Ali Talks Tech

From being on the brink of auction to building one of East Africa’s fastest-growing fintechs, Dr. Victor Kiplagat’s story is a masterclass in grit, faith, and innovation. 💡In this week’s episode of #AliTalksTech, we sit down with the CEO & Founder of Spin Mobile, a company transforming how financial institutions and individuals make sense of financial data.Victor opens up about: 🔥 Bootstrapping from negative capital and turning a “no” from an investor into a million-shilling lesson. 🔄 How listening to customers shaped Spin Mobile’s breakthrough product - SpinCrunch, an AI-powered SaaS that helps banks and fintechs analyze statements in seconds. 🤖 The rise of AI and data analytics in credit scoring, fraud detection, and digital KYC. 💰 His latest innovation, Taswira, a personal finance app empowering everyday Africans to understand their spending, track savings, and build financial health.From surviving tax penalties to powering 250+ financial institutions across three countries, Spin Mobile’s journey is proof that Africa’s fintech revolution is just getting started. 🌍🎧 Tune in to hear how resilience, customer obsession, and African ingenuity are rewriting the rules of digital finance.

In this episode of #AliTalksTech, Ali Hussein sits down with Bonface Ombui, CEO of Choice Bank 💡 to unpack one of the most fascinating transformation stories in African fintech 🌍. From its humble beginnings as a diaspora-backed microfinance institution in Rongai 🏘️ to its rebirth as a fully digital, tech-native bank 💻🏦, Choice Bank’s journey is a case study in resilience, innovation, and bold vision 🚀.Bonface shares how the bank ripped apart its legacy systems to build Seagull, a custom core banking platform ⚙️ powering its Banking-as-a-Service model 🔌, which today drives 90% of new customers 👥 and 60% of deposits 💰. We dive into how Choice is tackling regulatory hurdles 📜, pioneering cross-border payments that settle in minutes ⏱️🌐, and building forex 💱 and lending solutions 💳 that compete with global platforms while staying rooted in local realities.This is more than a banking story, it’s a look into how African fintechs are rewriting the rules ✍🏾, shaping the future of financial inclusion 🤝, and proving that local innovation can rival global giants 🌟.🎧 Tune in to learn how Choice Bank is scaling, partnering, and daring to imagine a new future for digital finance in Africa.

In this episode, Ali Hussein Kassim sits down with Caroline Thuo, Senior Manager and Agile Coach at KCB Bank, to unpack how Agile is reshaping African organizations.From her powerful analogy of Agile as an African dancer moving to the beat of the drum to her insights on tribes, squads, and cross-functional teams, Carol brings clarity to a concept many companies are still learning to embrace.💡 Key insights include:Why agility is less about hierarchy and more about synchrony.How frontline staff and developers alike “dance” to the customer’s tune.Lessons from her time at M-PESA’s Daraja platform, now powering 80,000+ developers.The challenges (and myths) around regulation and digital onboarding in banking.🎧 Whether you’re in tech, banking, or leadership, this conversation will change how you see organizational transformation—iterative, human-centered, and always moving to the rhythm of change.

🔒 Digital Trust: Securing the Future of Mobile Banking | #AliTalksTechIn this episode, we unpack how KCB is setting the pace in digital trust and mobile banking security. From the science behind first-login data requirements to the latest in regulatory compliance, this conversation goes beyond cybersecurity hygiene—it’s about building confidence from the very first tap.💡 Key insights include:Why secure first-logins matter for long-term trustHow regulation and customer protection go hand-in-handPractical tips every mobile banking customer should knowKCB’s vision for a safer, mobile-first AfricaThis isn’t just an explainer. It’s a deep dive into the future of secure digital finance, showing how stronger protocols and smarter practices can redefine customer trust in Africa’s mobile-first economy.

🎙️ #Alitalkstech – Tech Policy in Motion with Martin Mirero 💡⚙️In this insightful episode recorded live at the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF) during Africa Tech Policy Week, we sit down with Martin Mirero, Director of ICT at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) — one of the continent’s most influential tech regulators.From the engine room of Kenya’s digital oversight, Martin offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at:How the CA is modernizing systems like licensing, frequency management, and consumer protection 🛠️The concept of responsive regulation and why regulators must listen more and react faster 🎯What it takes to build a regulatory sandbox that encourages innovation without compromising oversight 🧪Lessons from his unique journey through startups, corporates, and public service — and how it’s shaping his leadership today 🌍Martin also tackles the critical but often overlooked role of institutional machinery and how government bureaucracy, when well-tuned, can power real change — not stall it.Whether you're an innovator, policymaker, or curious observer of Africa’s digital transformation, this episode delivers sharp insights, humble reflections, and a compelling vision for the future of tech regulation.🎧 Tune in to hear why Kenya is setting the pace on the continent — and what’s next for digital governance.#AliTalksTech #KeIGF2025 #AfricaTechPolicyWeek #DigitalRegulation #Innovation #CommunicationsAuthority #PolicyInAction #TechForDevelopment

