Technology
Morris Mbetsa: Creator Of Africa’s First Flying Drone Taxi
IT-Innovator Morris Mbetsa in a reflective mode at his Nairobi office.
Morris Mbetsa,33, is arguably Kenya’s contrarian manufacturer, widely known for creating Africa’s first drone flying taxi and including abandoning his university studies at a local institution and relocating to the US. He has also operated from Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and travelled to China to scour for opportunities to sell his hardware. This guy is daring. Now for the very first time, he reveals, that his Nairobi-based company Numeral IOT is in the last stages of a discussion that will lead to a merger with a global brand.Here he goes ahead to field questions fixated on his entrepreneurial journey thus far.
By Charles Wachira
1)In 2018 you manufactured Africa’s first drone flying taxi which aimed to manoeuvre the apparent challenge of traffic jams witnessed on generic African roads including enhancing the delivery of critical products and services like medicare. How was the innovation treated by the Kenyan authorities and generally the world? And how is the contraption faring in the marketplace today and what challenges if any have you faced in selling the product in the market?
Morris Mbetsa – In general, the development of drone technology was met with both excitement and concern from regulatory authorities and the public. On the one hand, our drone offered a range of exciting possibilities for enhancing efficiency and improving access to critical services like healthcare and logistics in areas where traditional infrastructure was lacking. On the other hand, there were concerns about safety, privacy, and potential misuse of this technology.
The project was a labor of love inspired by a desire to better the lives of us black people.
As I started the project, I quickly realized that it would require far more funds than I had anticipated. I didn’t have the funds to invest in it myself at the time. As a result, I was constrained to fund the project through grants and well-wishers.
We pitched the project to a couple of investors, including some high-profile ones, but it was deemed too risky and ahead of its time. While the investors were impressed with the project’s potential, they did not believe it was a sound investment.
Despite our efforts to secure funding, we couldn’t continue with the project without additional investors, prompting me to transition my focus to more practical devices that could be monetised.
I learned a lot from the project and it made me better prepared to approach future endeavors with a more comprehensive understanding of the industry and its challenges.
2)Your company which you launched in 2019 was known as Numeral IOT -please explain how you came up with the name.
Morris Mbetsa -We chose the name because it reflects the technological aspect of our company. The choice of the word “numeral” suggests a focus on numbers, which are fundamental to binary computer languages, and reflects the digital nature of our company.
The addition of “IoT” to the name also shows our involvement in the Internet of Things, a rapidly growing field that involves connecting physical devices to the Internet to enable them to communicate with each other and with other systems.
Overall, the name Numeral IoT conveys a sense of innovation and technological advancement.
3) What stirred you towards the road leading to the ecosystem that you operate in?
Morris Mbetsa- Since I was a child, I always had an interest in this field. I’m fascinated by electronics’ inner workings and enjoy tinkering with them. Over time, I realized that most of the hardware we use in Africa is imported from other countries and is not always designed with the African market in mind.
This sparked a childhood ambition of mine to establish a factory where I could manufacture critical electronics and make them available to the African masses. By doing so, I believe we will be able to bridge the digital divide and provide more people with access to modern technology that will help them improve their lives.
Furthermore, I believe that IoT is the technological future and a critical component of the digital transformation that is taking place across industries. By incorporating IoT into normal hardware , we can create innovative products that are more intelligent, connected, and better suited to meet the needs of the African market
4)Before setting up the company you travelled to China for some specialized training. How did you manage to pay off the fees required? Also please tell our readers how and why you made contact with that particular Asian country and what you learnt from there that has proved to be useful with your entrepreneurial career so far.
Morris Mbetsa -I travelled to China because my business partner at that time and I were working on a project together, my trip was paid for by his company. The trip’s goal was to look into manufacturing opportunities for our hardware in China, which was the world’s undisputed factory at the time.
While I was there, I was able to observe firsthand how the factories operated and how the manufacturing process worked. One thing that struck me was that most of the factory workers were low-skilled labourers whose jobs didn’t require traditional school knowledge. This gave me the inspiration to work with my African people and provide employment opportunities for them.
