Africans In Tech

What do you get when you mix a love-hate relationship with Java, hours of YouTube University, and late-night convos with ChatGPT? You get Clinton Olayiwola’s wild ride into tech! 🚀

In this episode, Clinton breaks down how he went from almost failing his first Java class (yeah… writing code on paper 💀) to building real-world apps and surviving tutorial hell. We get into:
⚡ How ChatGPT became his personal tech mentor
⚡ Escaping tutorial hell & building solo
⚡ Spring Boot analogies and why Java still kinda sucks
⚡ Learning at an HBCU & doing it the hard way
⚡ Why thinking before coding will change your life
⚡ The real truth about being okay when stuff just doesn’t work 😤

If you’ve ever hit a wall learning to code, this one’s for you. Clinton’s story is honest, hilarious, and hella relatable. Whether you're bootcamp, self-taught, or stuck in CS class with no idea what’s going on… you'll feel this one. 💯

🎧 Hit that subscribe for more fire tech convos from Africans in Tech.

In this inspiring episode of Africans in Tech, host S. Lebbie sits down with Rubena “Ruby,” a rising star in the cybersecurity world. Ruby shares her journey from earning over $170,000 in scholarships (graduating debt-free!) to entering the tech industry with confidence and ambition.

We talk about:

Breaking into tech without coding

Salary expectations and growth as a non-technical professional

The grind behind success and what it really takes

Balancing Nigerian family expectations with personal goals

Long-term visions in entrepreneurship, AI legislation, and cybersecurity

Tips for winning scholarships and building generational wealth

Ruby’s passion for mentorship and community uplift

🔒 Ruby is researching Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture in collaboration with Harvard’s Cybersecurity Institute and planning her next steps into a master’s program focused on AI.

In this episode of Africans in Tech, we sit down with a software engineer, Reginald Billups, working in the defense sector, to discuss the realities of working for a major contractor like Lockheed Martin. From building software for aircraft to navigating the moral gray areas of defense tech, we talk about what it means to have a security clearance, how it impacts your lifestyle, and the career and financial opportunities it opens up.

We also dive into:

Balancing ethics and income in defense tech

Security clearances: what they cost and how they affect your life

Personal convictions vs. professional opportunities

Building side projects as a young engineer

Dating in tech and long-term goals in life and career

How to break into cleared roles and negotiate better pay

Whether you're in tech, interested in government contracting, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of defense software engineering, this one's for you.

In this episode of Africans in Tech, Host Sahr Lebbie sits down with Djelika Bah, an inspiring entrepreneur, technologist, and student originally from Guinea , now based in Atlanta. Djelika Bah shares her journey from childhood dreams of fixing electricity in Guinea to becoming a computer engineering major and landing competitive internships — including one in Silicon Valley.

We talk about:

Growing up in Guinea

Switching from Electrical to Computer Engineering 💻

Learning through YouTube & visual repetition 🎓

Landing her first internship as a sophomore ✨

How a mentor helped shift her mindset 💡

The Silicon Valley internship that changed her life 🚀

Building business acumen & presentation skills 💼

Getting certified (CCNA & CCNP) and breaking into the tech world 📈

Why hands-on experience always beats theory 🔧

Sacrifices, side hustles, and staying resilient 💪🏾

This episode is packed with practical gems for students, early-career professionals, and anyone navigating their way into tech from unconventional paths.

In this powerful episode of Africans in Tech, host Sahr Lebbie sits down with Abdi Mohamed, a Technologist, leadership speaker, and community builder, to discuss the real behind-the-scenes of the tech industry—from high-value contracts to the power of mentorship and community. 🚀

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

The importance of building each other up in tech and sharing success rather than gatekeeping

Entrepreneurship, consulting, and navigating contract work (including stories of $20M contracts)

Bridging the gap between value created and compensation received

How teamwork, partnerships, and community elevate individual and collective success

Insights on scaling in tech, preparing for the next level, and filling knowledge gaps with specialists

Personal stories from Abdi’s journey—from leadership programs to relocating to Atlanta for new opportunities

💬 "Life’s a team sport. Business is a team sport. Get good at identifying strengths—and people you want to work with."

📌 Whether you’re just entering tech or thinking about how to level up, this episode is full of game, wisdom, and practical gems.

In this episode, we sit down with Ariel Garraway, a DMV native and accomplished Tech Professional, as she shares her inspiring journey from the help desk to leading product teams in tech. 💻✨

Ariel breaks down:
🔹 How to update your resume to land your dream job in tech
🔹 Tips for navigating the tech industry with confidence
🔹 Insights into various roles and career paths in tech

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insider knowledge.

In this episode of Africans In Tech, we’re talking with Yomi, a Cloud Data Engineer whose journey into tech is anything but conventional. From clocking in at McDonald’s and bagging groceries to consulting for major organizations, Yomi’s story is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll end up.

He shares how an internship became a turning point, what his role as a Cloud Consultant looks like, and how soft skills like customer service and time management helped him thrive in the tech world.

In this episode of Africa & Tech, we talk to Isshai Kamara, a DC native and tech professional, about her journey from taking apart computers at age six to becoming a project manager and founder of IT Industry Tools. She shares her challenges navigating a male-dominated industry, the importance of mentorship, and how she transitioned from help desk to project management. Isshai also discusses her mission to help others break into six-figure tech roles through training and mentorship.

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Welcome to another episode of Africans in Tech! Join Sahr as he interviews Tunde and explores his personal journey in the tech world. Tunde shares his insights on the latest trends, innovations, and tips for breaking into and thriving in a tech career. Don’t miss it!

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Join host Sahr Lebbie in the debut episode of  Africans In Tech, where he recounts his journey into the tech industry. Discover the challenges, mentors, and pivotal moments that shaped his career.
Whiteboard sessions are featured within the episodes on our Youtube Channel.

Email: [email protected]

SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Africans In Tech content: https://youtube.com/@Africans_In_Tech?si=I7pWJsh4bTSEH2u7
Listen to the Africans In Tech podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/africans-in-tech/id1754583391

Like Africans In Tech  on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ea6Jdip7Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Follow Africans In Tech on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africans_in_tech
Follow Africans In Tech  on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@africans_in_tech