Advertise on podcast: Africa Tech Summit Podcast

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2026, this episode features Mukami Wairaina, Associate Investment Director at Novastar Ventures. Novastar Ventures is a venture capital firm backing planet-positive, people-centered businesses solving mass-market problems across Africa's agriculture and climate sectors. In this conversation, Mukami unpacks the continent's vast untapped agricultural potential - including the 60% of arable land still uncultivated - and the challenges smallholder farmers face, from costly inputs to steep post-harvest losses. The discussion also covers how integrated digital platforms, climate risk insurance, and circular-economy innovations like biodigesters are building more resilient agritech businesses, plus why local currency debt, diverse funding, and stronger exit markets are key to sustaining the sector's growth. Hosted by Nixon Kanali, Founder & Tech Editor at TechTrends Media. For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, this episode features Emmanuel Babalola, Chief Commercial Officer at Fincra. Fincra is one of Africa's leading fintechs, building payment infrastructure that helps businesses collect, convert, and settle money across the continent's fragmented currency landscape. In this conversation, Babs explores how Fincra is building borderless payment rails that cut reliance on the US dollar, enabling direct currency settlement between African markets through local bank accounts and real-time treasury tools. The discussion also covers Fincra's partnership-first approach to banks and regulators, its expansion plans across 10+ markets, and the rising role of stablecoins in Africa's fintech future. Hosted by Nixon Kanali, Founder & Tech Editor at TechTrends Media For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, this episode features Andreas Pletscher, Chief Operating Officer of the Cardano Foundation. The Cardano Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on advancing blockchain adoption through education, ecosystem development and real-world applications of decentralized technology. In this conversation, Andreas explores how blockchain is being applied across Africa, from digital identity programmes and startup incubation to asset tokenisation and regulatory engagement. The discussion also covers the importance of education, building trusted digital infrastructure, and why Africa's growing developer ecosystem presents a unique opportunity for blockchain innovation and adoption. For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, this episode features Farzam Ehsani, Co-Founder and CEO of VALR. As one of Africa's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, VALR is building the infrastructure for faster, more accessible and borderless financial services across the continent. In this conversation, Farzam explores the evolution of Africa's crypto ecosystem, Kenya's emerging regulatory landscape, and how blockchain technology is enabling low-cost cross-border transactions at scale. The discussion also covers stablecoins, security, regulatory engagement, and why the next phase of financial innovation in Africa could be powered by what Farzam calls "money over IP". Hosted by Peter Nalika at TechTrends Media For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, this episode features Carrol Chang, CEO of Andela. Founded on the belief that brilliance exists everywhere but opportunity does not, Andela has evolved into a global talent marketplace connecting skilled technologists with opportunities around the world. In this conversation, Carrol explores how artificial intelligence is transforming software development, the changing role of engineers in an AI-powered world, and why continuous reskilling is becoming essential for technology professionals. The discussion also covers Andela's ambition to train 15,000 AI-fluent developers by 2026, the rise of "forward deployed engineers", and the challenges businesses face when scaling AI from pilot projects to enterprise-wide adoption. Hosted by Nixon Kanali, Founder & Tech Editor at TechTrends Media For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, this episode features Stanley Mukasa, Associate Director of Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. CMU Africa is helping startups bridge the gap between innovative ideas and sustainable businesses through its incubation programmes, mentorship, funding and access to technical talent. In this conversation, Stanley shares how the university supports deep tech founders navigating long development cycles, limited access to capital and the challenge of turning research-driven innovation into market-ready products. The discussion also explores the importance of patient capital, building traction before fundraising, supporting underserved communities, and the emerging opportunities shaping Africa’s startup ecosystem - from fintech to clean energy. Hosted by Nixon Kanali, Founder & Tech Editor at TechTrends Media For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, this episode features Jamie Steell, Chief Operating Officer at pawaPay. pawaPay is a key player in Africa’s payments ecosystem, building infrastructure designed to handle the complexity and fragmentation of payment systems across the continent. In this conversation, Jamie breaks down what it really takes to scale payments in Africa -from navigating fragmented mobile money networks to building automated systems that can handle failures in real time. The discussion also explores trust in payment systems, the role of mobile money as Africa’s financial backbone, and why consolidation across providers is likely the next phase of growth. Hosted by Nixon Kanali, Founder & Tech Editor at TechTrends Media. For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

Recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi, this episode features Wale Afolabi, Co-Founder and CTO of PESA. PESA is building infrastructure to simplify cross-border payments—helping individuals and businesses move money instantly across markets including the UK, EU, US, UAE, and Nigeria, with expansion across Africa underway. In this conversation, Wale breaks down the realities behind cross-border payments—from fragmented regulations and liquidity challenges to the importance of local partnerships and reliable payment rails. The discussion also explores how digital payments are enabling African SMEs to trade globally, and what’s coming next, including the rise of stablecoins and instant payments across the continent. Hosted by Nixon Kanali, Founder & Tech Editor at TechTrends Media For more insights and upcoming events, visit africatechsummit.com.

The Digital Revolution: Enhancing Cross-Border Payments in Africa – Panel at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2025 featuring insights and views from Eric Wainaina – General Manager, Africa at Conduit, Yemi Lawani – Director of Business Development at Circle Iheakachi Nwabueze – Head of Global Marketing and Growth at Grey Dr. Collins Igwe – CFO at Budpay and moderated by Paschal Okeke – Head of Operations & Expansion at CrissCross. Panelists discuss the current state of cross-border payments on the continent, the technological advancements in financial services powered by blockchain and digital currencies and highlight the anticipated growth of the African payment market, projected to reach $40 billion with 70% being digital. The session touches on key challenges in the industry, including high transaction costs, regulatory fragmentation, compliance complexities, inefficient banking infrastructures and differing regulatory frameworks across countries present additional hurdles for cross-border transactions.