In addition to gaining inspiration for my manufacturing processes, I was able to make valuable connections with chip and component suppliers, who are crucial for our manufacturing. These connections have been beneficial in securing the necessary supplies and components for our manufacturing operations.
5)You once set base in Nigeria please explain what led to the relocation and why you settled for that particular West African state.
Morris Mbetsa -I moved to Nigeria because my business partner at that time had ties in Nigeria and we saw an opportunity in the market. At that time, Nigeria had implemented speed governor regulations in the country, which created a demand for speed governors.
We saw an opportunity to produce speed governors for the Nigerian market, and my business partner’s ties in the country made it a logical choice for us to set up our operations there. This allowed us to tap into the local market and also take advantage of the regulations that had been put in place.
6) You were admitted to The Technical University of Kenya to pursue a degree in electrical engineering in …. but you quit after a few months reportedly because you got bored of the theoretical nature of the course and eventually moving the United States for a short course courtesy of Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). You also attended Notre Dame University based there where you underwent studies in aeronautical training. Please explain how different the teaching is comparing the US and Kenya and how it has contributed to your entrepreneurial journey.
Morris Mbetsa -In my opinion, my education in the United States was particularly eye-opening, especially in comparison to my education in Kenya. I discovered that the education system in the United States was more practical and project-based, allowing me to interact with real-world professionals from companies such as Microsoft and IBM. This gave me hands-on experience and allowed me to develop valuable skills that I could apply in the real world.
Furthermore, I discovered that the education system in the United States was full of sharp, like-minded individuals who were as smart and forward-thinking as I was. I was able to connect with people who shared similar interests and goals.
Through my education in the United States, I was able to make genuine connections with people who have remained influential in both my professional and personal lives to this day.
7)To date, what has your company innovated and of those gadgets which one is your signature innovation and why?
Morris Mbetsa -Our company has produced several products including speed governors, trackers, smart home devices such as smart bulbs and locks, security, and game-changing smart meters for gas, water, and electricity.
The smart meters are revolutionary and unique in their features and capabilities. They offer solutions that are not available on the market and have opened doors for our company. Due to our local manufacturing and the unique features of our smart meters, we have received significant interest and partnership opportunities from across West Africa, East Africa, and North Africa
8) Do you have a research and development unit within your organisation and if in the affirmative, on average how long does it take to create a product? Or is your organisation manufacturing DNA a creature of knee-jerk reactions?
Morris Mbetsa -Our RND (Research and Development) process is tailored to the scope, budget, and level of complexity of each project. Our team approaches research and development in a flexible and adaptable manner.
We base our decisions on large-order demands. We prioritize, however, understanding the needs and pain points of industry clients and organizations.
Before producing a working prototype, the RND process typically takes at least three months. We take a methodical and thorough approach to R&D, which is critical for ensuring the final solution’s quality and feasibility.
9) What new product are you working on currently?
Morris Mbetsa -our team is currently working on large-scale projects ranging from the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) to solar industries. This project is related to developing solutions that combine these two energy sources, to create more efficient and sustainable energy solutions for disadvantaged communities
10)How many employees do you have under your payroll and how much do you estimate your company is worth in dollar terms?
Morris Mbetsa – We are amid partnerships and confidential agreements, so kindly excuse me from answering these questions for the time being.
11) Are your products only to be found in Kenya and how do you market your creations?
Morris Mbetsa -Our company offers services to clients from Tanzania, Liberia, Ethiopia, in addition to Kenya. We have a global perspective and are not geographically restricted.
Our company has worked with large organizations in the past and is well-equipped to handle complex projects and challenges.
12)Please tell us about the talk in the grapevine regarding talks coalescing around mergers and partnerships involving Numeral IOT
Morris Mbetsa -I can’t say much about this because the process is ongoing but all I can say is be on the lookout for the name Spearhead. inc
13)In the next five years where do you see you envisage your company?
Morris Mbetsa -To become one of, if not the largest electronics manufacturer in Africa, with a strong focus on IoT technology. We envision having one of the biggest IoT platforms on the continent, which will enable Africans to get analytics on their connected devices at very low costs. This is a significant goal that could have a major impact on the development and adoption of IoT technology in Africa.
