Phyian x Tammwe: Talking Tech, Talent & Taking the Leap with Young Techiez

We sat down with the amazing Phyian Karinge, the brain behind Young Techiez—a buzzing platform where young Africans figuring out the tech world come to learn, connect, and get inspired.

If you’ve scrolled through their Instagram, caught a YouTube video, or engaged with them on LinkedIn, you already know they’re all about real talk, real stories, and real opportunities.

But let’s be honest—talent alone doesn’t cut it. The biggest hurdle? Getting that first big break. That’s where Tammwe steps in, connecting African freelancers to businesses that actually get their skills.

So, what happens when a platform that amplifies African techies teams up with one that creates opportunities for them? Well, we’ll let Phyian spill the tea on why this partnership is a game-changer.

1. Phyian, your story is inspiring! What’s the “aha!” moment that sparked the idea for Young Techiez? Did you always know you’d create something like this?

No I didn’t. I learnt from Renee Ngamau, a human I admire, that purpose is not a thing - like YoungTechiez or Nike or Tammwe. Purpose is what that thing does for others. What you do for others rarely changes, how you do it does. I’m convicted that my purpose is to create belonging. I’m currently doing that through YoungTechiez. . The channel will come to you as you say yes to your purpose.

Haha long story short, I simply said yes to my conviction which led me to creating YoungTechiez, a community that provides hope and belonging for Young Techiez.

So pay attention to your convictions and honor them.

After all, in which other life are you waiting for to listen to yourself? Abeg

2. Young Techiez has such a vibrant presence! If you had to describe your mission in one sentence, what would it be?

To bring light to the most inspiring stories in Africa around wealth and technology and in turn to create hope and belonging.

Africa is buzzing with tech talent, but it’s not always easy to shine on the global stage. What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve seen young techies face, and how does Young Techiez help them jump over it?

Many techies are very dedicated to building their skills, but a major hurdle they face is that most roles require experience they often lack. Ultimately, you need just 1 person to take a chance on you.

Your very first role opens the door to more roles. We have tried to support Techiez through this by encouraging them to build projects which act as their forms of experience and also by bringing in industry experts to support with guidance.

Oftentimes I get companies that reach out for talent and I try to recommend some of the people in my community, which helps.

3: You’ve told so many inspiring stories through Young Techiez—what’s one story that gave you goosebumps or made you think, “This is why I do what I do”?

They all give me goosebumps in different ways, haha no favorite child.

But I’d say the story I did with Martin Ndeto. He was very honest and vulnerable, and at the time we did not have a conversation time limit. So we allowed ourselves to listen to no end, as he shared his struggles and successes so honestly. This, I said to myself, this is it.

4. Platforms like Tammwe are opening doors for African freelancers—how do you think they’re changing the game for tech talent across the continent?

I think platforms like Tammwe are important vessels in ensuring that good talent grows and builds Africa. In the past we have seen a huge wave of brain drain, with many Africans looking for ‘greener’ pastures in other countries.

My personal belief is that the grass is greener where you water it. On the other hand, I hold space for anyone who had leaving their country as their best case scenario, life sometimes gives us hard cards and we play them the best we can.

Platforms like Tammwe ensure that Africans can grow themselves while growing Africa by providing access to opportunities from all parts of the world. This means that I can work for anyone from my home country while focusing on developing my home country. This changes the game not only for the individual but for the country and continent as a whole

5. Let’s be real: the global tech market is competitive. What’s your advice for African techies to stand out and make their mark? Build in Public. Working on your project in your room and applying to 1000 jobs a day may not yield results as efficiently as having your project known and seen by the right people - fellow software engineers/product managers who can recommend you, hiring managers or who will think of you when they come across an opening. So share your project, your thought process, the challenges you face both offline and online, and allow your work to be supported, appreciated, challenged and in turn to set you up for opportunities

6. What’s the one tech skill you think every African freelancer should have in their toolkit right now? And no, you can’t say “coding” without a fun twist!

Augmented working - learning how best to work with AI and leverage on automation is a skill that all techiez need to work more efficiently and creatively

7. Young Techiez is all about lifting others up. Do you collaborate with other organisations or mentors? What’s one collab that made you do a little happy dance?

Yes we do and we are open to more partners that align with our values and mission.

My first partnership with Zindua, it was my first and one of my most valuable partnerships, so of course I did a happy dance haha!

8. Okay, brag time: what’s a success story from Young Techiez that makes you think, “Yep, we’re making magic happen”?

Many come to mind but one in particular is having one of our community members winning a free laptop that set them up to start their learning and working journey. That was pretty cool.

9. If you had a crystal ball, what do you see for the African tech scene in the next five years? And how will Young Techiez and Tammwe fit into that picture?

I don’t know…

How exciting!

10. For anyone reading this who’s just getting started in tech, what’s your one golden piece of advice? Something you wish someone told you when you were starting out!

I have a few;

• Learn as you build - don’t just go through courses and certifications, build something. That is the only way you learn
• Pick an area in tech that favors your strengths - If you love numbers and math, focus on areas in data and AI, they will tap into your strengths and you will enjoy what you do, and when it gets hard, you will have the resilience to push through.
• Domain specialization is really good - If you can’t find an area to specialize in tech, focus on a domain - health, agriculture, fintech etc. That market context is very valuable in the workplace
• In tech you are a student for life.

11. How can people—whether they’re techies, companies, or just folks who believe in your mission—get involved with Young Techiez? And where does Tammwe come into the mix?

They can get involved by reaching out to

youngtechiez@gmail.com

The train is moving towards its destination, join us now if you align.

Phyian dropped gems in this conversation, and I hope every young techie out there is taking notes. Whether you’re just starting out, looking for your first gig, or figuring out how to stand out in the crowded tech space—there’s something here for you. The journey isn’t always easy, but with platforms like Young Techiez and Tammwe creating spaces for growth and opportunity, the future looks bright.

So, listen to your convictions, build in public, and most importantly—say yes to your purpose. Who knows? Your next big break might be just around the corner.

If there’s one thing this conversation proves, it’s that Africa’s tech future isn’t waiting to happen—it’s already unfolding, one bold step at a time. Young Techiez is building a community where talent meets opportunity, and Tammwe is breaking down barriers so African freelancers can thrive on a global scale.

The question isn’t if African tech talent will take its rightful place on the world stage—it’s who will step up, seize the moment, and be part of this transformation. Whether you’re a techie, a company, or just someone who believes in the power of purpose, the train is moving.

Are you coming aboard? 🚀

Join the movement. Reach out, connect, and let’s build the future—together.