I was born and raised in the US to Somali parents.
I followed the path I thought I was supposed to follow (kinda).
I broke into tech.
I worked in Silicon Valley.
I built a career in marketing and product management at venture-backed startups, including YC companies.

On paper, it looked right.
Inside, it felt wrong.

After six years, I left.
No plan.
No connections.
I moved to Rwanda to work in the African tech ecosystem.

Initially it was chaos.
I partnered with venture capital firms and startups.
I consulted.
I mentored.
I interviewed hundreds of founders, investors, and operators.
I scouted startups.
I built tools still in use today.

But I wasted time.
I wasted money.
I made avoidable mistakes.

If I had a plan back then, the learning curve would have been shorter.
I would have avoided the wrong cities, the wrong opportunities, the wrong costs.

That’s why I built the Great Return Blueprint.

It’s the plan I wish I had before I left Silicon Valley.
It matches you to three cities based on your skills, lifestyle, and budget.
It gives you industry pathways where your skills fit now.
It outlines costs and communities.
It gives you a 90-day starter plan so you stop waiting and start preparing.

Even if you’re not ready to move, you need a plan.
Waiting until you’re “ready” is how years pass.
Opportunities close.
Costs rise.

Africa is early.
Many industries are underdeveloped.
The skills gap is real.
The diaspora has what’s missing.

If you’re part of it, you need to know where you fit.
Not when you land.
Now.

This blueprint is the first step.
It’s what would have saved me years.

Take your first step now

The Great Return Blueprint is open.
You answer a short intake form.
I research.
You get your personalized plan in 7 days.

• Three cities that fit your skills, lifestyle, and budget.

• Industry pathways where you can build ownership.

• Cost and community breakdowns.

• A 90-day action plan to start moving.

Newsletter subscribers get $100 off during launch week using this code: 2ETW3R8

Don’t wait until you’re ready.
Get the plan now so you know where to aim.

Get Your Return Blueprint

Columbus, Ohio: The Eerie Comfort of Middle America

First stop: Columbus, Ohio. My cousin's graduation brought me to this almost unsettlingly peaceful suburb. A stark contrast to the vibrant energy I'd grown accustomed to in Africa.

Everyone I interacted with seemed satisfied, showing little curiosity about my adventures abroad. Instead, they saw me as a free agent, attempting to recruit me to their slice of suburban paradise.

For a fleeting moment, kayaking down a serene river, I wondered: Could I be content with a simple life in Middle America? What if I traded the hustle and bustle of African cities for the tranquil streets of Columbus?

The thought passed quickly, like a leaf on that gentle Ohio river. On to the next city.

Toronto, Canada: Where Comfort Meets Ambition

Toronto felt different. The city buzzed with energy, a blend of comfort and big-city dreams. I arrived just as Collision Conference ended, and the city was still riding the wave of innovation and excitement.

I scheduled a flurry of coffees and meals, taking full advantage of the convergence of bright minds. The traffic left a bad taste in my mouth, but the vibe was undeniable.

People here seemed to have found a sweet spot – comfortable like those in Ohio, but with a hunger for high dreams and aspirations. There was a noticeable "by any means necessary" attitude that resonated with my own drive.

San Diego, California: The Sun-Soaked Trance

My hometown. Frankly, I'd visit less if my family weren't here. The sun-soaked streets held a familiar comfort, but also a warning.

Most friends have moved away. Those who remain seem caught in a trance – happy with their current environment, yet eager for a change that keeps getting pushed back. It's a weird paradox that I recognize all too well.

My late aunt described it perfectly: "Sun on your skin, but a gloomy cloud following you everywhere." It's a haunting image that captures the essence of this beautiful, complacent city.

I find myself playing the role of a politician – shaking hands, kissing babies, and making a swift exit before the San Diego venom seeps into my veins. The urge to stay, to bask in the eternal summer, is strong. But so is the pull of my ambitions elsewhere.

The Bay Area: A Tale of Two Cities

Oakland, California: My Heart's Home

Oakland holds a special place in my heart. It's where I found my voice, where I learned to fully express who I am. The city has an authenticity that's hard to find elsewhere.

Here, you can bring your obscure instrument and join the band, adding your unique sound to the city's vibrant mural. It's a place where a smile and a wave from a stranger in a corner store feels genuine, not forced.