We plan to accelerate the transition to IoT in Africa by having factories across the continent.
We are keen on investing in infrastructure and resources that will support the growth and development of IoT technology in Africa.
Technology
Skyleader 600 Launch in Tanzania: Boosting Local Aircraft Manufacturing
The Skyleader 600 marks a pivotal moment for Tanzania, not only in aviation but in its broader industrial aspirations.
With its maiden landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport, the aircraft stands as a symbol of Tanzania’s growing capacity to innovate, manufacture, and compete on the global stage.
Discover Tanzania’s aviation breakthrough with the Skyleader 600, the first locally manufactured ultralight aircraft, unveiled at TIMEXPO 2024 in Dar es Salaam
By Charles Wachira
In a groundbreaking achievement for Tanzania and Africa’s aviation sector, AIRPLANE Africa Limited (AAL), based in Morogoro, launched the Skyleader 600, marking the first ultralight aircraft manufactured in the country.
The official unveiling took place at TIMEXPO 2024 in October 2024, setting a new milestone for local manufacturing and economic potential.
The Skyleader 600: A Game-Changer in African Aviation Designed with business travelers in mind, the Skyleader 600 can carry two passengers, offering a cost-effective alternative for long-distance travel.
The aircraft is praised for its modern design, affordability, and low maintenance costs.
Powered by petrol fuel, it addresses the growing demand for accessible and efficient transportation across Tanzania and the wider African market.
AAL’s Director, David Grolig, proudly remarked at the launch, “This is a historic moment not just for AIRPLANE Africa Limited, but for Tanzania. We have built something that will change the way people travel in this country and beyond.”
His statement reflects the company’s larger vision to transform Tanzania into a key player in ultralight aircraft manufacturing in Africa.
From Morogoro to the Skies: AAL’s Journey The journey to the Skyleader 600 began in 2019, when AIRPLANE Africa Limited was established in Morogoro.
The company blended local Tanzanian expertise with Czech aviation technology, a country renowned for its ultralight aircraft production.
This strategic collaboration has fostered a new generation of Tanzanian aviation professionals, thanks to internships and training programs designed to enhance skills and create jobs.
“The partnership with Czech aviation experts was crucial,” said Grolig. “It’s a blend of global expertise and local ambition. We’re showing that when we work together, we can achieve remarkable things.”
This combination has allowed AAL to tailor the Skyleader 600 to meet the unique needs of Africa’s business and private aviation sectors.
TIMEXPO 2024: Showcasing Tanzanian Innovation The TIMEXPO 2024 trade fair in Dar es Salaam served as the launch platform for the Skyleader 600.
This event, which highlights Tanzanian manufacturing, drew attention from global exhibitors and dignitaries.
The Minister for Industry and Trade was in attendance, noting the significance of AAL’s achievement: “This is a symbol of what we can achieve when we invest in our local industries. The government is committed to supporting such initiatives as they create jobs, foster innovation, and help us become more self-reliant.”
The launch has bolstered Tanzania’s image as a country capable of innovation, especially in high-tech sectors like aviation.
The Skyleader 600 is expected to open new economic opportunities in tourism, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance services.
Government Support and Economic Impact The Tanzanian government’s collaboration with AIRPLANE Africa Limited and its European partners has been key to the success of the Skyleader 600.
Support from regulatory authorities and the provision of trade incentives reflect the government’s commitment to fostering local industries that reduce reliance on imports.
Grolig acknowledged the government’s role, stating, “We couldn’t have done this without their backing. The government’s support has been essential in moving from concept to reality.”
This partnership is a model for public-private collaboration, particularly in industries like aviation that require significant investment and expertise.
Economic Potential and Future Growth The Skyleader 600’s production is expected to create ripple effects across Tanzania’s economy, from aviation services to job creation.
It provides an affordable transportation solution, not only for Tanzania but also for neighboring African markets.
AAL has ambitious plans to commercially sell the Skyleader 600, with Grolig hinting at future developments: “This is just the start. We plan to expand production, develop new models, and make Tanzania a leader in ultralight aircraft manufacturing in Africa.”
