Timi Odueso, TechCabal
This week we interview Timi Odueso, Senior Editor, Newsletters at TechCabal. He discusses his journalist’s path began with a love for storytelling and his interest in trends like AI, automation, and crypto regulation. Timi sheds light on his belief in highlighting the success of young African companies to challenge stereotypes and attract investment and shares his thoughts on how to champion a supportive environment for aspiring writers.
What led you into journalism, and what would you be doing if you weren’t a journalist?
Chance. I started with storytelling, creative writing and literary criticism; passions I pursued and got awarded for four years pre-COVID. That slowly morphed into writing about digital culture by 2020, and one year later, I found myself handling newsletters at TechCabal.
There’s so much I would be doing if I weren’t a journalist. My interest and skill in creative writing and storytelling makes me want to create a gaming world/lore hundreds of millions of Africans can relate to and get lost in. I also have a strong background in law that often convinces me I’d have a swell time teaching it to others. If I get the chance, I think I’d also like to do some work with my hands instead of just my brains—woodwork, gardening, baking, delicate skillful arts that require precision and patience.
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?
When selecting stories, I’m compelled by how relevant a topic is to my audience and its potential impact on the African tech ecosystem.
My primary work is on TC Daily, a daily witty AF newsletter people read to stay informed. So I prioritise stories that can inform, inspire, or provoke thought among my readers, especially those that reflect broader trends or shifts in the market.
I also focus on how well a story can be communicated. If a complex issue can be broken down into an engaging, digestible narrative that adds value to my readers’ understanding of the industry, it’s more likely to be shared.
My experience as a writer across various platforms means that I value clarity and accessibility in the stories you choose.
For hot trends to watch out for, I think we’re going to see a lot of AI and automation in African startups.
There’s also some interesting moves in crypto regulation that I’m curious about. With increased regulation, particularly in countries like Nigeria and Kenya, there’s bound to be more focus on how fintech companies adapt to new rules. The intersection of crypto and traditional finance could see some significant developments.
Why is African business so unique and what makes it so exciting to report on?
One on hand, we have immense potential and on the other, there are complex challenges and landscapes. This creates a dynamic environment where innovation and resilience thrive.
What makes it so exciting to report on is the way entrepreneurs across the continent are crafting solutions that are not just locally relevant but also globally impactful. The energy can be intoxicating! For me, it’s about capturing the spirit of a continent that’s rewriting its narrative through business and innovation.
Which sectors or industries do you like to cover most and why?
For me, I think the process and the people are what makes the sector attractive. Today, I find the crypto industry interesting because Njoku Emmanuel has a brilliant story to tell; tomorrow, that interest could move to logistics and mobility because Ampersand is expanding to another country.
I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades but if there’s regulation and policy in there, I’ll be the first in line. The laws that guide everything we do in the tech ecosystem would reign supreme for me. As I’ve mentioned, I have a background in law and my final year thesis was even on the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
Why is it important that people around the world get to hear about young, growing companies on the continent?
Well, it helps reshape the global narrative, moving beyond outdated stereotypes of “struggle” and “underdevelopment” to showcase Africa’s innovation and potential. By amplifying these stories, we attract the attention of international investors and partners, which in turn fuels growth and development.
Moreover, these companies are often solving problems with global relevance, and their success stories can inspire entrepreneurs everywhere, creating a more interconnected and supportive global ecosystem.
How can we encourage more people to join the writing community and dedicate their energy to telling stories about African tech and business?
By building companies that are dedicated to helping these writers grow and hone their craft.
Here’s a thought I often have: A media company or a creative company is only as strong as the talent it holds at any given time. Talent changes—attrition and hiring—will reflect in the work, and the audience will notice.
As creative companies, we don’t have unique tech stacks like software companies. While talent is undeniably important in these companies, the software is king and if it can succeed, talent changes.
For media or creative companies, your talent is your software—people are your stack. So to encourage more people to join, we need to create companies or communities that writers can thrive and find their voices in. It’s non negotiable.