In many ways, Oakland reminds me of Nairobi. Both cities welcome you, let you blend in, but not in a monolithic way. Instead, they invite you to contribute your own distinctiveness to their already vibrant communities.

Sure, both cities might have a bad rep. But those of us who know their true nature aren't in a rush to correct outsiders' perspectives. It's almost selfish – we don't want things to change. The bad reputation serves as a filter, keeping away those who wouldn't appreciate the city's true essence anyway.

San Francisco, California: The American Johannesburg

A mere 15-minute drive from Oakland, San Francisco feels worlds apart. It's what I consider the American version of Johannesburg – a place where signals like who you are and what you do are at the top of all social interactions.

It's a dystopian realm where your job title, accomplishments and leverage often dictates your social worth. Interactions rarely feel authentic, most feeling transactional. The American capitalist in me reluctantly enjoys this aspect – it's the hub of innovation and all things tech, where deals get done quickly.

The equation is simple: bring value, get rewarded. Major bonus points if you can scale it into a unicorn. It's a city of extremes, where the highs are stratospheric and the lows are crushing.

Despite the obituaries written for San Francisco during and after the pandemic, the city remains what Paul Graham would call "Default Alive". It's established the groundwork to sustain itself, its brand, and both retain and import talent. The mission? Encourage people to do things that will change the world.

The People I Meet

During my visits to the Bay Area, I've developed a rhythm that keeps me productive while still allowing me to reconnect with the vibrant tech scene. My days typically consist of three 2-hour sessions of deep work, punctuated by bike rides around Lake Merritt and coffee breaks. This routine helps me stay grounded and focused amidst the whirlwind of meetups and conversations.

One of the highlights of my visits is hosting a range of bright minds at my friend's condo overlooking Lake Merritt. Over meals and tea, we exchange ideas, debate strategies, whiteboard product flows and share our visions for the future. These gatherings have become a melting pot of innovation and inspiration.

Last year, we decided to shake things up. Tired of the linear approach of one-on-one meetups, we organized a "Great Return" event on my friend's rooftop. We invited every interesting person we knew was in town - a diverse mix of YC alumni, artists, tech executives, and fellow travelers. The result was an electric evening of connection and collaboration, a microcosm of the Bay Area's innovative spirit.

I’ve noticed that there are two distinct groups in the tech circles I frequent in the Bay Area:

1. The Visionaries: These are the innovators with creative solutions to the problems they see in their lives, articulating their ideas in an almost poetic way. The influence of VC culture is evident in their polished presentations. They possess an admirable risk tolerance coupled with unwavering optimism – a combination that, while inspiring, isn't quite the path I choose to follow. When Kanye says "reach for a star and if you fall you land on a cloud," for this group, the cloud represents the valuable experience and insights gained from previous ventures, even those that didn't succeed. Their resilience in becoming serial founders is truly remarkable.

2. The Achievers: These are the ones who excelled academically and landed high-paying tech jobs. Many confide in me about their career uncertainties and curiosity about life beyond their current roles. Our conversations often turn into thoughtful discussions about balancing success with personal fulfillment. I share my experiences, acknowledging that life on the other side has its own challenges and I'm still navigating it myself. With some their eyes glaze over and realize they’re comfirtable where they are, while others become intrigued by the possibility of change. For those seeking alternatives, I help them explore ways to find balance between stability and satisfaction.

Despite the stark differences between these two groups, I find myself relating to both in different ways. The Visionaries' ambition resonate with my own entrepreneurial spirit, even if their risk tolerance exceeds mine. The Achievers desire for meaningful work and a balanced life echoes my own journey. What's reassuring is that beneath the surface-level differences, both groups share a common thread - a desire for change and impact. Whether it's through bold, VC-backed ventures or seeking a more fulfilling career path, these individuals aren't content with the status quo. And that's where I see hope. As long as there's a yearning for change and not just a desire to run on the Silicon Valley hamster wheel, there's potential for real transformation. In my eyes, this restlessness, this search for something more meaningful, is the first step towards the kind of innovation and progress that can truly change the world - whether in San Francisco, Nairobi, or anywhere in between.

Reflections on Returning

As my journey back to the states comes to an end, I'm left with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and observations. I’m reminded that everything here seems larger from food portions to aspirations. Yet, beneath this veneer of abundance, I can't help but notice the crumbling physical and societal infrastructure - a stark contrast to the rapid development I've witnessed in parts of Africa.