A Vision for the Future The Skyleader 600 represents a turning point for Tanzania, not just in aviation but in its broader industrial ambitions.
As the aircraft begins operations after its maiden landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport, it symbolizes Tanzania’s potential to innovate, manufacture, and compete on the global stage.
In a world where aviation is dominated by Western and Asian manufacturers, Tanzania, through AIRPLANE Africa Limited, is making its mark with the Skyleader 600—an ultralight aircraft that carries the hopes of a nation into the skies. Keywords: Skyleader 600 launch Tanzania ultralight aircraft manufacturing in Africa AIRPLANE Africa Limited TIMEXPO 2024 aviation showcase Tanzanian aviation industry growth
Keywords:Skyleader 600 launch Tanzania:Ultralight aircraft manufacturing in Africa: AIRPLANE Africa Limited:TIMEXPO 2024 aviation showcase:Tanzanian aviation industry growth
Technology
Adani Group’s Entry into Kenya’s Energy Sector Amid Controversies
The Adani-KETRACO deal offers the potential for major upgrades to Kenya’s power sector, but its long-term success hinges on transparency, environmental responsibility, and compliance with local regulations. Kenya’s past public-private partnerships have faced setbacks due to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability, making oversight crucial for this project.
: Adani Energy Solutions partners with Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) to develop key power infrastructure in Kenya, marking the Indian conglomerate’s strategic expansion into East Africa. Despite past controversies, the deal signals major growth potential for Kenya’s energy sector.
By Charles Wachira
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s power transmission arm, Adani Energy Solutions, has taken a significant step into Kenya’s energy sector. The company recently inked a deal with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) to develop, finance, and maintain key power infrastructure in the country. This partnership, a first for the Adani Group in East Africa, is set to bolster Kenya’s efforts to improve its electricity transmission capacity and meet growing energy demands. However, the deal also raises eyebrows due to past controversies surrounding Adani’s business practices and concerns about transparency.
The Significance for Kenya
For Kenya, the agreement with Adani Energy Solutions presents a much-needed boost to its power infrastructure. The country has been grappling with power shortages, frequent blackouts, and an aging grid that hampers industrial growth and investment. By partnering with Adani, KETRACO is looking to upgrade its transmission lines and expand capacity to handle more electricity from both renewable and conventional sources.
Kenya’s energy demand is projected to rise sharply over the next decade due to industrialization and urbanization, and this partnership comes at a critical time. The deal will help Kenya leverage private investment to improve its energy network, a key component of the government’s Vision 2030 economic blueprint.
In a statement following the signing of the agreement, KETRACO Managing Director Anthony Wamukota expressed optimism: “This partnership is a milestone for Kenya. We are aligning our energy infrastructure with global standards and taking a significant step toward improving the reliability and efficiency of power transmission in the country.”
Adani Energy Solutions will finance, construct, and maintain several key transmission projects. This includes extending transmission lines to remote areas and building advanced substations to improve grid stability, ensuring that more Kenyans have access to reliable electricity.
A Controversial Player
Despite the potential benefits, the deal has sparked concern among critics of the Adani Group, which has faced accusations of financial mismanagement and environmental violations in other markets. Adani’s business empire came under intense scrutiny in 2023 when U.S.-based short-seller Hindenburg Research accused the group of fraud and stock manipulation, causing a sharp drop in the value of Adani stocks. Though Adani has denied these allegations, the scandal led to increased scrutiny of its operations and governance.
Opposition figures in Kenya have raised concerns about the transparency of the deal with Adani, questioning whether the group’s controversial track record was adequately considered. Some have also pointed to potential environmental risks given Adani’s history with coal mining and power plants, which have attracted criticism for their impact on local communities and ecosystems in India and other countries.
Kenyan energy expert Michael Otieno remarked: “The entry of Adani Energy into Kenya could provide significant upgrades to our power grid, but it also comes with risks. We must ensure that the company adheres to Kenya’s environmental and governance standards, especially given the controversies surrounding its global operations.”
