[New Audio & Video Podcast] From the UK to Kenya: Building Kenya’s & Africa’s Digital Infrastructure Future with Ben Roberts.

Moses Mwemezi Kemibaro
4 min readDec 18, 2024

--

Watch The Podcast Here:

Listen To The Podcast Here:

When I think of transformative figures in Kenya’s and Africa’s technology ecosystem, Ben Roberts is a name that stands out. Over the past two decades, Ben has been at the forefront of Kenya’s and Africa’s digital transformation, championing projects that have connected millions and fostered innovation. From his key leadership at Liquid Telecom, now known as Liquid Intelligence, to his latest entrepreneurial ventures and advisory work, Ben’s story is one of passion, resilience, and visionary thinking.

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I had the privilege of exploring Ben’s journey — from his formative years experimenting with electronics in the UK to his ongoing work in reshaping Africa’s digital and clean energy ecosystems. Here’s a comprehensive summary of our fascinating conversation.

Ben’s Formative Years: Discovering Technology

Ben’s journey into the world of technology began during his school years in the UK. He shared how access to a physics lab and early computers shaped his curiosity and problem-solving mindset.

“I delivered newspapers to save up for my first computer when I was just 14. Back then, it wasn’t plug-and-play. You had to type code just to see something work,” he reminisced.

Ben Robert's As A 17 Year Old In His High School Physics Lab

This passion led him to pursue a degree in physics at the University of Bristol, which provided him with a strong foundation in systems thinking — a skill that would later prove invaluable in his career.

Revolutionizing Kenya’s & Africa’s Internet Connectivity

Ben’s career took a significant turn when he joined Liquid Telecom, where he played a key role in the company’s transition from satellite to fiber-optic connectivity. As Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, and earlier as CEO of Liquid Telecom Kenya, he oversaw the rollout of Africa’s largest independent fiber network.

The challenges were as diverse as the continent itself. From elephants trampling cables to engaging local communities to protect infrastructure, Ben shared some remarkable anecdotes about navigating the complexities of building infrastructure in Africa.

“In some areas, we had to use innovative solutions — like partnering with community elders or even using folklore to ensure the fiber remained intact.”

The impact of this work has been transformational. Liquid Intelligence’s network now connects schools, governments, and businesses across the continent, enabling economic and social progress.

Advancing STEM Education

Ben’s passion for STEM education is evident in his work as the Board Chair of Young Scientists Kenya (YSK). He explained how YSK is empowering students to approach science and technology with creativity and innovation.

“STEM education isn’t just about academics — it’s about equipping young people to solve real-world problems. That’s where the magic happens,” he said.

Ben highlighted how partnerships with organizations like UNICEF’s Giga initiative have allowed schools to connect to Liquid Telecom’s fiber network, providing students with internet access and opportunities to learn in new ways.

New Ventures & Advisory Work

In recent years, Ben has transitioned into entrepreneurial ventures and digital economy advisory roles. His current projects include:

Nova Space: A virtual reality (VR) platform providing immersive technical training for students and professionals in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Nova Space addresses Africa’s skills gap by offering accessible, cutting-edge training solutions.

Lipagas: A pay-as-you-go LPG business using IoT technology to promote clean cooking and reduce reliance on traditional fuels. By integrating mobile money, Lipagas ensures affordability and accessibility for underserved communities.

Digital Economy Advisory: Ben is leveraging his expertise to advise governments and organizations on how to build robust, inclusive digital economies. From creating frameworks for AI adoption to guiding investments in green technology, Ben’s work is shaping the future of Kneya’s and Africa’s technology landscape.

“Kenya and Africa is on the cusp of a digital revolution, and my focus is on ensuring we build ecosystems that are not only innovative but also sustainable and inclusive,” Ben explained.

The Future of Kenya’s and Africa’s Digital Landscape

As we concluded, Ben shared his vision for the future of Kenya’s and Africa’s technology ecosystem. He highlighted the immense potential of green energy, AI, and digital inclusion, emphasizing the need for collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society.

“Kenya’s and Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in its ability to leapfrog technologies. With the right investments in infrastructure and education, we can lead in areas like AI, green energy, and digital services.”

Conclusion

Ben Roberts’ journey from experimenting in physics labs in the UK to transforming Kenya’s and Africa’s digital landscape is truly inspiring. His commitment to innovation, education, and sustainability is a blueprint for how technology can drive meaningful change.

--

--

Moses Mwemezi Kemibaro
Moses Mwemezi Kemibaro

Written by Moses Mwemezi Kemibaro

Founder & CEO @ Dotsavvy. Technology Entrepreneur, Blogger, Podcaster & Analyst @ MosesKemibaro.com. I am Pure Digital Passion. Father & Husband. God Leads Me!

No responses yet