Each city I've visited feels like its own self-contained universe. From the contented bubble of Columbus to the ambitious buzz of Toronto, the sun-soaked trance of San Diego to the dual realities of the Bay Area - people seem to exist in worlds defined by their zip codes. It's fascinating, yet somewhat disconcerting.

The ubiquitous laptop culture initially feels liberating, but I'm aware of how easy it is to lose oneself in the digital realm, neglecting the vibrant life happening just beyond the screen. Time zones create an odd disconnect - as I ramp up my day in East Africa, my friends here are winding down.

Yet, there's an undeniable ease to life and manufactured comfort here. I can lower my guard, experience moments without the constant vigilance I've grown accustomed to. It's refreshing, but it also reinforces why I chose to leave. The comforts of America are seductive, but they come with a price - a certain disconnection from the raw reality I've come to appreciate in Africa.

As I prepare to return to my adopted home, I feel a mix of gratitude and anticipation. These visits serve as a vital connection to my roots, a reminder of where I came from and how far I've come. They refresh my perspective and renew my energy. I leave with a fuller heart, a clearer mind, and a reinforced conviction in my choice to build a future in Africa. The challenges there are real, but so are the opportunities for growth and impact.

This journey has reaffirmed that The Great Return isn't just about physically moving back to Africa. It's about gaining a new lens through which to view both worlds, appreciating the complexities of each, and understanding where one truly belongs. These periodic returns to US serve as a crucial reset, a chance to reflect, reconnect, and recharge before diving back into the beautiful chaos of my chosen path.

That’s a wrap. Thank you for making it this far. I really appreciate your time. In exchange I’ll reimburse you with some of mine. If you want to talk, share your thoughts, work together or learn more about my experience you can choose a time.

Let's Chat!

More content (written and podcasts with other returners) coming soon, subscribe to get notified.

Subscribe now

If you know someone that can relate to this, share it with them below!

Share

There’s plenty of reports and interviews about the state of the ecosystem but after spending a few years as a player in the system and countless conversations and interviews on and off the record, I realize there’s a stark difference between what is publicly facing and real life. I want to share a glimpse of what these raw conversations look like in an attempt to shed a light on the views and perspectives of the different players within the ecosystem.

Ecosystem Context:

The African startup/tech ecosystem saw a surge of excitement and Western investment in recent years. However, as global economic fortunes have shifted, many Western investors have rapidly pulled out, leaving local founders betrayed and stranded without funding.

Uneasy power dynamics exist between naive Western do-gooder money, out-of-touch government officials, hungry local startups who idolize Silicon Valley, and more seasoned local builders crafting homegrown solutions.

Despite claims of commitment and understanding Africa, Western investor interest and media hype have proven fickle and fleeting. Local entrepreneurs must navigate this complex landscape of broken promises and misaligned incentives on their own.

Characters

Sandra

An impassioned foreign funder seeking redemption and purpose in investing into African startups, which she hopes to uplift. Though seemingly altruistic, her perspectives reflect unconscious paternalism and ignorance of realities on-the-ground. Eager to be a catalyst, she risks being no more than a figurehead - amplifying her own voice over those she intends to aid if she refuses to walk the path in their shoes first.

Malik

A talented engineer and thoughtful builder who cares deeply about positive change, Malik returned home from the West filled with hope but has grown jaded after encountering hardship and the fickleness of Western tech interests in Africa. Still, he remains committed to uplifting others and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit he knows can thrive locally.

Tau

Seasoned African entrepreneur has weathered ups and downs, always standing by his communities. Though wearied by chasing short-lived trends, he taps deep wells of motivation to empower underdogs like himself toward sustainable success, never losing faith in what they can achieve.

Zara

Bright and ambitious, Zara brims with untapped potential but lacks opportunities to fully utilize her gifts. Resisting bitterness while navigating systemic limitations, she draws strength from other women innovators around her, embracing coalition over isolation along the unfamiliar road of impacting change.

Peter

Peter eagerly cheers for his country, believing its future is bright. He wants badly to succeed as an entrepreneur and lift others up too. Though over-eager at times, his determination comes from a good place – he just ignores the flaws and divides around him. For now, he’s all about rallying people with hope rather than listening to criticisms. Some say Peter’s optimism blinds him from truth. But he keeps shouting possibility until more people catch the vision he sees.

