargers from packaging. These eco-friendly measures are part of Samsung’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.
9. Future Trends in Mobile Technology: Evelyn wrapped up the discussion by predicting future trends, including the further integration of AI, advancements in device design, and a more interconnected tech ecosystem. She hinted at exciting innovations on the horizon, like smart glasses and even more seamless digital experiences.

Availability & Next Steps.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is now available for purchase at Samsung brand shops and authorized retailers across Kenya. It has a starting price of KES 85,999 and flexible financing options, meaning that it delivers exceptional value for money.

On the 2nd of October 2024, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion at the Riana Group’s CX Executives Breakfast Forum at the Gem Forest Hotel in Nairobi. The session brought together experts from various industries, including healthcare, real estate, finance, and government, to explore the evolving role of Customer Experience (CX) in today’s digital age and most specifically in the context of Kenya and East Africa. Our conversation delved deep into how digital tools are transforming service delivery, enhancing customer retention, and unlocking new growth opportunities across different sectors.

Key Takeaways.

1. Data-Driven Decision Making: As CX increasingly becomes a differentiator, leveraging customer insights is crucial for improving customer satisfaction and driving revenue growth. Joseph Njoroge from Stima Sacco shared that their reliance on data has been pivotal in tailoring products and enhancing member satisfaction. Stima Sacco’s real-time feedback mechanisms enable them to make swift adjustments, staying ahead in the competitive financial services sector.

2. CX in Healthcare: James Muiruri of Lifecare Hospitals emphasized the challenges healthcare institutions face in adopting CX strategies, particularly due to data silos and cultural resistance among professionals. However, digital transformation is beginning to make a significant impact by improving patient communication and streamlining processes. Monica Kiarie of Aga Khan University Hospital echoed similar sentiments, highlighting innovations like telemedicine and home-delivered services, which are changing how healthcare is delivered.

3. CX in Real Estate: Vidiana Wambugu from Acorn Holdings explained how digital innovation has helped her organization tailor customer experiences for their Qwetu and Qejani student housing projects. From virtual tours to flexible payment options, they have created frictionless experiences that meet the evolving needs of their young customer base, largely composed of Gen Z.

4. CX in Government Services: Bernard Otiego from the Business Registration Service (BRS) spoke about the technological advancements they’ve implemented, such as queue management systems and call centers. He noted that customer experience has now become integral to their strategy, significantly improving public perception and service delivery.

Conclusion.

The CX Executives Breakfast Forum highlighted the transformative power of CX strategies across sectors, driven by digital technologies. As AI, telemedicine, and other innovations reshape customer interactions, organizations must remain focused on creating seamless, yet human-centered experiences. I left the event with three important themes in mind: the importance of people, platforms, and processes in delivering excellent customer experiences.

In this episode of Pure Digital Passion, originally aired on BBC’s Business Daily on Monday the 30th September 2024 hosted by Gareth Mitchell, we explore the game-changing technology of 6G—set to revolutionize the way we connect, work, and live by the 2030s. The episode features insights from experts and business leaders across the globe, including myself, Moses Kemibaro, providing a detailed look at what 6G means for Kenya and Africa, as well as the rest of the world.

The discussion kicks off with Ashish Malhotra, Managing Director of Airtel Kenya, who sheds light on the current 5G rollout challenges across Africa, including high costs of infrastructure and limited adoption due to expensive devices. He provides a forward-looking view on how 6G could dramatically improve user experience by reducing latency and enhancing real-time applications such as virtual meetings, holographic communications, and even remote surgeries.

We also hear from Professor Sana Salous, Chair of Communications Engineering at Durham University, who explains the technical aspects of 6G. She emphasizes how 6G’s unique combination of terrestrial and non-terrestrial (satellite) networks will finally close the digital divide by delivering coverage to even the most remote areas. Her insights on low Earth orbit satellites’ role in 6G highlight how this technology will overcome the limitations of traditional cell towers, especially in underserved regions.

