In an era where the internet drives commerce, education, and cultural exchange, ensuring equitable access is critical. ICANN’s New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program and its Applicant Support Program (ASP) aim to democratize internet access, particularly in Africa.

In this exclusive episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I sit down with Pierre Dandjinou, ICANN’s Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement in Africa, to discuss how these initiatives empower African organizations by reducing financial and technical barriers to participation in the global internet ecosystem.

What are gTLDs and the ASP?

Why It Matters for Africa and Kenya
Pierre highlights how gTLDs foster economic inclusion and cultural representation, especially through non-Latin scripts that preserve linguistic diversity. For example, the .africa domain has become a powerful branding tool unifying the continent’s digital identity.

Overcoming Challenges
While opportunities abound, hurdles like limited awareness and financial constraints persist. ICANN’s outreach and the ASP are addressing these issues, ensuring no one is left behind in this digital revolution.

How to Apply for the ASP

Next Steps

Seize this transformative opportunity to shape Africa’s digital future. Watch the full conversation and learn how to take advantage of ICANN’s New gTLD Program and ASP!

Earlier this week, on Wednesday the 22nd of January 2025, I had the privilege of being interviewed remotely by Tabitha Muthoni on CNBC Africa’s Power Lunch East Africa Show. During this brief and engaging discussion, we delved into Kenya’s and Africa’s rapidly evolving labour market, focussing on the gig economy, fintech, and e-commerce sectors. These topics are particularly critical as digital transformation continues to shape how we work and live across Kenya, East Africa, and the broader African continent.

The Role of E-Commerce and Fintech in Job Creation

Kenya’s and Africa’s digital transformation has unlocked numerous opportunities for job creation, especially in e-commerce and fintech. Platforms like Jumia have revolutionized digital retail, creating thousands of jobs in logistics, digital marketing, customer service, and platform management. Meanwhile, fintech solutions such as Safaricom’s M-Pesa have transformed financial inclusion, enabling unbanked populations to access critical services and driving growth in areas like mobile banking, agency networks, cybersecurity, and software development.

As we discussed, collaboration between African Governments and the private sector is essential to scale these opportunities. Investments in infrastructure, training programs, and partnerships can further enhance the reach and impact of e-commerce and fintech, fostering sustainable job creation for the youth.

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

A recurring challenge in Kenya and Africa is the mismatch between educational outcomes and the skills demanded by the digital economy. To bridge this gap, it’s crucial to reform school curriculums to include coding, AI, and data analytics from an early age. Partnerships between global technology leaders like Microsoft and Google with Governments in Africa and educational institutions are already happening in this space. Upskilling and reskilling programs, such as technology bootcamps, are also enabling students and workers to adapt to the demands of the digital future of work as we know it.

Opportunities in the Gig Economy

One of the most exciting trends we explored was the rise of the gig economy, which offers flexible opportunities for young Kenyans and Africans to monetize their skills. Platforms like Uber and Bolt for ride-hailing, and Upwork and Fiverr for freelancing, have empowered individuals to earn an income outside of traditional employment structures. However, for the gig economy to truly thrive, it’s essential to establish social protections, including access to healthcare, pensions, and fair wages.

Policies for Inclusive Growth

Lastly, the role of Governments and the private sector in creating an enabling environment for innovation cannot be overstated. Policies that encourage parity between local businesses and global players are vital. At the same time, investments in infrastructure and AI skills training can position Kenya’s and Africa’s workforce to compete globally in the future of work.

Conclusion

My interview with Tabitha highlighted that Kenya’s and Africa’s labour market is at a transformative moment. By embracing digital transformation and prioritizing inclusive growth, the African continent can unlock vast opportunities for its youth while creating sustainable solutions to unemployment. As we navigate this exciting future, collaboration between Governments, businesses, and educational institutions will be key.

Last night I was a guest on the BBC News' Focus on Africa Show with Waihiga Mwaura where we had a brief but insightful conversation about the seemingly imminent banning of TikTok in the US which is due to happen tomorrow, Sunday the 19th January 2025.

In the attached video recording, we approached our conversation from a Kenyan and African perspective to better understand what the implications and considerations could be for users in the US as well as those in Africa, looking at both positive and negative aspects, going forward.

As things stand, unless there is some sort of last minute intervention by current US President Joe Biden, or incoming US President Elect Donald Trump when he takes office on Monday the 20th January 2024, TikTok will mostly likely go offline tomorrow (Sunday) to comply with the banning deadline.

TikTok has over 170M users in the US as of this writing and is easily one of the most popular social media platforms in the US that has disrupted the status quo there over the past 5 years or so. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are competing content formats that mimic how TikTok works.