James

Well-meaning public servant James longs to catalyze innovation in his homeland but grasps the tools and concepts clumsily. Despite the weight of expectations, he has not given up - hoping through it all that empowering others will help him grow into the kind of leader he wishes he had.

Scene

ON STAGE

SANDRA clicks to the next slide, which shows a photo of her awkwardly holding African children.

SANDRA

“Our accelerator will uncover all the Zuckerbergs and Bezos lost in these remote villages! Though maybe with better morals than Silicon Valley folks...”

She chuckles obliviously at her own mild racism. A few audience members cringe

IN THE AUDIENCE

In the back, MALIK , TAU, ZARA and others chat loudly, actively ignoring Sandra’s pitch.

TAU
”I’m tired of getting whiplash from investors claiming to support African tech. They were all in when the hype was high, but the downturn hit and almost every VC I know has pulled out of their local deals.”

ZARA

“For real. Last month I spoke with a partner at a VC firm who wouldn’t stop bragging about their Africa fund...then literally the next week I find out they’ve exited 80% of their startup investments here. No warning even to their portfolio companies!”

MALIK (shaking his head)

“I know founders who turned down higher Silicon Valley valuations because the Goldmans team gave them some bullshit about “doing well by doing good in Africa.” What BS! They were just finance bros looking to ride the trend then make a quick exit.”

JAMES (peeking out of an ill-fitting suit that tries too hard to seem stylish and youthful), the bumbling ICT public servant, approaches. Eager to insert himself into any conversation about digital innovation, despite having little grasp of the topic beyond buzzwords that appeal to donors.

JAMES (inserting himself awkwardly)

“My innovative brothers! Why do you not actively engage with Madame Sandra’s presentation? Public-private partnership is crucial for digital transformation! We must leverage cross-sector collaboration to accelerate investment in our young lions! Do not worry my friends, rapid scale is coming soon for bold risk takers like yourselves! The future is..fumbles for the notes on his phone...”exponential!” laughs too loudly at his lame joke”

The group trades tired, polite-but-pained smiles.

TAU
”With respect, this accelerator is just more of the same hype we’ve seen before. A short influx of capital that will dry up in a couple years after the next hot region emerges somewhere else, leaving local founders in the lurch again. We need sustainable, long-term commitments, not more photo-ops for splashy press releases.”

ZARA
”These tourists will throw money at a couple vanity projects for good PR, then pat themselves on the back and leave while pretending they’re saving Africa.”

The Minister looks confused, mouthing buzzwords under his breath, unclear how to respond.

Suddenly, PETER appears with notebook with the branding of the previous accelerator that came and left. He’s a big fish in a small pond who dreams of making it big abroad someday.

He shushes them loudly, annoyed at the lack of deference towards esteemed foreign visitors bearing gifts of funding and wisdom.

PETER
”Show some respect! Madame Sandra’s accelerator could be a game changer! This is our chance to get in front of western capital guys!”

ZARA (rolling her eyes dramatically)

“Peter, you know the cycle by now. These people will be gone in a couple years after the photos and physical fund structure becomes inconvenient. We need our own, homegrown solutions if we really want to see impact.”

PETER
”Such pessimism! This is why I will be the one to create an African unicorn right here in my country, while you all stay trapped in your closed mindsets!”

ON STAGE

SANDRA wraps up her pitch, beaming and oblivious to the tension she’s helped create in the room. Scattered, unenthusiastic applause.

END SCENE

*This scene and its characters are entirely fictional creations, not based on any real-life individuals. They are intended as a satirical representation to comment on the broader state of the ecosystem.*

Subscribe now

Share

Apartheid. The word alone conjures a tumultuous tide of emotions. Born in the Afrikaans tongue, apartheid became synonymous with the racial oppression that plagued South Africa from 1948 to 1994. Today, the specter of apartheid haunts a different land - Palestine. Comparing these two regimes illuminates a tangled web of power, identity, and justice.

Madiba echoed the global solidarity against apartheid South Africa. But can the experiences of these two lands be so neatly equated? Or does this complex issue demand nuance? Let's trace some lines of separation.

The Architecture of Discrimination

South Africa: The cornerstone of apartheid was the rigid racial hierarchy enforced through laws like the Population Registration Act, which classified individuals based on race.