What the Deal Means for Adani
For Adani Energy Solutions, this partnership marks its formal entry into East Africa, expanding the company’s African footprint. The Kenyan project aligns with Adani’s broader strategy of investing in energy infrastructure in emerging markets. It allows the company to capitalize on Africa’s growing demand for electricity and play a role in shaping the continent’s energy future.
Adani has previously invested in Africa, with mixed results. In Egypt, the company invested in a solar energy project as part of the country’s push toward renewable energy. Meanwhile, in South Africa, Adani Group made inroads into the coal sector, though the venture faced stiff opposition from environmentalists and local communities due to concerns over pollution and displacement.
Despite these challenges, Adani’s ability to secure major energy projects in Africa underscores its growing influence. Kenya’s deal is particularly strategic for Adani, as it allows the company to tap into East Africa’s potential and position itself as a key player in the region’s energy transition.
Africa’s Growing Importance for Adani
Adani’s investments in Africa reflect a larger trend of Indian companies seeking opportunities on the continent, especially in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology. Africa’s growing middle class, coupled with its vast untapped resources, makes it an attractive destination for investors.
In Mozambique, the Adani Group has invested in coal mining operations, exporting millions of tons of coal to global markets. However, the venture has drawn criticism for its environmental impact and displacement of local communities. In Nigeria, Adani has been exploring energy sector investments, though these plans have not yet materialized on a large scale.
Kenya could serve as a springboard for Adani to deepen its presence in East Africa, where countries like Tanzania and Uganda are also seeking private sector partners to improve their energy infrastructure.
The Road Ahead
While the Adani-KETRACO deal could bring significant upgrades to Kenya’s power sector, the long-term success of the partnership will depend on transparency, environmental stewardship, and adherence to local regulations. Kenya has learned hard lessons from past public-private partnerships that failed to deliver expected results due to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability.
Kenya’s energy future holds immense potential, but it will require careful oversight to ensure that partnerships like the one with Adani Energy Solutions deliver the promised benefits without repeating the mistakes of the past.
As Gautam Adani’s company makes its official entry into Kenya, it opens a new chapter in both the country’s energy ambitions and Adani’s expansion into Africa—a relationship that will be closely watched by stakeholders across the continent.
In the words of Adani Energy Solutions CEO, “This project is part of our commitment to developing sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy infrastructure across Africa. We look forward to contributing to Kenya’s energy goals and playing a role in its growth story.”
With high stakes and significant potential, the Adani-KETRACO deal is poised to shape Kenya’s energy landscape and drive broader discussions on the role of international players in the country’s development.
Keywords:Adani Energy Kenya:Kenya power infrastructure:KETRACO Adani deal:Adani Africa investments:Adani Group East Africa expansion
Technology
Key Challenges for Safaricom’s M-PESA Global Expansion in Ethiopia
Safaricom must overcome these significant challenges, including regulatory barriers, local competition, infrastructure limitations, and cultural hurdles. Successfully navigating these challenges will determine the long-term success of the service in Ethiopia, while opening the door to broader regional growth.
: Safaricom’s M-PESA Global expansion into Ethiopia brings promising opportunities but faces key challenges such as regulatory hurdles, competition from Telebirr, low mobile money penetration, and infrastructure limitations. Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial for driving financial inclusion and cross-border trade
By Charles Wachira
Safaricom’s expansion of M-PESA Global into Ethiopia presents numerous opportunities, there are several challenges that both Safaricom and Ethiopia could face in this process:
1. Regulatory Environment Government Regulations: Ethiopia has historically had a tightly regulated telecom and financial services sector, with the state maintaining control over key sectors. Although the country has begun opening up to foreign investment, navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance with local laws can be challenging. Licensing and Policy Delays: The Ethiopian government recently started liberalizing its telecom sector, granting Safaricom Ethiopia a license in 2021. However, delays or complexities in acquiring mobile money licenses, adjusting to new fintech regulations, and securing approvals for cross-border services could slow down expansion plans.
2. Competition from Ethio Telecom’s Telebirr Local Competition: Ethio Telecom, the state-owned telecom company, has already launched its mobile money platform Telebirr, which has gained significant traction in the local market. Competing with an entrenched player backed by the government will require Safaricom to differentiate its services and offer compelling value propositions. Customer Loyalty: Convincing Ethiopians to switch from a well-known local brand to M-PESA may be difficult, particularly in a market where trust in financial services is still being cultivated.
