Backend by Gerald Black

On this final episode of the Tunisia Tech Ecosystem series, I sit with Mokhtar Fourti , Program Officer at Green4Youth and Co-Founder of Croki , a fast-growing edtech startup in Tunisia. Croki is your go-to platform for personalized tutoring — connecting students with the right tutors to support their learning journeys in a simple, flexible, and effective way. Beyond convenience, it’s helping brid...

In this episode, I sit with Zack Temtem , COO at Open Startup , an organization on a mission to empower and shape entrepreneurial journeys in Africa by developing skills, leveraging networks, and bridging ecosystems. From their base in Tunisia, Open Startup is creating a ripple effect across the continent — uplifting ventures of all sizes, catalyzing tech-enabled ecosystems, and nurturing high-pot...

In this episode, I sit with John Jang , Co-Founder and CEO at Speak Duo a speaking practice platform designed for speed-conversations with real people, powered by AI for smart matchmaking, real-time corrections, and personalized learning journeys. John’s story is one of resilience and relentless pursuit. From navigating personal and professional setbacks to making the bold decision to build his st...

In this episode, I sit with Safa Majdoub , former Managing Director at The Dot Hub , one of Tunisia’s most influential innovation spaces driving tech talent development and startup growth. The Dot Hub has played a pivotal role in shaping the Tunisian startup ecosystem — serving as a launchpad for entrepreneurs, a connector for ecosystem builders, and a key partner for international tech collaborat...

In this episode, I sit with Zoubeir Zarrouk , Co-Founder at WaterSec , a Tunisian startup tackling water scarcity with cutting-edge technology. WaterSec is improving water-use efficiency through a real-time monitoring solution powered by IoT and AI. Their platform enables users to track and manage water consumption, helping reduce waste and promote more sustainable usage — whether in agriculture,...

In this episode, I sit with Med Khaled Mezghanni , Program Manager at Green4Youth , a startup support program focused on advancing the green economy in Tunisia. Green4Youth provides early-stage startups with access to funding, tailored training, and strategic guidance to help them grow impactful solutions in sustainability and climate innovation. Khaled shares sharp insights into Tunisia’s broader...

In this episode, I sit with Faten Aissi , Director of Global Partnerships at Flat6Labs , one of the most influential startup accelerators in the MENA region and a key player in Tunisia’s innovation ecosystem. Flat6Labs provides early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and hands-on support to help them build, launch, and grow. In Tunisia, they’ve backed some of the country’s most promising ve...

In this episode, I sit with Anis Kallel , CTO and Co-Founder at Flouci , one of the most exciting fintech startups in Tunisia redefining access to financial services. Flouci is building digital banking infrastructure that allows Tunisians to open bank accounts and make payments directly from their phones — without needing to visit a physical bank. They're not just making banking easier, they&#...

In this episode, I sit with Sarah Ben Younes , Founder and CEO of V3 Factory , a key force behind Tunisia’s startup momentum. V3 Factory works closely with founders to sharpen their business models, connect them with the right investors, and plug them into a thriving entrepreneurial community. Their work is helping shape a more fundable and founder-ready ecosystem in Tunisia — and Sarah is right a...

CosmoLAB Hub is an innovation hub based in Benin Republic, founded by Thierry Tchangole. The hub focuses on advancing space science and technology through education, research, and entrepreneurship. It provides a platform for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions in the aerospace industry while promoting STEM education. CosmoLAB Hub is committed to fostering a new...

Founded by Richard Ojrado, AS World Tech is a manufacturer of high-tech gadgets. - Smart glasses - Smart Wrist watches and  - Computers AS stands for Asuka Spirit which means “brave, courageous, not stopping until the goal is accomplished” Spirit and has a With the company motto, “Let’s shine together,” Richard Odjrado is on a mission to empower Africa and African people all over the world with a...

Astrid Serena Enianloko is the Marketing Manager at Gozem in Benin.  Gozem. Gozem founded by Gregory Costamagna , Raphael Dana and Emeka Ajene in Togo,  is the first super app in Benin, offering diverse transportation services on its platform, including motorcycle-taxis, car-taxis, and tricycle-taxis, as well as complementary food & parcel delivery, financial services, and more, based on the n...

Estève Alvin Kassa is a facilitator at the Seme City Open Park The SCOP is an innovation park established by the government, which is a part of the Seme City project.  The park aims to develop the innovative spirit in the country and hosts several components of the Sèmè City project: X-TechLab - The first platform in sub-Saharan Africa dedicated to the use of X-ray techniques in the fields of agri...

Gloria Murielle Ahonoukoun is a Program Assistant at EtriLabs in Benin. Etrilabs is a hub for entrepreneurs creating innovative solutions.  - Building a sustainable ecosystem through programs and training accessible to all.  - Offering acceleration programs and - Promoting digital innovation by providing startups with technology driven solutions. I got to witness first hand, one of their programs...

Stéphane GNACADJA is the CEO of Harnix is a local tech hub run by students from a university in Cotonou.  Harnix is a team of passionate students who push the boundaries of technology to create exceptional digital solutions to some of Africa’s biggest problems. The Hub is currently being funded through projects they execute for companies such as website design, mobile app development, software dev...

Yvonne Obike is an accomplished professional with over 10 years of experience in various sectors, including the financial sector, specifically in business operations, strategic partnerships, and educational leadership. Her profile highlights her expertise and achievements, showcasing her ability to drive impactful initiatives and deliver exceptional results. In her previous role as Co-founder, Chi...

Temitope creates Marketing, Growth, Sales, CX Strategies to scale up and grow Technology companies. He is an experienced entrepreneur with 10 years background across Technology, Consulting, Advertisement, Marketing, Agency, VAS/Telecommunication , Social Impact and Print Production helping business define their channels to grow. He enjoys reading about and executing on a lot of Projects and runs a...

As a seasoned entrepreneur and product leader with 10+ years of total experience, Chris has dedicated his career to founding and leading innovative, mission-driven product teams. His expertise in product management covers the full spectrum, from ideation to launch, support, and scaling. With a strong focus on data-informed decision-making, he has a proven track record of successfully executing con...

Gerald Okonkwo, popularly called Gerald Black , started his journey as an entrepreneur at a young age — 11 years ago. Running a business as an undergraduate isn’t easy, but Gerald is driven by a passion for problem-solving that he can’t resist. He admits it’s an obsession he can’t seem to avoid. By 2022, he had successfully launched two startups that began as solutions to his own problems but quic...

Charles Dairo is the Co-founder & CEO of Beezop, he has 12-years experience comprising tech entrepreneurship, business management, website design, digital strategy and product management. He's passionate about the intersection of innovation, design and product strategy.

Blessing Abeng is a branding and communications expert dedicated to helping brands identify and communicate their unique identity and tell better stories. She builds brand and communication strategies around tech products, services, growth, and sales to help brands communicate with their team, target audience, partners, and investors. She has worked with brands across industries in unique capaciti...

Tomi Walker is a serial software entrepreneur who has spent the last 7 years leading product teams across payments, SaaS, social, mobile gaming for African consumers and clients. He's passionate about building delightful products that solve problems for users and drive business metrics. Tomi co-founded and built several startups and products as well as consulted on product development for bluechip...

Victor Onyekere, Founder of Talemia discusses how he gives first time founders and early stage startups visibility through his platform as well as the recent partnership with Gerald Black.  If you're a first time founder or your startup is still at it's early stage, apply to get visibility on Talemia via - talemia.com/techcleek

Backend showcases startup founders building amazing products and companies in Africa, having real conversations on starting, scaling and everything in-between.