Palestine: Critics argue policies such as the Nation-State Law marginalize non-Jewish citizens, echoing apartheid's racial categorizations.

Laws and policies that classified and segregated people by race/ethnicity established systemic discrimination in both South Africa and Palestine.

Boundaries that Bind

South Africa: Pass laws restricted black South Africans’ mobility, reminiscent of the Sharpeville Massacre where 69 people were killed protesting these laws.

Palestine: Checkpoints and the separation wall restrict Palestinian movement, reminiscent of the daily hurdles faced at Qalandia checkpoint.

Barriers to movement were implemented in both regions to control and segregate populations.

Land: A Contested Commodity

South Africa: Land allocation under the Group Areas Act forced racial groups into separate geographical areas.

Palestine: The expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza strip away land and resources from Palestinians.

Unequal distribution of land dispossessed and displaced targeted populations in both contexts.

The Politics of Exclusion

South Africa: The Bantu Authorities Act disenfranchised black South Africans, stripping them of political representation.

Palestine: The lack of voting rights for Palestinians in the occupied territories reflects a similar political disenfranchisement.

Exclusion from the political process silenced the voices of marginalized groups in both South Africa and Palestine.

Voices of Dissent

South Africa: The Soweto Uprising of 1976 was a seminal event in the anti-apartheid struggle.

Palestine: The Great March of Return in 2018 exemplified a peaceful protest met with violent suppression.

Despite brutal backlashes, resistance movements persevered as marginalized groups sought justice.

The Global Gaze

South Africa: International sanctions and the divestment movement significantly impacted South Africa’s apartheid regime.

Palestine: The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement seeks to replicate this global pressure against alleged apartheid policies.

The international community played a role in both contexts through economic pressure and human rights advocacy.

But stark differences persist. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine marks a significant deviation from the historical trajectory of apartheid South Africa. The militarized confrontations and daily violence result in an exponential loss of Palestinian lives, underscoring a harrowing narrative of death and despair. Unlike the largely internal nature of South Africa's struggle against apartheid, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply embedded in a broader regional and global geopolitical framework that often complicates efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

Still, solutions may emerge through empathy and justice. It all starts with an immediate ceasefire to stop the bloodshed.

The quest for peace requires relentless hope, for darkness cannot drive out darkness. By uplifting our shared humanity, a new dawn can yet emerge.

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

Charting the Infinite Future of Africa: Anwar Bey's Journey from Silicon Valley to 'The Great Return'

From the buzzing tech studios of California to the bustling streets of Johannesburg, Anwar Bey's life story is the embodiment of 'The Great Return.' In this captivating episode, we explore how Anwar traded Silicon Valley for South Africa, uniting his high-tech skills with a heartfelt mission. His journey perfectly aligns with what our show aims to accomplish: connecting the diaspora back to the African motherland.

Anwar's latest venture, 'Plasma Worlds,' isn't just entertainment; it's a celebration of Africa's rich cultures set against a backdrop of futuristic wonder. He sums it up eloquently: 'The future of Africa is infinite in its look and in its variability.' His vision for Africa is not just hopeful; it's empowering, shining a light on what the continent has to offer the world.

If you're considering making your own 'great return,' Anwar has walked the path and faced its challenges head-on. Missing the lively arts scene of San Francisco but finding a rich sense of community in Johannesburg, he offers a balanced view of what such a monumental move entails. His sage advice? 'Just be open to knowing that you are the power that solves the issues; you are the power that finds the comfort.' These words are more than a relocation tip; they're a guiding philosophy for anyone facing life's challenges.

For those in the diaspora considering a return, entrepreneurs seeking inspiration, or anyone curious about the endless opportunities in Africa, Anwar's story has something for everyone. It's not just a personal tale; it's a shining example of what 'The Great Return' stands for: empowering the African diaspora to find both success and a sense of home in the motherland.

The 1990s marked a tumultuous era for families in developing countries, particularly in Africa, where conflicts and climate disasters wreaked havoc. In the face of such challenges, individuals were left with two choices: to stay and rebuild (Option A) or to seek better opportunities elsewhere (Option B). The consequences of these decisions continue to reverberate today, emphasizing the importance of Ubuntu—the idea that authentic human beings are interconnected within a larger relational, communal, societal, environmental, and spiritual world. As a child of migrant parents who chose to escape, I have witnessed both the benefits and the hardships of migration. Now, as we reflect on the Western dream, we realize it may not be the utopia we once believed it to be. It is time for the diaspora to consider a Great Return, leveraging their knowledge and experiences to empower the native population, while the natives embrace this as a beacon of hope. However, I urge caution against falling into the trap of false hope and false advertising, and to consider the realities on both sides before making a decision.