From a global business perspective, Pekka Rantala, head of the 6G Bridge Program at Business Finland, discusses the significant investments being made in 6G research, including Finland’s 250 million euro project aimed at defining 6G standards. Rantala believes 6G will be crucial for improving productivity, sustainability, and enabling new business models, especially in sectors like manufacturing, where zero-defect processes and waste minimization will benefit from advanced connectivity.

As I share in the interview, Africa’s journey with 5G is still in its early stages, and many regions are yet to fully utilize 4G. However, 6G could be a game-changer for industries like telemedicine, where real-time, high-speed connections could enable African doctors to perform surgeries remotely for international patients, leveraging Africa’s competitive labor costs. I also explore how improved connectivity through 6G will make African businesses more competitive in global markets, allowing sectors like customer service, remote work, and cloud-based platforms to flourish without the limitations of today’s latency issues.

The episode concludes with a real-life case study from Ian Ngatia Njoroge, General Manager of Sasa Doctor, a telemedicine service in Kenya. Ian takes us behind the scenes to showcase how technology is transforming healthcare delivery in Kenya through virtual consultations. With 5G already enabling better patient-doctor interactions, Ian imagines how 6G’s superior connectivity could further revolutionize telemedicine, improving clarity and reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Overall, this episode is a deep dive into the future of connectivity and how 6G will transform industries, bridge global digital divides, and potentially reshape how businesses operate. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, business leader, or simply curious about the future of the internet, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what the 6G revolution could mean for you and the world.

In this episode of Pure Digital Passion, I spoke with Ranaf Makhani, founder and CEO of RIANA Group, about how his company is transforming customer experience (CX) through innovative technology solutions in Kenya and beyond.

The discussion covers Ranaf’s journey from growing up in Arusha, Tanzania, to founding RIANA Group in 2014. The podcast dives into the company’s key offerings, including queue management, visitor management, and electronic security systems, all designed to enhance customer experience across various sectors.

A key topic of conversation is RIANA Group’s upcoming Customer Experience Executives Forum on October 2nd, 2024. This event will bring together CX leaders to explore how businesses can leverage technology to improve customer satisfaction, retention, and business performance.

Throughout the podcast, Ranaf shares insights into how his company’s tailored solutions have addressed real-world business challenges in sectors such as healthcare, banking, and hospitality. He also reflects on the importance of gathering customer feedback to continuously refine and improve services. Ranaf touches on how COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation and the adoption of AI-driven technologies within RIANA Group’s solutions, making customer experiences more seamless.

Finally, the conversation wraps up with advice for entrepreneurs, focusing on solving real problems and using technology to drive growth.

Key Highlights:

• Ranaf’s journey from Tanzania to founding RIANA Group
• Key innovations in queue management, visitor management, and electronic security
• The role of customer feedback in improving CX
• RIANA Group’s approach to personalized, tech-driven solutions
• Insights into the upcoming Customer Experience Executives Forum
• The impact of COVID-19 on digital transformation in customer experience
• Ranaf’s vision for the future of customer experience in Africa
• Advice for entrepreneurs looking to break into technology businesses

Don’t miss this deep dive into customer experience technology! Subscribe to Pure Digital Passion for more engaging discussions with technology leaders.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Lucas John Omollo, Chief Manager of ICT & Smart City Solutions at Konza Technopolis, as we explore the remarkable progress Konza has made in becoming a global smart city. 🌍

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, we cover:

• Konza’s achievements in ICT and smart city infrastructure
• The National Data Center and smart traffic systems
• Plans for the Kenyan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
• The future of Kenya’s digital economy and job creation
• The role of the creative economy with the upcoming Digital Media City
• The 41st IASP World Conference, hosted in Nairobi from September 24th to 27th, 2024

📅 Register for the IASP World Conference: https://www.iaspworldconference.com/register/

✈️ Kenya Airways Special Offer: Get 15% off international flights and 7% off domestic flights with promo code KONZA24. Book via the Kenya Airways website or mobile app: https://www.kenya-airways.com/en/promotions/41st-iasp-world-conference/