Techmark Pod

Alvin Matewa

Techmark Pod, hosted by Alvin Matewa, is an unscripted weekly podcast exploring the dynamic intersection of technology and marketing in Africa. Each episode delivers raw, insightful discussions on the latest digital trends, innovative strategies, and industry insights designed to inspire and inform African businesses aiming to drive growth and innovation. Join us to discover how technology and marketing combine to shape Africa’s evolving business landscape.

  1. 3D AGO

    S3E2 : The Surprising Role of Digital Marketing in Conservation: Insights from Zambia’s Wildlife Campaign

    Most conservation campaigns don't leverage AI yet. Mirriam Nasilele reveals how digital tools and AI are transforming wildlife protection in Zambia, blending behavior change with cutting-edge marketing. In this eye-opening episode, Mirriam shares how she uses AI not just to analyze social media trends but to truly understand local cultures, craft resonant messages, and debunk myths around illegal bushmeat. Discover how a campaign built on behavioral insights is making illegal hunting less attractive, reducing demand, and saving wildlife all through targeted digital strategies. You'll learn concrete tactics like using AI for sentiment analysis, creating culturally relevant content, and harnessing social media influencers to change deep-rooted traditions. We break down the critical connection between marketing and behavioral change showing how awareness alone isn’t enough, but consistent messaging, empathy, and human-centered approaches lead to real impact. Miriam discusses the challenges of altering long-standing habits, why data-driven insights are vital, and her vision for future AI tools that could make conservation efforts smarter and more scalable across Africa. This episode isn’t just for marketers or conservationists—it's essential listening for anyone who wants to see how technology can solve real-world problems in Africa. If you believe in powerful stories, smart strategies, and the possibility of digital solutions driving societal change, hit play now. Miriam Nasilele is the Program Manager for Communications at Wildlife Crime Prevention, leading innovative campaigns that combine law enforcement support and digital marketing to protect Zambia’s wildlife.

    33 min
  2. FEB 2

    S3 E1 : Why Teaching Coding Without Computers Could Bridge Africa’s Digital Divide

    Unlock how innovative solutions like “Tangible coding”—a program created in South Africa—are transforming digital access for underserved communities worldwide. In a world where technology often seems out of reach for many, this episode reveals a groundbreaking approach that introduces coding concepts without the need for computers or internet, simply using physical puzzle pieces and mobile devices. Jackson Tshabalala shares how this grassroots initiative has empowered over 300,000 learners across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, illustrating that impactful tech solutions start with local context and simple ingenuity. Discover the strategic importance of localized innovation in Africa’s digital revolution. Jackson breaks down how the Tangible project evolved from an honors thesis at Nelson Mandela University into a global phenomenon—winning awards, forging international partnerships with AWS and UNESCO, and expanding into school and community settings. We explore real metrics: the project’s reach across 12 African countries and continents, and its role in bridging the digital divide where traditional infrastructure fails. This episode dives into core principles behind sustainable tech education: the role of computational and design thinking, soft skills development, and the power of human-centered AI integration. Jackson sheds light on how AI tools, when paired with community-focused programs, can augment entrepreneurial thinking for small businesses and startups. You’ll learn why understanding local needs and embedding soft skills early creates not just a tech-literate generation but a generation ready to lead Africa’s Fifth Industrial Revolution. Why does neglecting grassroots digital initiatives risk leaving millions behind? Because true inclusion demands solutions crafted for local realities—solutions like Tangible that resonate, adapt, and scale. This episode is perfect for future-focused entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in how Africa’s unique context is creating new models of tech innovation and shared value. Jackson Tshabalala is the Global Engagement Manager at Lever Foundation and an HMI Senior Fellow, recognized among South Africa’s Top 200 Young Leaders in 2023 for his work in youth empowerment through education and social impact initiatives. His journey exemplifies how targeted, locally-led innovation can disrupt global inequalities and drive economic growth—an inspiring blueprint for those shaping Africa’s digital future.

    44 min

About

Techmark Pod, hosted by Alvin Matewa, is an unscripted weekly podcast exploring the dynamic intersection of technology and marketing in Africa. Each episode delivers raw, insightful discussions on the latest digital trends, innovative strategies, and industry insights designed to inspire and inform African businesses aiming to drive growth and innovation. Join us to discover how technology and marketing combine to shape Africa’s evolving business landscape.