Welcome to the third #SheTechsTheFuture interview series, where we celebrate the remarkable journeys of pioneering female tech entrepreneurs in East Africa. Through these stories, we aim to inspire and empower young women, encouraging them to chase their dreams of establishing thriving tech enterprises on the African continent.

In today’s interview, we had the honor of speaking with Evelyn Ngatia, the CEO and founder of TechaWatt. Evelyn’s story is one of relentless determination and groundbreaking achievements in the world of technology.

As we delve into her experiences, we’ll uncover the remarkable trajectory of her tech consultancy business and explore the prestigious global recognition she has garnered, including the Inspiring 50 United Kingdom Award and the esteemed Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Award.

Hi Evelyn, tell us about yourself and what you do.

I am the Founder & CEO of TechaWatt Ltd and the Board Chair of the Women in Tech Alliance at the European Technology Chamber. TechaWatt Ltd operates out of Nairobi, Kenya, but our services span the globe. 

1. How did you start your company? (Share your company story) 

During my tenure as a relationship manager at a bank, I dealt with clients across power, infrastructure, manufacturing, and real estate sectors at varying times. Feeling unfulfilled, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic allowed me the time and opportunity to delve into my passions. Engaging a coach who held me accountable for the strategic decisions I made, I began writing articles, published a book, and started a company focused on emerging technology. 

My love for teaching, novelty, and innovation led me to consultancy as a business model, combining training, strategy development, thought leadership, and emerging technology. In line with my focus on the strategic aspect of emerging technology, I firmly believe that being a techie isn’t a prerequisite for working in the tech industry. 

Emerging technologies encompass those in early development stages, including artificial intelligence, internet of things, blockchain, 5G technology, and 3D printing, among others. This concept links closely with ‘Industry 4.0’, representing the convergence of physical and digital worlds, epitomized by the ‘digital twins’ concept—a digital replication of a physical factory, car, human, etc. 

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in technology? 

While in the power and infrastructure sector at the bank, my work on strategy development for the off-grid sector in East Africa piqued my interest in emerging technologies. While working on the strategy, the industry’s use of big data, data analytics, and the Internet of Things sparked my interest, leading me to explore these topics under the broader category of emerging technologies. 

The awards and recognition I received further motivated me to persist in the technology field. These acknowledgments were a testament to the appreciation of my contributions to this sector. I’ve had the honor of receiving global accolades such as the Inspiring 50 United Kingdom Award and the Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Award.  

Additionally, I’ve been identified as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on Emerging Technology and made the Who’s Who in Industry 4.0 list. Moreover, TechaWatt has been recognized as one of the Top 50 thought-leading companies on Renewable Energy for its contributions to emerging technologies in the renewable energy sector. 

Beyond that, I’ve had the privilege of participating in numerous major tech conferences and events as a keynote speaker and panelist. I’ve also enjoyed media interviews, which further confirm my alignment with this field. 

In addition, my appointment as the Board Chair of the Women in Tech Alliance at the European Technology Chamber has reaffirmed my dedication to the tech sector. 

3. How have you seen the tech industry evolve during your career, and what changes would you like to see in the future? 

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 triggered a rapid evolution of technology trends. Significant advancements were observed thereafter in Generative AI, especially in natural language processing and deep learning. Machine learning models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have become exceedingly proficient at creating human-like text, with applications spanning numerous fields and democratizing access to information. 

However, the emergence of such powerful AI technologies has also raised ethical and safety concerns, particularly related to their potential misuse for disseminating disinformation or creating deepfakes. Moving forward, I would like to see a focused effort on promoting the responsible and ethical use of technology, emphasizing data privacy and security, and making digital accessibility a priority. 

Additionally, I have noticed a concerted push for advancing women in technology and encouraging girls in STEM, as well as promoting gender diversity in the tech industry. I view these developments as a positive step forward. 

4. How do you stay motivated and focused on achieving your goals? 

I am a firm believer in God and find motivation in the wisdom granted by God for witty inventions (Proverbs 8:12). This connection with God keeps me grounded, reminding me of my purpose and the direction of my journey. Additionally, passion is a significant motivator for me. The opportunity to contribute to the tech industry and make meaningful changes excites me. 

5. How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in technology and ensure your company stays ahead of the curve? 

Staying informed is crucial, and I do this by carefully selecting my professional readings, following tech thought leaders, subscribing to industry newsletters, and reading reputable tech blogs. Moreover, I regularly participate in industry conferences, webinars, and workshops for insights into emerging trends and networking opportunities. 

6. Which opportunities do you see for young women in tech? 

Despite traditionally being a male-dominated industry, tech is evolving with an increasing demand for gender diversity. From software development and data analysis to product management, UX design, and tech entrepreneurship, there’s a vast array of careers that young women can pursue in tech. Diverse teams have proven to be more innovative and effective problem-solvers, so organizations are actively seeking to promote gender diversity. Moreover, there’s a strong push to encourage girls and young women to pursue STEM education, supported by many initiatives and scholarships. 

However, we must acknowledge the existing hurdles, like creating inclusive work environments, ensuring equal pay, and providing mentorship and growth opportunities for women. These challenges also present opportunities for young women to influence and shape the tech industry’s future. 

7. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female tech founder and how did you overcome them? 

One of the main challenges as a female tech founder was the lack of representation. Being one of the few women in meetings or networking events can be daunting. I sought out women-centric tech communities and organizations that offered valuable resources and networking opportunities. 

Another challenge was the unconscious bias that sometimes prevails in the tech industry. Instances where my expertise and abilities were overlooked or underestimated were frustrating but they also fuelled my resolve to succeed. I learned to assert my ideas and demonstrated my capabilities through the quality of my work. 

8. What are some key traits you believe all successful tech founders share? 

In my view, successful tech founders typically share several key characteristics: 

a. Ingenuity – The ability to devise innovative solutions to problems. 

b. Vision and leadership – The ability to imagine something that does not yet exist and lead a team to bring it to life. 

c. Grit – The perseverance to keep going despite difficulties and the passion to stay committed to long-term goals. 

9. What advice would you give to young women who aspire to start a career in tech? 

Start by addressing any limiting beliefs you may have about the tech industry. A limiting belief might be something like ‘tech is a male-dominated field, why bother’ or ‘tech is too complex’ or ‘I’m too old’. Challenge these beliefs by finding mentors and role models who have overcome these barriers. Believe in yourself and pursue your passion in technology. 

10. Where do you see your company 5 years from now? 

In five years, I envision TechaWatt Ltd as a global leader and innovator in the tech industry, continually pushing technological boundaries. I see us expanding our services and creating revolutionary solutions that make a significant impact on people’s lives. 

………………….

Evelyn’s story leaves a lasting mark on the landscape of technology and business. Her unwavering determination, coupled with a relentless pursuit of innovation, has propelled her to the forefront of the industry.  

 As we celebrate her accomplishments, let us embrace her story as a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each of us to create, innovate, and lead the way toward a brighter, more technologically advanced future. 

We are deeply grateful to Evelyn for graciously sharing her story with us. Her willingness to open up and share her experiences is truly admirable, and we hold her in high regard.  

If you are captivated by the world of incredible possibilities that Evelyn’s story presents, we invite you to connect with her on LinkedIn by following this link.  

She Techs The Future is an initiative aimed at fostering female-led digital ventures in East Africa, specifically Uganda, and Tanzania. The project is implemented by StartHub Africa in partnership with the Business Scouts for Development (BSfD) by the Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Federation of German Industries (BDI), and Sequa on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).