Dickson Otieno, Tech-ish.com
This week, we interview Dickson Otieno, Editor of Tech-ish.com. He started Tech-ish.com to document Africa’s evolving tech scene. Dickson discusses his journey into journalism and the stories he prioritizes for Tech-ish which has grown to become one of the leading independent tech news platforms in the region. He believes African businesses need more global coverage as they solve local issues but asserts that local startups also need to stop thinking they are only successful when covered by foreign outlets. Enjoy the read!
What led you into journalism, and what would you be doing if you weren’t a journalist?
I have always been fascinated by technology and its impact on everyday life, particularly in Africa. I started Tech-ish.com as a way to document and analyze the fast-changing tech landscape in Kenya and beyond. Over time, it evolved into one of the leading independent tech news platforms in the region.
If I weren’t doing this, I’d probably be driving myself around Africa, experiencing different countries and documenting interesting places, and once in a while going to Europe to compare our border policies and race at Germany’s Nürburgring ‘Green Hell’. I also love art, so I’d probably be tweeting a lot about film and music.
When you’re researching stories, what compels you to work on sharing a particular story with your audience? Any hot trends we should look out for in the coming months?
A story has to provide real value to the audience – whether it’s an exclusive scoop, an insightful analysis, or a practical guide to understanding a tech product. I prioritize accuracy, depth, and clarity, making sure that what we publish isn’t just noise but actually informs and educates. In the coming months, key trends to watch include:
1. AI Integration and AI Wars – The battle between companies like DeepSeek, OpenAI, Google, Apple, Samsung, local players, etc., as AI becomes embedded into devices and Services.
2. Fintech Super Apps and Their Effect on Mobile Money and Traditional Banking – We’re seeing mobile money evolve beyond just transactions, integrating lending, savings, and investments, forcing traditional banks to rethink their models.
3. Social Media Regulation and Data Privacy Conversations Across Africa – From TikTok to other platforms, debates around censorship, content control, and data sovereignty are intensifying across the continent.
Why is African business so unique and what makes it so exciting to report on?
1. We don’t get covered well globally – Many African businesses and startups don’t get the visibility they deserve in global media, despite solving real challenges. While that is true, many local startups also believe they’ve made it when big U.S. publications cover them. So, we are constantly in that position where we want to cover as many startups as possible, reach an even bigger audience than before, and get startups to see coverage on our platform as being really important.
2. Startups are solving African issues and also looking to get their stories told – Whether its artificial intelligence, mobility, financial inclusion, fintech, smartphones, transport, agriculture, or internet censorship.
African companies are building impactful solutions that need to be documented and amplified.
Which sectors or industries do you like to cover most and why?
1. Consumer Tech – From smartphones and laptops to everyday gadgets, people love Tech-ish.com for its in-depth analysis, reviews, and coverage of the latest releases.
2. Stories Around African Businesses and Startups – Covering funding rounds, growth milestones, reach, challenges, and interviews with founders helps document and elevate Africa’s evolving tech scene.
3. Digital Rights, Inclusion, Regulation, and Connectivity – The internet is shaping Africa’s future, and tracking issues around access, censorship, privacy, and policy changes is critical.
Why is it important that people around the world get to hear about young, growing companies on the continent?
Africa has some of the most innovative startups, but they don’t always get the global attention that they deserve.
Investors, consumers, and policymakers worldwide need to see what’s happening here – not just in fintech and mobile payments, but in e-commerce, AI, green energy, and more.
Coverage from platforms like Tech-ish.com ensures that these companies get the visibility they need to scale and attract partnerships beyond Africa.
How can we encourage more people to join the writing community and dedicate their energy to telling stories about African tech and business?
1. Make it sustainable – More opportunities for paid partnerships, collaborations, and monetization will attract new voices. Many companies come in and discover there’s no sustainable way to run their initiatives and bail out.
2. Encourage local expertise – African tech writing needs to be driven by people who truly understand the landscape, not just by global perspectives.
3. Build strong networks – Platforms should connect upcoming writers with mentorship, training, and opportunities to contribute.
4. Celebrate diverse storytelling – There’s room for deep investigative journalism, opinion pieces, product reviews, and startup spotlights – all with a uniquely African lens. By creating a stronger ecosystem of tech writers, we ensure that Africa’s digital transformation is told accurately and compellingly to the world.
