Kaluka Wanjala, TechArena
Our latest Media Spotlight is with Kaluka Wanjala from TechArena. He shared his thoughts on AI in journalism, what makes Africa’s business scene so unique, what sectors and industries he likes to cover the most, why telling these stories matters, and more.
What led you into journalism, and what would you be doing if you weren’t a journalist?
My journey to journalism, particularly focusing on African tech, came from my curiosity about how fast it evolves. Having lived in Kenya and seen technology adoption in the country, I was always curious about what the general public does not get to see, and I thought getting into tech journalism could expose me to that and help share it with my audience.
I started off covering consumer tech, from new phone launches to product reviews. The more I researched and wrote, the more I was fascinated with the way tech companies operate and how their technology shapes our daily lives. That naturally led me into the world of startups. While Silicon Valley was covered extensively by global outlets, Africa’s tech and business stories weren’t given the same consistency. The continent is so diverse that even those reporting often can’t cover all markets as deeply as they’d like.
I wanted to go beyond press releases and capture the real impact of innovation on people, not just in shiny offices in Nairobi, but across communities.
If I weren’t in the media space, I’d still be storytelling in some way. The top three areas I would consider are marketing, advising/consulting for startups, or project management. My curiosity has always been about breaking down complex ideas to make them understandable.
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?
My approach to researching and writing on specific stories is rather simple, some may say too simple. I focus more on the impact, so the story should do more than announce a product or a deal. I saw this clearly when I worked closely with Microsoft as they supported community-based organisations. The scale of impact from small initiatives was huge, yet most people had no idea. That experience shaped how I approach my work.
Using this in my approach, I always ask: how does this story matter to everyday African consumers, to startups, or to investors? If the story has any lessons, it challenges some of the common stereotypes or has a positive impact, it is worth telling. For me, if a story only speaks to boardrooms in Nairobi but not to the people using the technology, then it is incomplete.
Some of the hot trends I’m watching closely include fintech expanding beyond payments into lending and insurance, the rise of AI in Africa and how startups are building around it, and the creator economy.
Why is the African business landscape unique, and what makes it exciting to report on?
Africa’s business landscape is unpredictable but full of possibilities, and that’s where innovation thrives. Someone in Nairobi may not fully know what’s happening in Uganda, let alone Nigeria. Things shift quickly; policies change, markets adapt, and entrepreneurs are forced to be creative under resource constraints. That makes for incredible stories.
I often push back on the idea that Africa is always “catching up.” In reality, we leapfrog. Mobile money proved that, and now we’re seeing it again in digital commerce and even mobility. The continent is full of young, dynamic entrepreneurs experimenting with bold solutions, and reporting on them feels like documenting history in motion.
African business isn’t about catching up; it is about rewriting the rules.
Which sectors or industries do you like to cover most, and why?
I’m drawn to startups and fintech because they sit at the center of Africa’s economic story. Think of M-Pesa and how it transformed access, inclusion, and opportunity.
I also enjoy covering consumer electronics, especially smartphones, because they’re the gateway into the digital economy for millions of Africans.
Beyond those, I find aviation and mobility fascinating too–from airlines to ride-hailing to logistics. How Africa connects itself has huge implications for trade and growth. Ultimately, I cover the sectors that touch everyday lives and show innovation.
Why is it important that people around the world get to hear about young, growing companies on the continent?
I am a firm believer in visibility and exposure. When the world hears about innovative African companies, the perception shifts from one of Africa being defined by aid to one of leading innovation. The stories we cover can attract funding, partnerships, and collaborations while at the same time inspire other entrepreneurs that building from Africa is possible.
While covering these stories, we also humanize Africa’s progress for the world to see. Behind every company, we have a founder who took a risk, created something new, and adapted to challenges. These stories need to be heard, and we are the ones to tell them.
How can we encourage more people to tell stories about African tech and business?
This is a tough question, but I believe we can do so by making it easier for journalists and writers to access information. Greater openness from startups and media-friendly PR practices can go a long way. Training and support for independent outlets would also go a long way in strengthening the ecosystem.
Besides that, founders and investors, and anyone who interacts with tech, should be part of the storytelling. If we can simplify and share these stories, we can get the conversation started, and more people will join and add their voices.
What are your thoughts on Artificial Intelligence in journalism?
AI is here to stay, but should not be used as a replacement for journalists, at least not yet. Journalists should embrace it as part of their research process to summarise data and even personalise content. This can be a game-changer for smaller outlets across the continent. Even with that said, journalism is about content, nuance, and trust, something AI can’t replicate.
AI can be used as an assistant as we combine the use of technology in our daily lives. AI can lower the barrier of entry, especially in Africa, where resources for journalism can be limited. In the end, we may all have to use AI, but we should use it responsibly.
