Business of Tech Africa explains how technology becomes business, capital, infrastructure and economic power across the continent.
We are interested in writers who have something useful, original and well-supported to say about Africa’s technology economy. We are not looking for generic commentary, recycled news, company announcements or promotional pieces. We want ideas and arguments that help readers understand what is really changing, why it matters, who benefits, where value is being created and what may happen next.
You do not need to be a professional journalist to write for us. Some of the most valuable perspectives come from people working directly inside the industries we cover. We welcome contributions from founders, investors, engineers, product leaders, researchers, academics, economists, analysts, lawyers, policymakers, regulators, bankers, telecoms professionals, cybersecurity specialists, consultants and other subject-matter experts. If you understand something about Africa’s technology economy that more people should understand, we want to hear from you.
Our coverage goes beyond startups. We are interested in the business models behind technology companies, the movement of capital, the infrastructure supporting the digital economy, the strategies shaping companies and markets, and the regulation affecting how technology businesses operate. We also examine emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, climate technology, enterprise software and digital infrastructure, but always through the lens of business and economic significance.
A strong Business of Tech Africa article should have a clear point of view. It should do more than describe a trend. Rather than telling readers that artificial intelligence is transforming Africa, for example, we would rather publish an argument about why Africa’s biggest AI opportunity may lie in industries that global technology companies understand poorly. Rather than simply reporting that fintech continues to attract investment, we are more interested in asking whether fintech’s success is causing investors to overlook larger opportunities elsewhere.
Being opinionated does not mean being provocative for the sake of attention. Arguments should be earned. Important claims should be supported by credible data, research, reporting, interviews, professional experience or clear reasoning. We welcome ideas that challenge conventional wisdom, but we expect writers to explain why their position deserves to be taken seriously.
We particularly value pieces that help readers understand the economics underneath technology. Who is the customer? Who is paying? Who owns the distribution? What infrastructure makes the business possible? Where is capital moving? Who is gaining power? Who may lose it? These are often more interesting questions than whether a company has launched a new product or raised another funding round.
We are also interested in thoughtful contrarian arguments. Some of the most useful writing begins by questioning assumptions that have become accepted without enough scrutiny. Africa may not need more startup accelerators. Venture capital may not be the right form of capital for every technology company. The continent’s most important technology businesses may not all look like startups. Artificial intelligence may affect African economies differently from Europe or North America. We want writers who are willing to examine such questions carefully and defend their conclusions.
Articles should usually be between 800 and 1,500 words. Writing should be clear, intelligent and accessible to a broad professional audience. Avoid unnecessary jargon and explain technical ideas without making them simplistic. Submissions should be original and not previously published elsewhere unless agreed with our editorial team. Contributors should also disclose any relevant commercial, financial or professional interests connected to the subject they are writing about.
You do not have to arrive with a perfectly polished article. Some contributors have deep expertise but do not consider themselves writers. If the idea is strong, our editorial team may work with selected contributors to sharpen the argument, structure the piece and develop it for publication. What matters most is that you know something worth saying.
You may send either a completed article or a short pitch. If you are pitching, briefly explain the argument you want to make, why it matters now and why you are well placed to write it. A previous writing sample is useful where available, but it is not compulsory for subject-matter experts.
Published contributors receive a professional byline and contributor profile, editorial support, promotion across Business of Tech Africa channels and opportunities to contribute future analysis. Strong contributors may also be invited to join the BOTAfrica Contributor Network and participate in future editorial conversations, interviews and events.
We are not trying to publish everything happening in African technology. We are trying to publish the ideas that help people understand it better.
If you can show us something others are missing, challenge an assumption everyone else is repeating, or explain how technology is becoming business, capital, infrastructure or economic power in Africa, we would like to read your work.
Send articles and pitches to editor@businessoftech.africa.