Reddit Magazine Interview with GTA
Background
Ahmad is an experienced IT professional with over 13 years of experience in the Financial Technology sector.
He began his career as a Developer specializing in Payment Solutions, where he worked on various payment solutions spanning pension, banking, and other financial solutions. He transitioned into Project Management and successfully led the delivery of complex projects that included an upgrade of core banking applications and automation of Government Collections via TSA, alongside other experts within the financial ecosystem. A Harvard Trained Business Analyst and a certified Hyperldeger Fabric Architect.
Ahmad is also an alumnus of the Global Shapers Community and has served as the Curator of the Hub. His contributions to development initiatives, education, and entrepreneurship showcase his commitment to social responsibility. He is currently a Board Trustee of Ahman Pategi University and FutureMap Foundation, dedicating his time to offering resources, mentorship, and support to tech talents, startups, and entrepreneurs.
About FutureMap
1. The GTA has a thriving tech ecosystem. How do you think organizations like FutureMap Foundation can contribute to its growth and development?
You know the Global Tech Africa Conference is an initiative of Futuremap Foundation being implemented by Ascend Studios alongside other partners right? So the primary aim of GTA is to unlock growth opportunities and build a robust tech ecosystem in Africa. How? Through collaboration and support. So Futuremap Foundation’s dedication to offering resources, mentorship, and support to tech talents, startups, and entrepreneurs empowers them to create solutions that address Africa’s unique challenges and will ultimately translate to the growth and development of the tech ecosystem.
2. Can you share any specific success stories of tech talents or startups that FutureMap Foundation has supported in the GTA?
The Foundation is still in its infant stage at the moment. Nonetheless, we have a physical training institute in Hadejia, Jigawa State and we have been collaborating with some strategic partners to offer training programs to tech talents and startups. Most recently we collaborated with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics where young people were trained on creating IoT devices. We also collaborated with the Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation for women-only training. We are currently in talks with a Data Science group to form the Futuremap Data Science Faculty for an upcoming Data Science Bootcamp program. The foundation owns the Futuremap Academy which will be purely dedicated to building tech talents in deep tech.
3. As an experienced IT professional, what advice would you give aspiring tech entrepreneurs looking to establish their startups in the GTA?
I would advise aspiring tech entrepreneurs participating in the GTA Conference to seize every opportunity for learning and networking. Engage with mentors, and attend breakout sessions that align with their niche. Building a strong professional network within the conference can lead to valuable partnerships and investments. However, GTA is a 3-4 day event. So startups must follow up with the network they establish to foster collaboration and be open to feedback. Outside the GTA, staying updated with the latest industry trends and being resilient in the face of challenges are key factors for startup success.
4. How do you see the collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and tech companies in the GTA shaping the future of the tech industry?
You know, Government support and policies create an enabling environment, educational institutions provide the necessary skills and knowledge, and tech companies offer real-world expertise and opportunities. So the collaboration between these parties within the GTA Conference forms a robust foundation for building the future of the tech industry in Africa. Thus, the collaboration ensures a continuous influx of skilled professionals, fosters research and development, and contributes significantly to the growth and sustainability of the tech industry within the GTA Conference.
5. With the growing demand for tech talent in the GTA, how do you think organizations like FutureMap Foundation can help bridge the skills gap and foster talent development?
As I said earlier, it’s within the core mandate of futuremap foundation to nurture and support tech talents, startups, and entrepreneurs to unlock growth opportunities and build a thriving tech ecosystem. So our programs are tailored to address the talent deficit. We believe that Africa is the key to addressing the world’s tech talent deficit with our outstanding youth population. Therefore not just futuremap but the ecosystem needs every player to contribute its quota.
6. The GTA is known for its diverse and inclusive community. How can the tech industry ensure equal opportunities and representation for underrepresented groups in the region?
To ensure equal opportunities and representation, the tech industry must actively promote diversity and inclusion. This can be achieved through targeted outreach programs, scholarships, and mentorship initiatives specifically designed for underrepresented groups. Tech companies should implement inclusive hiring practices and create supportive work environments. Also, promoting STEM education among underprivileged communities and encouraging girls and women to pursue tech-related fields can significantly enhance representation and diversity within the industry.
7. If you could organize a tech-themed event in the GTA, what would it be and why? I would say a Technology Innovation Expo in the GTA, something to showcase the latest technological advancements, innovations, and startups proferring solutions to our problems. Why? Because it will provide a platform for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, investors, and the general public to interact, learn, and collaborate. Most importantly the solutions may pave the way for the growth we want to unlock within the tech ecosystem
