African Tech Roundup Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ola Oyetayo of Verto: Building a Profitable Cross-Border Fintech for Emerging Markets May 14, 2025

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Episode overview: In this conversation, Verto co-founder and CEO Ola Oyetayo shares the journey of building a cross-border payments platform that tackles the unique challenges African businesses face when making international transactions. Since graduating from Y Combinator in 2019, Verto has established itself as what Oyetayo describes as a profitable and cashflow positive fintech serving multiple African markets. Incidentally, the company recently made headlines after winning the prestigious $1 million Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech. He discusses his team's pragmatic approach to addressing payment barriers in emerging markets, why traditional financial institutions have failed to serve these regions effectively, and how technology can disrupt traditional banking networks that have historically excluded certain markets. Andile Masuku engages Oyetayo on the evolution of fintech in Africa, the role of privilege and networks in business success, and the future potential of stablecoins to revolutionise cross-border payments in ways that might prove more transformative for emerging markets than developed ones. Key topics: - Verto's position in the cross-border payments landscape - The strategic decision to focus on B2B rather than consumer payments - The untapped $286 billion trade flow between Africa and China - Why 96-97% of business cross-border payments still go through traditional banks - The innovator's dilemma Verto faces with the rise of stablecoins Notable points: 1. In 2018, Oyetayo launched Verto's business model alongside his co-founder Anthony Oduu after spotting a solutions gap for African businesses making international payments outside of traditional banks 2. Verto has been profitable and cash flow positive for approximately 18 months 3. How a chance meeting with legendary VC Vinod Khosla at YC in 2019 first turned him on to the stablecoin investment opportunity—years before they became mainstream 4. The company operates in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and the Francophone region 5. Despite previous experience in institutional finance, Oyetayo admits "ignorance is bliss" helped him tackle a problem others saw as too risky 6. The potential of stablecoins to solve liquidity, volatility and capital control challenges in emerging markets Listen out for Oyetayo's take on Paystack's B2C play Zap, the fintech ecosystem implications of Moniepoint's "unicornification," and his contrarian insight that stablecoins will revolutionise emerging markets while having minimal impact in developed economies: "This is not a popular opinion... There's just no case for stablecoins in developed markets. People talk about, oh, it's going to disrupt Visa and MasterCard... I don't see that coming anytime soon." Image credit: Verto

Innovating Venture Building Support: David Ogundeko on Funema’s Vision for Backing African Ventures Apr 25, 2025

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Episode overview: In this conversation, David Ogundeko shares the journey of Funema, an impact-focused alternative investment firm operating for nine years across Nigeria, South Africa, and the US. He discusses his approach to venture building for early-stage founders, why Africa needs a unique investment approach, and how his firm addresses the "chicken and egg" challenge that idea-stage founders face: needing traction to raise funds while needing the right talent to gain that traction. Andile Masuku engages Ogundeko on the evolution of venture building in Africa, from being "mocked" five to six years ago to now becoming an essential element in the ecosystem. Throughout the conversation, Ogundeko makes a compelling case for why Africa's tech ecosystem requires patient capital with 15-25 year horizons rather than traditional 10-year VC fund lifecycles. Key topics: - The evolution of Funema's venture building model over nine years - Why service-based businesses can evolve into stronger tech companies - Misalignment between traditional VC timelines and African market realities - The importance of founder emotional connection to problems they're solving - How AI is democratising education and knowledge across the continent - Funema's ambitious plans to scale venture building across Africa Notable points: 1. Ogundeko developed his venture building thesis after working at Seedstars in 2016, flipping their model to focus on founders with their own ideas 2. Funema has a portfolio of 20+ companies built over nine years of operation The firm prefers working with founders who start with service models to develop deeper market understanding before scaling with technology 3. Traditional 10-year VC timelines are insufficient for African tech development, with Ogundeko advocating for 15-25 year investment horizons 4. Funema is planning to reach 1,000 founders over the next two years and train 100,000 venture builders over five years What makes Funema's approach distinctive is his patience and belief in deep market understanding: "We didn't exactly start out with a very sexy business model. But the learnings that we've been able to get from the market, which we've automated into a platform, is becoming a product that you can call a pure tech business."

Adapt or Be Left Behind: Marie Lora-Mungai on AI and the Future of African Filmmaking Apr 06, 2025

