Africa’s tech ecosystem is vast and varied, yet many of its most exciting innovations happen off the beaten path—in places like Benin Republic, Tunisia, and Morocco, where few outsiders look. Enter Gerald Black, often hailed as the “Nas Daily of African Tech.” With a camera in one hand and a deep curiosity in the other, he travels across the continent, uncovering tech scenes that rarely make headlines.
“I Just Arrived This Morning, But It’s Worth It!”
Despite this being his fourth visit to Kenya, Gerald Black admits his journey to the Africa Tech Summit was far from easy. “Honestly, it’s been quite stressful,” he confides, “but every minute is worth it!” After all, events like these offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new collaborators, and discover emerging trends in Africa’s fast-growing tech landscape.
From Consultant to Cross-Border Evangelist
Before earning his nickname as “Nas Daily of African Tech,” Gerald Black worked as a consultant, helping brands navigate Africa’s complex business environments. Realizing how little most companies knew about neighboring markets, he launched X Connect Africa, a platform designed to foster strategic partnerships and ecosystem growth across the continent.
Many people don’t realize what’s happening right next door,” he notes, citing Benin Republic as a prime example of an up-and-coming tech hub that remains largely under the radar. “I figured the best way to show people was to actually travel there myself and create video content that brings these thriving ecosystems to life.
Becoming The “Nas Daily of African Tech”
Armed with a camera and a penchant for storytelling, Gerald Black began documenting his visits—meeting startups, founders, and innovators in places many have never associated with cutting-edge technology. “After I release a documentary from a particular country, people tell me they’re booking flights,” he laughs. “That’s when I realized how powerful firsthand storytelling can be.”
What started as a few short videos quickly evolved into a digital storytelling enterprise. His content not only inspires tourism but also highlights opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Before long, followers began calling him “Nas Daily of African Tech,” referencing the popular Middle Eastern travel vlogger who rose to fame with similarly short, engaging videos.
#AfricaTechSummit: A Melting Pot of Innovation
This year’s Africa Tech Summit in Kenya is a vivid example of how far the continent’s tech ecosystem has come. From AI startups in Nairobi to fintech disruptors in Lagos, the summit has drawn industry leaders, investors, and founders into one collaborative space. Gerald Black found the experience invaluable: “It’s amazing to see so many key industry players in one place,” he says. “The networking and the energy here are off the charts.”
He also points out that meeting people face-to-face—especially those he’s featured in his documentaries—helps solidify relationships and spark new ideas. “People keep telling me, ‘Your videos made me want to invest in or visit a place I’d never considered before.’ That’s the power of exposure.”
Bridging Gaps and Building Partnerships
One of Gerald Black’s main objectives is to bridge gaps between African markets that rarely interact, despite being geographically close. He sees enormous potential for cross-border projects in areas like e-commerce, healthtech, and agritech—sectors often overlooked when investors focus on more familiar territories like Nairobi, Lagos, or Cape Town.
It’s not just about showing people that these places exist,” he explains. “It’s about putting them on the map so founders can find investors, corporations can find partners, and tourists can find inspiration.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for the “Nas Daily of African Tech”? More travel, more documentaries, and more collaborations. Gerald Black is keen to expand his reach, aiming to visit at least five new African countries by next year. He’s also in talks with potential sponsors to create longer documentary series highlighting local cultures alongside emerging tech.
Africa’s diversity is its greatest strength,” he emphasizes. “If we can just connect the dots between these various ecosystems, the sky’s the limit.
For anyone curious about the untapped potential in Africa’s lesser-known tech hubs, Gerald Black offers a front-row seat to innovation—and a compelling reminder that sometimes, the most transformative ideas come from the places you least expect.