🎙️ #Alitalkstech – Clearing the Runway: Fred Waithaka on Policy, Platforms & Purpose 🌍📱In this high-impact episode recorded at the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF) and the Africa Tech Policy Summit, Ali sits down with Fred Waithaka, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Safaricom, for a masterclass in tech policy, public engagement, and the future of digital Africa.Fred opens up about what it really means to "clear the runway" for one of Africa’s most influential tech companies — by earning the social license to operate and navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. With warmth and clarity, he explains how Safaricom bridges the worlds of telecom, fintech, tech innovation, and ESG.🔍 Inside this episode:Why ESG is embedded in African traditions — not just corporate checklists 🌱How Safaricom collaborates with regulators, developers, and communities to drive innovation 🤝The power of M-Pesa and Daraja, and how they’ve shaped Kenya’s fintech ecosystem 💸💻What it means to balance compliance with creativity in a fast-changing digital world ⚖️⚡Why policy engagement is everyone’s business — especially for startups and entrepreneurs 🚀Fred also shares his personal reflections on leadership, lifelong learning, and how his 70-person multidisciplinary team acts as a "force multiplier" in forums like KeIGF to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.🎧 Whether you’re a founder, policymaker, developer, or digital rights advocate, this episode is packed with bold insights, grounded wisdom, and a clear call: collaboration is the currency of the future.#AliTalksTech #KeIGF2025 #AfricaTechPolicyWeek #Safaricom #MPesa #DigitalRegulation #ESG #OpenFinance #FintechAfrica #TechPolicy #Daraja #KenyaTech

🎙️ #Alitalkstech – Live from the Kenya Internet Governance Forum & Africa Tech Policy Summit! 🌍💻In this special episode recorded on the sidelines of Africa Tech Policy Week 🎯, Ali sits down with the formidable Dr. Grace Gitaiga 👩🏽‍⚖️, CEO and Convener of KICTANet — Kenya’s leading ICT policy think tank 🧠. With infectious passion and deep insight, Grace takes us on a journey through the heart of tech policymaking in Africa 🌐.They unpack:The evolution of KICTANet from an email list 📧 to a policy powerhouse 💥Why multi-stakeholder engagement 🤝 is the backbone of inclusive tech regulation ⚖️The impact of the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF) 🗣️ and its role in amplifying new voices 📣The inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit 🚀 and the birth of pan-African policy conversations 🌍How the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG) 🎓 is nurturing the next generation of digital policy leaders 👩🏿‍💼👨🏾‍💼Whether you’re a policy wonk, tech enthusiast, or just curious about how digital rights and regulations shape our lives 🛡️, this episode is packed with sharp takes ⚡, honest dialogue 💬, and a behind-the-scenes look at the forces shaping Africa’s digital future 🔮.🎧 Tune in and hear how grassroots voices, Gen Zs 🔥, and visionary leaders 🌟 are rewriting the rules of internet governance — one memo at a time 📝.#TechPolicy #KeIGF2025 #AfricaTechPolicyWeek #KICTANet #DigitalRights #AliTalksTech 💬✨

Get ready for an inspiring ride! 🚗💨 In this episode of #AliTalksTech, host Ali Hussein Kassim sits down with Munyi Nthiga, one of Africa’s original FinTech trailblazers and Secretary General of the Association of FinTechs in Kenya. Recorded live at the buzzing Africa FinTech Live event in Nairobi, this conversation uncovers the real stories behind the continent’s digital finance revolution. 🌍💡Munyi takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings as a courier company driver (yes, really! 🚚) to becoming a top sales leader and, ultimately, a key player in Kenya’s tech ecosystem. He shares candid lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the power of human connection-reminding us that even in a tech-driven world, relationships matter most. 🤝✨Discover how curiosity, a knack for problem-solving, and a passion for technology propelled Munyi from tracking packages in MS-DOS to leading client relationships at Access Kenya during the dawn of the corporate ISP era. 📦➡️💻Munyi also reflects on the importance of purpose, family, and building a future for the next generation, sharing why he believes we’re all borrowing from our children’s future-and why it’s our job to build something lasting. 👨‍👧‍👦🌱Don’t miss this masterclass in perseverance, innovation, and authentic leadership. If you want to know what it really takes to shape Africa’s FinTech story, this episode is for you! 🎧🔥Tune in and be inspired!

