In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Anuj Tanna, Co-Founder and CEO of MESH, for a deep dive into the platform that is fuelling Kenya's vibrant hustle economy. Anuj shares the foundational insights from his time at Telkom Kenya that led him to see the informal economy not as a problem to be fixed, but as a powerful engine to be supported. We discuss the specific product mechanics, business model, and future vision for the platform serving over 1 million young entrepreneurs. This is a must watch or listen for anyone in technology, finance, and social impact in Kenya and Africa.In this episode, we discuss:(02:45) The key lessons from Telkom Kenya that became the seed for MESH.(10:30) Why "identity" is the biggest lever for income growth, not the biggest barrier.(15:32) How MESH's UI/UX is architected to shift a user's identity from "unemployed" to "entrepreneur."(21:12) The "Jungle Gym" model: Why peer-to-peer learning from someone "two steps ahead" beats formal courses.(26:19) The future of MESH: Using generative AI to create a personal business coach in Sheng and Swahili.(29:59) The "Wraparound Experience": A groundbreaking, three-pillar strategy to make trust "bankable" and unlock credit.(36:51) The MESH Business Model: How the platform stays free for users by partnering with corporates.(49:36) Overcoming resistance and changing the mindset from "formalizing" to "fuelling" the informal economy.Enjoyed this?👍 Like the podcast💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Kenya's and Africa's digital transformation.#PureDigitalPassion #MESH #AnujTanna #MosesKemibaro #HustleEconomy #Kenya #Africa #Technology #Startups

Tired of shocking data roaming bills after your travels? The eSIM revolution is here to put an end to that. In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Mandeep Birdi, CEO of RoamBuddy, and Peter Lubia, CEO of Flexicom Enterprises, to unpack how eSIM technology is making global connectivity affordable and seamless for travelers from Kenya and across Africa.We dive deep into their groundbreaking partnership and the landmark deal with Kenya Airways to launch the KQ Safari Data plan. This is a conversation about the end of the physical SIM card and the future of mobile connectivity.In this episode, we cover:(01:53) What is an eSIM? Mandeep Birdi explains the fundamentals of this 100% digital SIM and how it's installed.(03:33) Apple's Big Move: How the new eSIM-only iPhones are accelerating the global shift away from physical SIM cards.(05:55) A Practical Guide: Peter Lubia walks through the simple, step-by-step process of getting an eSIM before you travel.(08:09) The Global-Local Partnership: We break down the innovative model between RoamBuddy and Flexicom that's bringing this technology to Kenya.(11:12) Benefits Beyond Travel: Exploring the enhanced security, flexibility, and environmental advantages of eSIMs.(21:57) Africa's eSIM Opportunity: Why the continent is a fertile ground for this technology, leapfrogging legacy systems.(31:20) The Inside Story: How the landmark partnership with Kenya Airways to launch KQ Safari Data came to be.(35:24) Solving Corporate Travel: A look at the enterprise solutions that eliminate the nightmare of roaming expenses for businesses.(47:24) How to Get Connected: A clear call to action for individual travelers and businesses who want to start using or partnering on eSIMs.(56:18) The Future of Connectivity: Will the physical SIM card become a museum artifact? Our guests share their predictions.Connect with our guests:RoamBuddy: https://www.roambuddy.worldFlexicom Enterprises: https://esim.flexicom.co.keKQ Safari Data: https://www.kqsafaridata.com

In this episode, I sit down with Russell Southwood, CEO of Balancing Act and author of Africa 2.0 and the Africa Interconnection Report 2025, to unpack 20+ years of telecoms, internet, data centres, AI, and policy across the continent. We go from Celtel and M-PESA to today’s cloud & AI wave—and the human and cultural factors that make (or break) adoption.

Chapters
00:00 Intro01:30 Russell’s origin story (SOAS, Kenya at 7, early digital influences)07:18 Founding Balancing Act & the weekly Africa telecoms newsletter10:33 Lessons from the books (Less Walk, More Talk; Africa 2.0)17:53 E-commerce’s long runway & the digital divide (2G ↔ smartphones)21:28 Extending rural coverage (AMN, iSat, Vanu, Neuron & more)27:22 Data centers, cloud & AI — key takeaways from the Interconnection Report33:29 OTT regulation: innovation vs. control, free speech, shutdowns37:26 Broadband today, cable resilience & the rise of home internet40:45 Startups that last: solving real problems, not just raising rounds43:51 Government, talent & delivery (why execution matters)45:23 Looking ahead: energy constraints, AI realism & practical optimism53:20 Closing

What you’ll learn

• • How people—not pipes—ultimately drive tech adoption in Africa

• • Why data centres are reshaping the ecosystem (IXPs, neutrality, sovereignty)

  • How to balance OTT regulation without stifling free speech or innovation

  • The real blockers: literacy, energy, policy capture—and what’s changing

  • How enduring African startups think about users, utility, and scale

  
  

  About Russell Southwood
  CEO, Balancing Act. Veteran analyst of African telecoms, internet & media. Author of Africa 2.0, Less Walk, More Talk, and lead author of the Africa Interconnection Report 2025.

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