Listen to a live panel on "The Truth About Venture Capital; Unveiling Today’s Trend & Reality" recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi. Visit our website for more details and future events: www.africatechsummit.com. With Jason Njoku – Founder at NjokuZilla Andreata Muforo – Partner at TLcom Capital Selma Farouk – Investment Analyst at DPI VC Maxime Bayen – Operating Partner at Catalyst Fund Eric Osiakwan – Founder and Managing Partner at Chanzo Capital Highlights include 🌍 Diverse Ecosystem: African investment opportunities span various sectors, with fintech and climate technology being front-runners. 📉 Current Trends: A noticeable decline in startup funding was observed, yet there’s optimism about recovery as macroeconomic conditions stabilize. 💰 Local Knowledge: The significance of local investors was emphasized for navigating Africa’s unique market complexities. 🚀 Growth Challenges: Founders need to adopt capital efficiency strategies and focus on sustainable growth amidst economic volatility.

Listen to a live panel on "Africa's FinTech Frontier: Payments & Growth Opportunities" recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi. Visit our website for more details and future events: www.africatechsummit.com. Featuring Didi Uwemakpan - VP at Moniepoint Adesoji Solanke - Head of FinTech & Banks, Investment Banking Origination at Absa Shay Hamilton - CEO at Tola Saruni Maina - Associate VP at Flutterwave and moderated by Nkiru Uwaje - COO at Mansa Finance Highlights from the session include: 🌍 Growth of Fintech: The African fintech industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increased mobile penetration and digital payment adoption. 💳 Mobile Money Integration: The rise of mobile money services is transforming payment systems, facilitating real-time transactions and increasing financial inclusion. 🔒 Challenges in Security: The advancement of technology also brings challenges, particularly in fraud protection and identity management for fintech companies.

Listen to a live panel on "Building Web3 Across The Continent " recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi. Visit our website for more details and future events: www.africatechsummit.com. Featuring Chris Duffus - CEO at Fonbnk Stephen Browne - Co-Founder at Sorted Wallet Mouloukou Sanoh - Co-Founder & CEO at Mansa Finance and moderated by Jessica Hope - CEO at Wimbart Highlights from the session include: 🌍 Web3 as a Catalyst for Change: The panel emphasized that Web3 technologies could significantly reshape financial infrastructure in Africa, offering new methods for transactions and financial services. 📉 Financial Inclusion Challenges: A staggering 75% of adults in Southern Africa lack access to formal financial services, highlighting the pressing need for innovative solutions. 💰 Stablecoins’ Role: Stablecoins are viewed as a potential game-changer for financial transactions, providing stability and ease of use in volatile economies.

Listen to a live panel on "Stablecoins in Africa: Stability & Innovation Powering Digital Payments" recorded live at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi. Visit our website for more details and future events: www.africatechsummit.com. Victoria Calmon - Head of Marketing and Communications at Mento Labs Daniel Kimotho - Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at Celo Foundation Sebastien Piolat - Business Development Director for Web3 at Opera and moderated by Duncan Muchangi - Head of Business Development at Fonbnk. The panelists explore challenges and opportunities in the adoption of stablecoins across the continent, financial literacy, accessibility, and the current reliance on mobile money systems. Sharing insights into prevalent use cases for stablecoins — like savings, payments, and remittances— and highlight the role of emerging technologies in bridging gaps within traditional financial systems. The discussion covers the importance of partnerships and the ecosystem required for stablecoin growth, as well as exciting projections for the future where traditional banking systems may evolve into a more decentralized financial landscape.

Listen to a live panel on "Insights From The Frontline" recorded live at Africa Tech Summit London. Visit our website for more details and future events: www.africatechsummit.com. Featuring: Chika Nwobi – Founder & CEO at Decagon Mike Quinn – Co-Founder & CEO at Boost Uzoma Dozie – Chief Sparkler at Sparkle Moderated by Jessica Hope – Founder & CEO at Wimbart The session digs in to the founders stories, sharing their challenges and strategies for startups in the African tech ecosystem amidst macroeconomic difficulties. Panelists discussed the importance of building businesses with solid fundamentals, focusing on profitability, and managing risks such as currency devaluation and inflation. They also emphasized the need for startups to stay lean, adapt quickly, and maintain strong relationships with investors to secure funding during tough economic times.

Listen to a live panel on "Gen AI Hype or Reality? How are African Startups Building with Generative AI" recorded live at Africa Tech Summit London. Featuring: Honey Ogundeyi – Founder & CEO at Edukoya Dave Evans – CTPO at pawaPay Stefan Kruger – Vice President Of Engineering at Paystack Ed Fricker – Director of Platform Engineering at Smile ID and moderated by Kartik Renjen – Head of Startup/VC Biz Dev at Amazon Web Services The session emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into both current operations and future visions, highlighting the value of building in-house AI expertise to stay competitive. Panellists stressed the need for early-stage start-ups to experiment with AI tools and avoid over-committing to specific technologies due to the rapid pace of innovation. Underscoring the potential for smaller, efficient teams to leverage AI for significant impact and encouraged innovative business models in the AI-driven market. Visit our website for more details and future events: www.africatechsummit.com.