3. Low Mobile Money Penetration Financial Literacy and Trust: Ethiopia has relatively low mobile money penetration compared to other African nations. Many people rely on cash transactions and may not be fully familiar with mobile money systems. Building trust and educating users about the benefits of mobile money, especially for cross-border transactions, will be crucial. Slow Adoption in Rural Areas: A significant portion of Ethiopia’s population resides in rural areas where digital and financial literacy may be lower. Reaching and onboarding these populations will require extensive marketing, awareness campaigns, and potentially partnerships with local organizations.
4. Infrastructure Challenges Limited Mobile and Internet Penetration: Although Ethiopia is rapidly improving its telecom infrastructure, many areas still lack reliable mobile and internet access. Poor network coverage in rural regions may hinder widespread adoption of mobile money services. Digital Infrastructure: Safaricom will need to invest in robust infrastructure to ensure smooth operations, secure transactions, and the capacity to handle increasing demand, especially as the service expands beyond major cities.
5. Currency and Transactional Barriers Foreign Exchange Controls: Ethiopia has strict foreign exchange controls, and fluctuating exchange rates could pose challenges for cross-border transfers. Safaricom may face difficulties managing currency conversions and ensuring that cross-border transactions are cost-effective for users. Cost of Remittances: Although M-PESA is known for its affordability, remittance fees and conversion costs could still pose barriers for lower-income Ethiopians who rely on remittances from abroad.
6. Cultural and Behavioral Barriers Resistance to Digital Financial Systems: In some communities, there may be resistance to adopting mobile money services, particularly where cash transactions are deeply ingrained in cultural practices. Safaricom will need to work to build trust and change behavior, showing that mobile money is safe, reliable, and convenient. Linguistic and Cultural Adaptation: Ethiopia is a linguistically diverse country with several ethnic groups. Safaricom may need to tailor its services to cater to various languages and cultural preferences, ensuring that marketing and customer support are accessible to all.
7. Security Concerns Cybersecurity and Fraud: As mobile money services grow, they often become targets for cyberattacks, fraud, and financial scams. Safaricom will need to implement strong security measures and fraud detection systems to protect users from financial risks, ensuring the integrity of the platform.
Regulatory Security Standards: Safaricom will also need to comply with Ethiopia’s security and data protection standards, ensuring that customer data and transactions are safeguarded, while aligning with international standards for digital financial services. Conclusion: The expansion of M-PESA Global into Ethiopia is a bold move with the potential to transform the country’s financial landscape, increase cross-border trade, and drive financial inclusion. However, Safaricom must overcome these significant challenges, including regulatory barriers, local competition, infrastructure limitations, and cultural hurdles. Successfully navigating these challenges will determine the long-term success of the service in Ethiopia, while opening the door to broader regional growth.
Keywords:Safaricom M-PESA Global: Ethiopia mobile money challenges: Telebirr competition: Cross-border financial services: Digital financial inclusion
Nvidia Overtakes Apple
David Ngata Appointed I&M CFO
Kenyan Man Convicted in U.S. for 9/11-Style Terror Plot
-
Business & Money7 months agoEquity Group Announces Kshs 15.1 Billion Dividend Amid Strong Performance
-
Politics2 months agoFred Okengo Matiang’i vs. President William Ruto: A 2027 Election Showdown
-
Politics4 months agoPresident Ruto’s Bold Cabinet Dismissal Sparks Hope for Change
-
Politics4 months agoKenya Grapples with Investor Confidence Crisis Amid Tax Protest Fallout
-
Politics1 month agoIchung’wah Faces Mt. Kenya Backlash Over Gachagua Impeachment Support
-
Politics3 months agoJohn Mbadi Takes Over Kenya’s Treasury: Challenges Ahead
-
Politics1 month agoMwengi Mutuse: The Political Maverick or Master of Contradiction?
-
Politics4 months agoPresident Ruto’s Lavish Spending Amid Kenya’s Economic Struggles Sparks Outrage