TikTok's biggest innovation and 'secret sauce' is its highly prized algorithm that is remarkably good at keeping users hooked on it showing them content based on their interests, which is also known as the 'interest graph'. None of TikTok's competitors have managed to create as good an algorithm as they have done to-date in this respect.

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, on the 2nd December 2024, I had the privilege of representing Dotsavvy on a distinguished panel discussion titled “I Like My Coffee Black: Trade Today and Trade Tomorrow – The Realities” during the recent Africa Trade Development Forum (ATDF) in Kigali, Rwanda. This landmark event, jointly organized by TradeMark Africa and Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, brought together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities of digital trade in Africa. Moderated by the insightful Allen Asiimwe, Deputy CEO of TradeMark Africa, the panel featured: Antoine Sebera, Government Chief Information Officer, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) Bernice Omiunu, Founder, Women in Blockchain Africa Gabriel Negatu, Board Member, Atlantic Council and TradeMark Africa Discussion Highlights: The panel tackled key issues such as bridging policy gaps, fostering trust in e-commerce, and financing digital infrastructure: Framing the Issues: Allen set the tone with her analogy of “eating an elephant,” emphasizing a step-by-step approach to solving Africa’s trade challenges. Bridging Policy and Practice: Antoine highlighted Rwanda’s success with the Electronic Single Window and the need for infrastructure investments. Building Consumer Trust: Bernice shared how blockchain can enhance supply chain transparency, while Gabriel discussed the role of digital IDs and interoperable platforms in fostering trust. Financing and Scaling Digital Innovations: Gabriel advocated for innovative PPP financing models, while I emphasized local context and interoperability in scaling digital platforms. Timestamps: [0:00] Introduction by Allen Asiimwe [5:30] Moses Kemibaro on policy gaps and infrastructure needs [15:00] Antoine Sebera on digitized trade solutions in Rwanda [25:10] Bernice Omiunu on blockchain’s role in trust-building [35:20] Gabriel Negatu on financing and PPP models [45:40] Final thoughts and actionable insights Discover how digital trade is transforming Africa’s economies through collaboration, innovation, and investment. #Trade #DigitalTrade #ECommerce #MarketPlace #Markets #SMEs #MSMEs #SmallBusiness #Traders ##Business #Commerce #AFCTA #AU #AfricanUnion #CrossBorder #EastAfrica #Kenya #Rwanda #Tanzania #Africa #Uganda #Ethiopia #Djibouti #Burundi #ATDF #Internet #DigitalMarketing #SocialMedia

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I sit down with Ben Roberts, one of Kenya's and Africa’s most influential technology and digital infrastructure leaders, to explore his journey and insights on technology, innovation, and education.

We start by uncovering Ben’s early years in the UK, where access to a physics lab and home computers sparked his passion for technology. He shares how these formative experiences shaped his decision to study physics at the University of Bristol and ultimately led to a career in telecommunications.

Ben reflects on his pivotal role at Liquid Telecom, where he spearheaded the transition from satellite to fiber connectivity across Kenya and Africa. From navigating challenges like elephants trampling cables to finding innovative ways to protect infrastructure, Ben shares fascinating anecdotes about building Africa’s digital backbone.

A major highlight of our conversation is Ben’s work in STEM education. As the Board Chair of Young Scientists Kenya, he’s driving initiatives to connect schools to the internet and empower students to apply STEM concepts to solve real-world problems.

We also discuss Ben’s new ventures: Nova Space, which leverages virtual reality to enhance technical education, and Lipagas, a pay-as-you-go LPG startup tackling clean energy challenges in Kenya.

Finally, Ben shares his vision for the future of Kenya's and Africa’s technology landscape, from green energy and AI hubs to the importance of investing in digital infrastructure and policies.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

3:00 Early years in the UK

10:00 Transition to Africa and Liquid Telecom

20:00 Building Africa’s digital backbone

28:00 Passion for STEM education

35:00 New ventures: Nova Space and Lipagas

45:00 Vision for Africa’s tech future

50:00 Advice for young innovators

This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about technology, education, and Africa’s growth.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast!

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Digital Hubs Strategy Conference in Kakamega County, where Kenya’s ambitious Digital Superhighway initiative took center stage. The event marked the launch of two digital hubs at Kakamega County Polytechnic and St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic, key milestones in Kenya’s journey to bridge the digital divide.

This transformative effort is driven by a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Konza Technopolis, the Communications Authority of Kenya, and Huawei Kenya, among others. These digital hubs are more than access points—they are empowering communities through digital education, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for economic growth.

Throughout the day, I engaged with key stakeholders, including educators, students, and policymakers, to understand the real impact of these hubs. Here are some highlights:

Adam Lane from Huawei Kenya shared how Huawei’s contributions include high-speed broadband connectivity, ICT training, and state-of-the-art digital tools to transform institutions into modern learning hubs.