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Meet Marie Lora-Mungai, expert advisor in African creative industries and sports business and founder of Restless Global - whose 20-year journey from CNN journalist to production company founder to industry advisor gives her a unique vantage point on Africa's creative economy. In thought-provoking conversation with Andile Masuku, Lora-Mungai makes a compelling case for African filmmakers to stop seeking funding for traditional productions and instead leverage AI tools to create content independently. Episode overview: The discussion stems from Lora-Mungai's viral Linkedin post warning African filmmakers about AI disruption. She points to a jarring disconnect: while some creators are still trying to raise millions for conventional productions, others are creating professional-quality content using AI tools on a laptop. The conversation explores how this technological shift is redefining what it means to be a filmmaker in 2025 and beyond. Key topics: - The widening gap between traditional film projects and AI-enabled production - How AI tools are eliminating conventional barriers to content creation - The shift from specialised roles to comprehensive creative vision - Why traditional fundraising may be obsolete for many productions - The changing landscape for talent, especially voice actors and performers - Emerging regulatory needs for protecting creative identity in an AI world Notable points: 1. Many Nollywood filmmakers are not yet leveraging AI, though the first AI-themed movie releases this month in Nigeria 2. Independent filmmakers Hussain Sambal are creating professional-quality content using AI with minimal resources 3. Lora-Mungai advises creators to "build in public" rather than spending time seeking traditional funding 4. AI tools are making traditional film specialisations like editing and visual effects increasingly obsolete 5. Blockchain and Web3 technologies may become essential for tracking and monetising creative assets in an AI-dominated landscape Be sure to listen out for a particularly candid moment when Masuku reveals he recently turned down offers from companies wanting to replicate his voice using AI, and Lora-Mungai's forthright response about the inevitability of this transformation. Here's a link to Marie Lora-Mungai's inciting Linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marieloramungai_african-filmmakers-we-need-to-talk-about-activity-7312399340570918912-uVie?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAGwgRYBG52bgfG6IE0hzny7wKy24y4L_74) Image credit: Restless Global

From Policy to Independent Media: Fatu Ogwuche on Creative Storytelling in Tech Mar 20, 2025

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Episode overview: In this conversation, Fatu Ogwuche shares insights into her transition from working at Meta and consulting for Nigeria's Electoral Commission to launching her own media platform, Big Tech This Week. She discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach to storytelling, and the unique position independent creators hold in today's media landscape. Andile Masuku describes Ogwuche as "low-key the industry's head of intelligence" - a title earned through her knack for asking the right questions, journalistic research methods, and ability to get people comfortable enough to share meaningful insights about the African tech ecosystem. Key topics: - Transitioning from corporate roles to independent media ownership - The power of personality-driven content creation - Building authentic connections with interview subjects - Research as a foundation for compelling storytelling - The growth and evolution of Africa's tech media landscape - The balance between reporting ecosystem challenges and celebrating wins Notable points: 1. Ogwuche started Big Tech This Week as a hobby while working at Meta during the pandemic, seeking creative expression outside her corporate role 2. Her experience representing Nigeria's Electoral Commission on television at age 24-25 shaped her understanding of effective communication 3. The African tech and media ecosystems are both relatively young—many major startups and publications are only 10-16 years old 4. Independent creators are increasingly collaborating across borders to tell stories in fresh, compelling ways 5. Thorough research and genuine curiosity are central to Fatu's interview approach, allowing for deeper conversations with tech leaders Projects mentioned: - The Crossover Show 2024 - Ogwuche's year-end review featuring conversations with ecosystem leaders about significant trends and looking ahead to 2024 | Link: https://youtu.be/s31x58-EnJU?si=dvGqM9PDDnHFkSJP - "If Weekend Go Sweet" - A collaborative op-ed between Ogwuche and Masuku examining African tech's 2024 "Wednesday signals" | Link: https://www.africantechroundup.com/op-ed-if-weekend-go-sweet-fatu-ogwuches-reading-of-african-techs-2024-wednesday-signs-2/ - Backstories with Fatu - Ogwuche's interview series featuring tech entrepreneurs who don't typically do many interviews | Link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFFlwhyjoaXiZl0M34txzp8ACjqAQt8wC&si=v3XWNApO8Hik1rWo Fatu approaches her work with an authenticity that makes interview subjects comfortable sharing insights they might not reveal elsewhere. As both she and Andile note, what sets her apart is her combination of strategic intelligence, legal background, natural curiosity, and creative spark—along with a commitment to presenting information in ways that engage and inform. As the African tech ecosystem continues to develop alongside its media landscape, voices like Fatu's provide not just reporting but vital context and nuance, helping audiences understand both challenges and opportunities in a balanced way.

Carrier Neutral: How Unicorn Factory Aims to Open Up Africa’s Internet Infrastructure Feb 20, 2025

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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 Image credit: Unicorn Factory

Inside Money & Moves: Tinashe Mukogo On Merging Corporate Expertise With Independent Media Feb 07, 2025

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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.

Joshua Bicknell On How Balloon Ventures' 'Boring Business' Portfolio Drives 0.5% Of Uganda's GDP Jan 25, 2025

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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

Ochuko Ogra On Backbone Connectivity Network's (BCN) Nigeria Growth Strategy Jan 17, 2025

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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

Alan Knott-Craig Jr On Life After Mxit's Royal Fail (2016) Jan 09, 2025

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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

Building Bridges: Maya Horgan Famodu's Silicon Valley-Africa Crossing Playbook (2017) Dec 26, 2024

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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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