The Challenges of Migration

Migration offers the promise of a better life, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. As the offspring of migrants, we carry the responsibility of making the most of the opportunities afforded to us in the West. While many have achieved remarkable success, others have fallen victim to mental health issues, addiction, and survivor's guilt. Furthermore, a superiority complex can sometimes plague our subconscious, hindering our ability to connect authentically with others. It is clear that after several decades, the West does not always live up to the utopian image we were conditioned to believe. Many of us are dissatisfied with our current situations and worry about the future generation.

The Illusion of Success and Financial Struggles

Even for those who have followed the prescribed path, obtaining degrees and valuable skills, the dream can still prove elusive. The high cost of living and the burden of debt trap many of us, making it difficult to acquire tangible assets. We find ourselves working excessive hours to support not only our immediate families but also our extended families back home. Beneath our forced smiles, we silently question if this is all there is to life. Meanwhile, we look back at our brothers and sisters in Africa, admiring their inner peace while sharing only the highlight reels of our lives on social media.

The Great Return: A Call to Arms and a Beacon of Hope

In this context, the concept of the Great Return emerges as a potential solution. To the diaspora, it is an opportunity to leverage their knowledge, capital, and experiences to empower the native population rather than perpetuating the brain drain. To the natives, it offers a beacon of hope—an opportunity to collaborate with individuals who can help turn their wildest dreams into reality. However, it is important to acknowledge the hypocrisy of advising others to stay and build in Africa while recognizing the need for personal experiences and exploration. The key is to make an informed decision and return if the grass is not greener on the other side.

Conclusion

False hope and false advertising have influenced our perceptions of the West and the opportunities it holds. While migration can offer new possibilities, it also comes with its own set of challenges and disillusionment. The Great Return serves as a potential alternative, inviting the diaspora to contribute their skills and experiences to uplift the native population, while offering hope to those in Africa who dream of building a better future. It is crucial, however, to critically examine both sides and make informed choices that align with our values and aspirations. By doing so, we can strive for genuine progress and collective empowerment.

Share

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

What is The Great Return?

The Great Return focuses on connecting the diaspora to the motherland. The objective is to bridge a gap between two worlds. We empower the African diaspora to return back to the continent and equip them to make their great return a success.

Episode Summary

On this episode I interviewed Elisabeth Berabose. She grew up in Belgium and Rwanda, and felt a mixed feeling because she had to blend in and adapt to a new place while growing up. Founders need to remember that they are also humans with all the human frailties that come with it, and remind their team that they still have goals to achieve. Elisabeth spoke about her return to the continent, saying that she wants to be a role model for future generations of Rwandan women. She also touched on her work in the creative and design space, saying that she believes in her ideas and is convinced that they are not for nothing.

What’s Next?

You can expect more episodes and written content. We also have a few events planned so make sure you are subscribed and we’ll keep you posted. I’d love to hear from you and keep in touch.

Continue the Journey

Shoutouts:

• Elisabeth Berabose

  • Berabose Designs

  • Instagram

• Host: Mohammud Hassan

  • Twitter

  • Linkedin

  • Growth Rafiki

I moved to the Silicon Valley originally for school and eventually went on to start my career in marketing/growth. In lieu of a formal education, I structured my learning in a way where each year I would do a deep dive into topics that were both interesting to me and needed in the workplace. Once I felt comfortable on the theoretical side, I would switch to practical work to practice. For growth, the process was learning how to do customer acquisition then working with small businesses and startups.

After a few years in the agency world I transitioned to managing growth at startups and the accumulation of skills ranging from analytics, sales and product strategy led me to my most recent role as a Product Manager at a talent marketplace startup in San Francisco. After 2 years and being involved in almost every part of the company, I quit and moved to Rwanda.

Why Did I Move to Rwanda?

“You’re Somali! Why don’t you go build back home if you’re going to be in Africa?”

Why Africa?