Carolyn Kamete, Principal at Kakamega County Polytechnic, explained how their hub has tripled student enrollment, empowered youth and women, and created global linkages for trainees.

Julia Opoti, Principal at St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic, emphasized how digital resources have equipped trainees with critical ICT skills and increased their employability.

Students like Sharon Nekesa and Silas Mulama shared inspiring stories of earning income online through digital platforms facilitated by the hubs.

Evans Akoko, Centre Manager, highlighted how tailored training programs are creating career pathways for both trainees and community members.

Hon. Victoria Zillah, MCA Kakamega County, discussed how these hubs have not only boosted enrollment but also attracted partnerships and resources that enhance their overall impact.

The success of this initiative reflects the power of collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia. Together, they are creating ecosystems that provide the tools and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, I had the distinct honor of being the Chief Guest at the inaugural Teja Talks Speaker Series hosted at Teja Spaces on Riverside Drive in Nairobi, Kenya. This event, organized in partnership with The Kenyan Wallstreet and Johnnie Walker, brought together a diverse audience of business leaders, professionals, and innovators to discuss the ever-changing dynamics of an increasingly digital-first global business environment.

The theme of the evening was “Helping Brands Understand and Adapt to the Ever-changing Digital Environment”—a topic that resonated deeply with all present. The cozy yet professional ambiance of Teja Spaces, enhanced by the elegance of a bespoke Johnnie Walker Blue Masterclass, set the perfect stage for a dialogue rich in ideas and practical insights.

The podcast recording started late due to technical hiccups but the discussion picked up seamlessly and what unfolded was a deep dive into the interplay of technology, consumer behaviour, and brand strategy, expertly moderated by Andrew Barden, CEO of The Kenyan Wallstreet.

In my conversation with Andrew, I emphasized the increasing importance of adapting to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and leveraging influencer-driven content to maintain relevance with today’s informed, aspirational consumers.

What We Discussed: A Detailed Recap

The conversation with Andrew Barden was candid and far-reaching. Here are some key topics we covered:

In-house vs. External Advertising Agencies: We discussed the growing trend of brands establishing internal agencies for cost efficiency and tighter control. I noted that while this offers some benefits, it risks creating a myopic view of a brand. External agencies bring fresh perspectives and creative ideas that are invaluable for long-term success.

Brand Communication in the Digital Age: Addressing misinformation and fake news, I shared how brands can combat these challenges by consistently communicating authentic and high-volume content. This approach not only counters misinformation but also builds trust and loyalty among consumers.

The Evolution of Media Consumption: We explored how platforms like TikTok and podcasts are reshaping content consumption, with consumers gravitating toward short, snackable formats. I drew parallels with the growing influence of grassroots media channels over traditional outlets.

Future of Print Media: With print newspapers like People Daily going fully digital, we debated whether print media has a future. I argued that legacy media must adapt to digital-first strategies while recognizing that younger generations have little affinity for print.

AI in Business Operations: Sharing my experiences with AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Riverside, I highlighted how AI is revolutionizing everything from recruitment to medical diagnostics. Companies that adopt these technologies early gain a compounding advantage that competitors struggle to catch up with.

Reaching Decision-Makers in a Digital World: For B2B companies, I recommended leveraging LinkedIn as a powerful tool for thought leadership and targeted advertising. I shared how my LinkedIn newsletter organically grew to 15,000+ subscribers, predominantly C-suite executives, showcasing the platform’s potential for meaningful engagement.

Closing Thoughts

As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that Teja Talks had accomplished its mission of fostering meaningful dialogue and connection among forward-thinking business leaders.

The intersection of technology, strategy, and creativity will continue to define how brands navigate the future, and forums like these are instrumental in shaping that journey.

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I had a great conversation with Dele Akinsade, Senior Director of Cloud Expansion at Microsoft, to explore the transformative role of cloud technology and AI in Africa’s digital economy.

From the challenges of building AI-ready infrastructure to the groundbreaking work Microsoft Azure is doing across the continent, this conversation dives deep into the opportunities and innovations shaping Africa's digital future.

Dele also shares insights into his philanthropic efforts through the Dele Akinsade Foundation, which empowers young Africans—particularly girls—to pursue STEM education and careers. Learn how cloud technology, AI, and grassroots initiatives are converging to drive inclusive growth and innovation in Africa.

Tune in for expert perspectives on overcoming barriers like cost and regulation, the potential of AI in sectors like healthcare and agriculture, and practical advice for African businesses looking to adopt these transformative technologies.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

1/ AI-ready infrastructure: What it means for Africa

2/ Microsoft's cloud expansion strategy in Africa

3/ Overcoming barriers to cloud adoption: Cost, connectivity & regulation

4/ The impact of AI on Africa’s economy and industries

5/ Empowering Africa’s youth through STEM education👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on digital transformation from an African perspective!