Tired of slow and expensive money transfers? 💸 In the first episode of #AlitalksTech this year, we chat with Tope Alabi, the visionary founder of Afriex, a Nigerian-American fintech company shaking up the world of cross-border payments. 🌍 Tope shares his inspiring journey – from experiencing the frustrations of sending money home to Nigeria 🇳🇬 as a US resident, to building Afriex to make international transfers faster, cheaper, and more accessible across Africa. 💡 We dive deep into: The Afriex story: How a personal frustration sparked a revolutionary idea. 💡 Navigating the FinTech landscape: The challenges and triumphs of building a successful fintech company in Africa. 📈 The future of finance in Africa: Tope's vision for a more inclusive and interconnected financial system. 🚀 This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fintech, entrepreneurship in Africa, and the power of innovation to solve real-world problems. 🎧 Don't miss it!

🌍 A Global Journey: Asif Khan, CEO and Founder of ANDO Foods, takes us on a fascinating ride through his life. Born in Kenya with Pakistani roots, Asif studied in Japan on a prestigious scholarship, immersing himself in a culture that would later influence his craftsmanship. 💼 Diverse Career Path: From organizing workshops at the Kenya Film Festival to marketing at Scan Group, Asif embraced varied roles before venturing into freelance photography—capturing daring shots from Nairobi’s rooftops. Later, he joined Java House, gaining key insights into the food industry. 🍛 The Birth of ANDO Foods: In 2020, Asif launched ANDO Foods from his mother’s kitchen with a simple WhatsApp poster and a lot of determination. Starting with his family’s legendary biryani recipe, ANDO has grown into a powerhouse of 9 food brands that redefine cloud kitchens and food delivery. 🤝 Empowering Others: Asif also discusses Oro, ANDO’s innovative food operating system that helps small food businesses scale efficiently. By leveraging technology and partnerships, ANDO is setting the stage for a culinary revolution across Africa. 💡 Key Takeaways: The power of resilience and innovation 🛠️ Crafting a legacy from humble beginnings 🏠 Building a food empire while empowering communities 🌟 🔗 Don’t miss this deep dive into Asif’s entrepreneurial journey, filled with insights, humor, and big dreams for the future of food in Africa!

🎙️ Ali Talks Tech: Empowering SMEs Across Africa with Hilda Moraa 🌍 🔑 What’s in this Episode? Join host Ali Hussein Kassim as he welcomes the phenomenal Hilda Moraa—founder and CEO of Pezesha—to discuss her groundbreaking work in African fintech. 🚀💡 📌 Key Highlights: 🌱 Starting Young: Hilda’s bold leap into entrepreneurship at 24 and her journey to successfully exiting her first startup, Weza Tele. 🏦 Building Pezesha: How she’s empowering 500,000+ SMEs through embedded finance and innovative partnerships. 🌟 The Ripple Effect: The inspiring story of Rose, a businesswoman in Kibera who transformed her life and community with Pezesha's support. 🤝 Collaboration is Key: Insights into working with regulators, leveraging APIs, and scaling fintech solutions for maximum impact. 🔍 Looking Ahead: Hilda’s plans for the future of Pezesha and fintech in Africa. ✨ Why Listen? This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and changemakers looking to create meaningful impact in Africa and beyond. 🌟 🎧 Tune in now to hear how Pezesha is rewriting the narrative of African innovation, one SME at a time! 🎉 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! ⭐

#AliTalksTech: The Visionary Journey of Kamal Budhabhatti 🚀💡 In this electrifying episode of #AliTalksTech, we sit down with Kamal Budhabhatti, CEO of Craft Silicon, to delve into a transformative story that spans programming roots 🖥️, entrepreneurial milestones 🏆, and groundbreaking innovations 🌍. From building Craft Silicon into a fintech giant 💳, to competing with global players like Uber through Little Cabs 🚖, Kamal has consistently stayed ahead of the curve. The conversation takes an exciting turn as Kamal unveils his latest venture, Blue Beetle 🪲, and its flagship product, Smalltalk 🗨️. In his words, AI is not merely a "digital transformation"—it's a behavioral transformation 🔄. Kamal discusses how Smalltalk uses small language models to empower businesses with secure, private AI-driven insights, creating a revolution in corporate operations 📊🤖. 🎧 Tune in to discover: ✅ Kamal's philosophy of customer-centric growth and innovation 🤝. ✅ How Little became Kenya's largest corporate ride-hailing platform 🚕. ✅ Why AI represents a shift in how we behave, not just how we work 🧠. ✅ The bold vision of Smalltalk, from personalizing enterprise workflows to solving everyday challenges like seamless shopping 🛒 or visa applications 🌍. Kamal also reflects on the importance of nurturing dreamers 🌟, the challenges of talent acquisition in AI 🧑‍💻, and his intriguing new title: Head of Product Dreams and Innovation 🌌. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or AI aficionado, this episode promises a front-row seat to the future of technology and its human touch ✨. Don’t miss it! 🚀🎙️

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.

 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.

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.

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.

🌟 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! 🎥🔔

 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!

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! 🎧

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! 🎧✨