“Africa is brimming with young innovators, but to truly thrive, we need them to be TechLeaders – individuals who can not only dream big but also navigate the complexities of growth.”
Tech Hustle: Launching a Movement for Tech Leadership in Africa
It was an incredible moment – on November 16th, 2024, I officially introduced my book, “Tech Hustle,” at the YALI alumni homecoming event. As a proud YALI alumnus, I’ve always cherished my connection to the Institute, and their support in hosting my book’s official launch meant the world to me.
The YALI Alumni Homecoming radiated with energy. The institute is known for fostering a powerful alumni network, and this event was no exception. Founders, directors, and mid-level professionals filled the room – a community passionate about mentorship and making a positive impact. Given the institute’s focus on future leaders, it felt like the perfect place to introduce my concept of TechLead: the marriage of technology and effective leadership.
During my presentation, I opened up about my journey – how I embraced leadership and the importance of collaboration. But I also addressed a critical challenge facing Africa – the digital skills gap. Citing data from the World Skills Clock, I emphasized the urgency of bridging this gap, especially when it comes to young innovators.
“Tech Hustle isn’t just a book, it’s a call to action. It’s about empowering a generation to bridge the digital skills gap and lead Africa into a brighter future.”
These young minds in Africa are building and launching companies at an inspiring pace. But sometimes, their brilliant ideas lack the necessary business leadership skills to navigate growth. This can hinder the long-term success of their ventures.
You understand, dear reader, that Africa needs not only innovation but also strong leadership qualities to guide those innovations towards success. I shared my own experience – building an online marketplace right after graduating from a program focused on coding and business development.
While my business showed innovative potential, I soon recognized the limitations of operating without a strong foundation in business leadership. Building teams, establishing partnerships, and scaling effectively were crucial pieces missing from the puzzle. This experience, as you might guess, fueled my passion for empowering future generations.
Driven by this desire, I founded Black Tech Lead, a non-profit initiative dedicated to nurturing a new generation of tech leaders in Africa. This initiative deserves a dedicated post in the future, but for now, let’s just say I briefly introduced it at the YALI event.
Let’s TechLead Together
The official launch of “Tech Hustle” is just the beginning. I envision visiting every region in the country, spreading the message of inspiration and empowering young people to take action. The story of Serwa in my book demonstrates that anything is possible, regardless of location.
“Imagine a million young Africans equipped with the combined power of technology and leadership. Together, we can make that dream a reality. Let’s TechLead!”
My ultimate goal? To reach 1 million young Africans with the concept of TechLead. To achieve this, I need your help:
Grab a copy of the book and help spread the message.
Share the word within your youth networks.
Consider individual or company-wide sponsorships to enable free book distribution.