Africa Tech Talks

Nikita Kuzmin, founder of Helpster Charity, aims to revolutionize global giving with tech-driven transparency. He shares how a mere $300 can save lives by tackling financial barriers to healthcare in developing countries. Nikita discusses the creation of Helpster, which uses efficient systems to ensure every dollar goes directly to hospitals, preventing fraud. He highlights personal stories of transformation, including a young girl who regained her ability to dance. His mission? To save one million lives through innovative charity practices!

Soha Nasser from Acelera Agro and Luimar Silva from Acelera Angola discuss their transformative work in Angola's agri-food sector and entrepreneurial landscape. They emphasize the importance of mentorship and structured programs to help startups thrive. The Growth Lab program is highlighted for its role in equipping agri-food startups with essential resources and connections. They also tackle issues like food waste and the need for tech integration, while inspiring youth to engage in agriculture and address sustainability challenges.

Vítor Rodrigues, Founder and Manager of Innovation Makers, dives into the evolving banking scene in Angola, emphasizing the role of tech in promoting financial inclusion. He discusses the challenges of moving from a cash-based economy to embracing digital payments, noting only 30% of Angolans have banking access. Vítor advocates for tailored solutions like mobile wallets to serve the unbanked population. He highlights the crucial need for education and incentives alongside technology to build a trustworthy financial ecosystem.

Isaac Marshall, a senior investment professional at TLG Capital, discusses innovative credit solutions for startups and SMEs across Africa. He emphasizes the resilience of African entrepreneurs amid challenging market conditions. Marshall shares his optimism about currency stabilization in Nigeria and dynamic growth in Angola's banking sector. He also explores the potential of cryptocurrency for foreign exchange solutions while urging the need for better data and local talent development. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs centers on prioritizing profitability and building strong relationships with international investors.

Luni Libes, CEO of Africa Eats and author of "Berkshire Africa," shares his journey from tech leader to impact investor. In this conversation, he highlights the groundbreaking listing of Africa Eats on the Mauritius Stock Exchange, aiming to boost investment in agriculture. Luni introduces Tuesday Markets, a platform supporting smallholder farmers. He also discusses success stories from Tanzanian and Rwandan entrepreneurs, showcasing how innovative investment strategies can drive sustainable growth and social impact in Africa's food sector.

Darwin Costa, a subsea cable expert, dives into the profound impact of these underwater networks on Africa's digital future. He reveals that 95% of global communications rely on these cables, showcasing notable projects like SAT-3 and 2Africa. The discussion highlights Angola's role in enhancing connectivity and economic development, as well as the challenges posed by cable disruptions, such as in Congo. Costa emphasizes strategies for resilience and innovation in internet infrastructure, making complex topics accessible and engaging.

Diseye Isoun, Director of Content Oasis Ltd in Abuja, Nigeria, is reshaping Africa's connectivity landscape. He discusses the staggering $30,000 per kilometer fiber cost and questions the focus on 5G in an underserved market. Isoun sheds light on how small ISPs and collapsing satellite costs can revolutionize access. He emphasizes the impact of affordable broadband on rural education through MiFi devices and a decentralized approach, envisioning a future where digital equity transforms lives across the continent.

Fábio José, Head of Sales at Raxio Data Centers for Angola, shares insights from his two decades in telecommunications. He discusses the vital role of data centers in empowering Africa’s tech sector, addressing the challenges of data sovereignty and compliance. Fábio highlights Raxio's expansion efforts in Angola and beyond, focusing on support for SMEs through cloud solutions. He emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity measures and sustainable practices in data management, revealing the transformative potential of improved infrastructure for various industries.

Today we're joined by Arlinda Ribeiro, Founder and CEO of Pagali, a company developing innovative tech solutions for digital payment in Cabo Verde. With over 20 years in the IT industry, Arlinda is an expert in FinTech, non-fungible tokens, desktop support and databases.Follow Arlinda Peixoto on social media:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindapeixotoInstagram: @ar.linda.peixotoLinks and initiativesPagali: https://www.pagali.cv/Follow Africa Tech Talkshttps://www.africatechtalks.com/https://twitter.com/afri_techtalkshttps://www.instagram.com/africatechtalks/https://www.linkedin.com/company/africa-tech-talks🎬 Full YT video: https://youtu.be/gp-qRylIvrQ00:00 Intro01:16 The journey to being an entrepreneur04:38 Gathering experience abroad07:20 Looking further into the digital payment landscape08:54 The evolution of the digital payment systems15:54 Pagali's inception and the journey of the entrepreneur19:24 Facing challenges and market adoption21:55 Pagali's growth plans27:35 How will the African fintech market grow34:05 Cabo Verde as a digital sandbox for the continent 38:10 Growth of fintech's in Africa43:25 Advise for entrepreneurs 45:40 Final remarks🗣️More about our guest:Linda Peixoto is the dynamic CEO and Founder of Pagali, a leading fintech company based in the Cabo Verde Islands. With a strong background in software development and a passion for technology, Linda has been instrumental in driving digital transformation and financial inclusion in West Africa. Under her visionary leadership, Pagali has rapidly grown to become a pivotal player in the fintech sector, offering innovative financial services and solutions tailored to the needs of the region.Linda is not only a tech enthusiast but also an advocate for ethical AI and its applications. She frequently shares her insights at industry conferences and panels, focusing on automation, data analysis, and the ethical implications of AI in organizations. Her expertise extends to various domains including process automation, fraud detection, and risk management in the banking sector.Linda is an avid bonsai artist, craft enthusiast, and tennis player. She is also passionate about architecture, cooking, and hospitality, often blending these interests into her creative ventures. Linda’s commitment to making Pagali a global and viral brand is matched by her dedication to community and cultural engagement.Linda holds a deep appreciation for the potential of digital transformation and works tirelessly to harness this potential for the betterment of society. Her innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive continue to inspire many, as she leads Pagali towards a future of growth and success.Follow the co-hosts:Ivo Martins - https://www.ivo-martins.comAndré Cavaco - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-cavacoManuel Pinto de Andrade - https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-pinto-de-andrade-69a03812/Victor Calhau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitor-calhau/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit africatechtalks.substack.com

Welcome to Africa Tech Talks, where we bring you insights from leaders shaping the continent's technological and financial landscape.Full YT Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8njfgdd-e4Our most recent episode is in portuguese, and our guest is a special one: José Garrido has more than 15 years of professional experience in IT consulting, between Angola and Portugal. His passion is to help foster and promote Angola's development.Follow José Garrido on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josepgarr...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agamoto/X/Twitter: https://x.com/josebgarridoKey moments 🎬02:20 Inclusão financeira, principais barreiras e medidas10:48 Regular / desregular para melhor servir13:40 O desenvolvimento da banca em Angola 16:35 Inclusão digital, os números e os desafios35:01 Incluir digitalmente, responsáveis e impactos38:00 O futuro é incerto, digital… e inteligente1:00:58 Lições do mundo profissional de José Garrido1:26:25 Recomendações de leituraFollow the co-hosts:Ivo Martins - https://www.ivo-martins.comAndré Cavaco - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-cavacoManuel Pinto de Andrade - https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-pinto-de-andrade-69a03812/Victor Calhau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitor-calhau/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit africatechtalks.substack.com