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The Tech Stacks Series Finale: When GIS Works

We’re closing out The Tech Stacks Series with a bang—joined by Francis Kioni, Senior Geoanalytics Engineer at M-Gas. From vehicle routing problems (VRP) to territory mapping, suitability analysis, and more, this episode is a masterclass in how GIS drives value when applied right. Expect plenty of banter, tried and true insights, and side-by-side reflections on the methods that worked (and why).

It’s two analysts who’ve both worked in LPG, comparing notes on how GIS has shaped their work and evolved over time.

Francis shares what it’s like being in a one-man show GIS role (aren't we all?), where everyone refers to you as the “map guy”—a label he finds both limiting and amusing.

From writing clean code and automating workflows to building data pipelines and influencing business decisions, this episode explores how GIS professionals are doing far more than just making maps. Not every output is a map, but there’s often GIS behind the numbers, powering insights that drive strategy. It’s a reminder that geoenablement today looks very different. It’s about embedding spatial thinking into systems, dashboards, and decisions, even when no map is in sight.

Francis also takes us behind the scenes of his AWS tech stack—QuickSight, Athena, DynamoDB, Glue—and shares how these tools supercharge his geoanalytics workflows. (Here's a certification prep you never thought you needed:-)

If you’ve ever wondered what GIS looks like when it really works—this is it.
Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/francis-kioni/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/milos-popovic-phd-89778117/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbforr/

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What's Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, AI and Gaming got to do with Space? - (see what I did there? lol)

In this very refreshing edition of the Space Ecosystem Playbook, we sit with three trailblazing guests whose work spans ground-level innovation and orbital ambition:

• Jay Shapiro - founder of Usiku Games and chair of the Pan-Africa Gaming Group,
• Eddie Kago - Blockchain advocate and founder of Antugrow
• Rama Afullo - Ex-Tesla, Ex-Google, Ex-SpaceX — now building Satlyt.ai

Why is this conversation important you ask?

Because space doesn't operate in a vacuum — and neither does innovation. From on-chain identity and credit scoring for African farmers, to gaming as a gateway to digital skills, to building interoperability protocols for satellites in orbit, these guests reveal how frontier technologies are actively shaping space access and participation.

We dissect funding, infrastructure, ownership, trust, and why Africa can't afford to sit this one out.

This episode is an invitation to supercharge the African space ecosystem by learning from other frontier builders.

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In this episode of the Tech Stack Series, we dive into the world of GeoAI backend engineering with Brian Pondi — a geospatial machine learning researcher working on the Open Earth Monitor project, a €12.7M EU-funded initiative aimed at making Earth more observable through reusable, open-source ML tools.

Brian shares what it takes to build production-ready ML APIs that power real-world use cases like crop prediction, land cover classification, and more — with a strong focus on model sharing, discoverability, and interoperability. We explore the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), why Europe’s research culture pushes for standardization, and how tools like OpenAPI, Stack-ML, and PyTorch shape the future of AI-driven Earth observation.

We also talk about his journey from Kenya to Germany, culture shocks, working in EU research consortia, and the importance of building tech that's open, inclusive, and reproducible.

If you're curious about the infrastructure behind the maps we use — and the AI models powering them — this is the episode for you.

🔗 Links to the Open Earth Monitor project and Brian's recommended resources:   

The Open Earth Monitor Project

Open EO

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In this episode, Charles Mwangi hosts three true Pan-Africanists 🙂:

• Ben Roberts, Principal Advisor – Digital Economy Advisors
• Buntu Majaja, CEO – SA Innovation Summit
• Sylvia Makario, Managing Director – Identic Foundation

(Also… how many times did we mention Pan-Africanism? You’ll have to listen and count!)

The conversation explores the importance of cross-boundary collaborations across the continent and the need to build strong foundational systems — from infrastructure to policy — that support talent growth and innovation. We also touch on the increasingly critical role of IP ownership in today’s tech-driven world.

We take a closer look at South Africa’s automotive industry, unpacking how it created a successful manufacturing supply chain that now extends into the space ecosystem, with local companies contributing to global satellite components. Lots of lessons here on building not just for the downstream, but also the upstream — including opportunities in LEO satellites and more.

Finally, we dive into the evolution of Africa’s startup ecosystem, comparing the pre- and post-COVID landscapes — from the fintech surge that laid foundational tech infrastructure, to today’s more mature, sustainability-focused investor climate (and a shift away from “spray and pray”).

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In this candid kickoff episode of our Young Professionals Segment, we sit down with recent graduates navigating the winding path from lecture halls to industry. From discovering GIS by “coincidence” to learning Power BI on the job, our guests share real stories of what they wished they knew before entering the workforce.

We dive into:

• What the curriculum left out — and how it shows up at work
• The reality of soft skills, teamwork, and self-teaching
• Why mentorship, networking, and open-source tools matter
• What they’d tell their first-year selves (and maybe yours too)

It’s honest. It’s unfiltered. And it’s the start of something special.

Whether you're a student, a recent grad, or someone who's been there — this episode’s for you.

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In this episode, we talk e-mobility with Amos Njenga, Lead Software Engineer at Greenwheels. From real-time tracking to battery monitoring and fleet management, Amos walks us through the intricate backend systems that power electric mobility in Kenya. We explore how smart tracking isn't just about location—it’s about integrating operational data (from driver apps to battery health) to deliver meaningful business value. Whether it’s choosing between custom vs. off-the-shelf tools or designing scalable tech stacks in the cloud, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build resilient systems in a fast-moving sector.

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In this episode of the Tech Stack Series, we explore the frontend layer of geospatial technology — the part users actually see and interact with. Our guest, Valentine Irungu, a junior GIS developer, shares her journey into frontend development, from learning HTML and JavaScript to building interactive map experiences.

We talk about what frontend means in the context of GIS, what tools and frameworks she's exploring and how frontend roles connect with the rest of the tech stack. It’s an honest, beginner-friendly look at the visible side of geospatial apps — the space where design meets data.

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On this episode, we’re joined by Allan Mogley, a GIS Systems Developer at Planate Management Group. Allan specializes in building, designing, and maintaining data pipelines.

He dives into his tools of the trade—from Apache and Python to webhooks—and shares his approach to creating scalable, automated, and collaborative pipelines. Allan also gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how pipelines are built and how they serve stakeholders, particularly in engineering, based on specific use cases. Tune in for insights into the real-world applications of data pipelines and how they drive efficiency across teams

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In this episode of the GeoHabari podcast, the conversation focuses on fostering innovation within Kenya's space sector. Panelists Nekesa Were, Victor Otieno, and Davis Cook, moderated by Charles Mwangi, explore building dynamic ecosystems, leveraging local talent, and prioritizing practical solutions to channel space technology effectively. Key insights include the importance of collaboration, addressing indigenous issues, nurturing curiosity, and engaging various stakeholders—from grassroots to policy-making levels. They also highlight successful case studies like the electronic Community Health Information System in Kenya , the SA-SME Fund in South Africa and discuss frameworks for supporting local innovators through tailored funding and policy alignment.

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Welcome to our new segment, "The Student Segment," where university students take center stage to share their experiences. From projects and challenges to tech views and student banter, this segment offers a holistic view of student life through diverse voices and unique perspectives, highlighting the individuality of their journeys.

In this episode, we're joined by Nollyn Gondi Perry, a 4th-year Geomatics Engineering student from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. 

Nollyn discusses the challenges she faces, including financial constraints and the impact of delayed HELB fund dispatch on her ability to sit for exams. She also shares insights from her internships at the Kenya Space Agency and Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), her plans for the future, and how she got started in her course.

Tune in for this and so much more.