After gaining a few years of experience in the Bay Area, I yearned for a different type of experience. I spent about a quarter of my life in Africa and consider it home away from home. The continent will also have the biggest workforce in the world in the next couple decades. For now, I’m consulting with some promising startups and firms to identify what the pain points are and I plan to launch products and services that can help companies grow exponentially.

Why Rwanda?

My default answer is that the choice was a process of deduction. I knew I wanted to move to Africa so I spent months researching options such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and even back home. I went with Rwanda first because it has the infrastructure and stability needed to build startups. I’ve heard to it referred to as a “proof of concept” country where you can easily build tech companies before expanding to other countries in the region.

This is something I am really passionate about and I know there are many that are interested in the concept that I call the “Great Return”. Feel free to reach out to me if you’re interested.

With that, there are four pieces of advice that have not only helped me in my career but others I’ve helped in the past. The info below is dependent on where you are in your career so I’ll keep it short and potentially dive deeper based on what the community finds most helpful.

Find your interests 

I know it sounds cliché but the best thing you can do for your career is to find something you enjoy doing. If you’re early in your career you have a blank canvas and can take your career in any direction. With so many online resources online I think the main thing our generation struggles with is choosing one path and focusing. I still struggle with this but I’ve noticed the more I focus on one topic, the more the skill compounds. Which isn’t an innovative concept but here’s the sign you’re waiting for to focus on that skill that you think you can achieve and forget the others.. for now. One resource that might be helpful is the Permissionless Apprentice course by Jack Butcher. It’s $1USD and will help you navigate the process of taking your new skills and gaining real world experience.

I found my interests by reaching out to a network of people from different backgrounds and picked their brains on what they do for a living on a day-to-day basis. From that I was able to eliminate a few career path options. I finally met a B2B marketer and fell in love with the combination of analytics and creativity. The Breaking into Startups podcast was also invaluable because they did a great job highlighting potential career paths. This PDF they created helped provide context on different tech roles, salary expectations and responsibilities.

Grind 

Regardless of all the factors of your journey into tech, the one common variable is how much effort you put in. There will be long days and nights that will morph into seasons and eventually years. Effort compounds regardless of how long it takes for you to figure it out. But remember to grind in an impactful manner. Naval has a great framework to use when thinking about how to approach tech labor: “Work like a lion”.

Once I finally broke into tech with my first big role, I was relentless when it came to execution. I built a brand around doing whatever it took to deliver. This was a critical part of being offered the opportunity to move to the product team.

Pause and Reassess

Ok, now you’re the team’s all star. Hard work met dedication and you should be ecstatic that you figured it out but something feels off. It might be a lack of fulfillment or it could be survivors guilt. Or it could be the Somali urge to say “let me drive the boat” and start something of your own.

With the way the startup system works, you’re bombarded with work and you start to drift away from your goals and ambition. I feel this is the perfect time to revisit your intentions and take a break. This could be in the form of a vacation or sabbatical based on what you’re comfortable with. I took the extreme route and outright quit after giving a 1 month notice but regardless, you have to be your biggest fan, critique and advisor.

My Ask

To the Qurbajoog (Diaspora):

Take a long look at where you are now in your career/school. Are you being intentional with what you want to achieve? In many of our societies, it’s easy to get tied up in the lifestyle but remember you can always break out of any rut if you focus on yourself and not the acknowledgment from others.

Always be intentional.

Be intentional with everything that you do & watch how your life changes exponentially.

Without intention, your NO’s can feel powerless - so you’ll end up saying YES to everything.

But when you add intention to your NO’s, you will never be manipulated.

-Iddris Sandu

To my brothers and sisters on the continent:

I know folks from the west do a great job at glamorizing the lifestyle on social media but you have to realize that the tables are turning, quickly. As you all know, people like myself and many others are starting the Great Return. You are already there and have the opportunity to gain experience so by the time major corporations and tech companies make the move to Africa, you’re in a strategic position to leapfrog into opportunities.

That’s all I have for now! I hope you extracted some form of value from this. I plan to expand on a few of these ideas. If you’re interested, subscribe to my new Substack called the Rafiki Labs Report to follow the journey and hear stories from other builders in Africa. My parting piece of advice comes from a philosopher of our time Nipsey Hussle: “Regardless what you’re into, regardless what you been through,
I feel like I got to tell you you got something to contribute”.

Subscribe now

.