Backend by Gerald Black

My work takes me across borders, but getting paid used to be the hardest part. As a storyteller and consultant, my work takes me across Africa and beyond. I collaborate with businesses and organizations to help them expand, build the right connections, and tell authentic stories about the ecosystems they’re shaping. But here’s the reality, doing business globally also comes with one big challenge: getting paid. Different platforms, different currencies, delays, high fees… it used to be a messy process that slowed things down. That’s why finding a simple, reliable way to receive my payments internationally is so important. And for me, that solution is @clevabanking. Cleva helps me bring everything into one account from US wire transfers to platform payouts and even Stablecoin payments and why it’s made my work and lifestyle much easier. Excited to partner with Cleva to tell these stories as they continue building tools that empower professionals, freelancers, and creatives across Africa to do business without borders. #GeraldBlack #Cleva #Payments #TechinAfrica #Storytelling

Come with me to Dakar 🇸🇳✨ We connected with founders, operators & ecosystem players, co-hosted the Tech Connect Dakar Mixer with @SandjiriSy + the @Dakarslushd team, and set the tone for October 🚀 Big love to everyone who pulled up, and special thanks to @MariamTendou for holding it down 💯 October we go again, bigger & louder! 🔥 Visit the website to learn more about the event and how you can be a part of it 👇🏽 🔗 dakarslushd.org/ #ComeWithMe #TechConnectDakar #SlushDakar #XConnectAfrica

Tunisia 🇹🇳 — the North African gem you’ve probably heard about for its beaches and medinas, but did you know it’s also home to two of Africa’s biggest tech exits? A few months ago, Cindy and Mark of @_dreamvc_ and Sarah of V3 Factory invited me to be part of the Tunisia Ecosystem Week, a gathering to spotlight the country’s emerging tech scene. I thought to myself, why not go a step further, engage a few folks in the ecosystem and document their story? That spontaneous idea kicked off the Tunisia Tech Ecosystem Documentary. Why I Started This Documentary Series: 1.To spotlight overlooked African tech ecosystems that are doing amazing work with little visibility. 2.To inspire collaboration across the continent by showing what’s possible in different regions. 3.To amplify local founders, operators, and ecosystem builders who are driving innovation from the ground up. 4.To give the world a front-row seat to Africa’s diverse and dynamic startup communities. In the 17-minute documentary (full video on YouTube, I take you on a journey through Tunisia’s vibrant tech scene, from startups like Bako Motors, Dabchy and WaterSec - by Istidema.com to innovation hubs like The Dot Hub and Open Startup, and conversations with digital nomads, students, and ecosystem pioneers such as John Jang and Mokhtar Fourti. We explored markets, tasted local cuisine, and soaked in the culture all while uncovering a tech ecosystem rich with potential and purpose. Big thanks to everyone who made this possible and special shoutout to Med Khaled Mezghanni my amazing guide during my stay 🇹🇳. The documentary is now live on YouTube! Link - youtu.be/vC9CgnGsOMo?si=BlTn… If you enjoy it, please: ✅ Like the video 📝 Drop a comment 📌 And don’t forget to subscribe to my channel to follow the journey across Africa Next stop coming soon! 🌍 #DiscoverAfricaTech #TunisiaTech #GeraldBlack #AfricanStartups #DiscoveringNewTechDestinationsAcrossAfrica #TechDocumentary #EcosystemBuilding

The Tunisia Tech Destination Premiere is finally here 🥳. This event isn’t just about Tunisia, it’s about the bigger picture: how tech ecosystems across Africa can scale globally. 🧵1/4

When I set out to make content about Africa’s emerging tech destinations, it wasn’t just about showcasing startups, hubs, or investor activity, it was about telling the real stories. The underrepresented ecosystems shaping the future of innovation on the continent. 🧵 1/4

You've probably heard about Tunisia, the country of stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. But did you also know this hidden gem is home to two of the highest tech startup exits in Africa—@instadeepai and @Expensya ? 🧵1/5

@Latitude59 x Kenya was a hugeeeee success!!! Had an incredible time on stage with my brother @calebmaru and an ever engaging audience 🤩. Kudos to the team, Caleb Maru and everyone involved 💪🏾 #Latitude59 #Latitude59Kenya2024 #KenyaTechEcosystem #GlobalCollaboration

Definitely had a great time at the Africa Startup Festival @startupfesthq which took place last week 🚀 🧵1/4

Over 4,000 attendees, 140+ speakers, 9 content tracks, and representation from 14 countries — @moonshotbytc 2024 wasn’t just a conference; it was a movement! Watch full video on YouTube 👇🏽 youtu.be/MHJl-KkihUA?si=KamM… 🧵1/4

What an incredible time in Tunisia 🇹🇳! Had the opportunity to meet some amazing companies and connect with lovely individuals who are absolutely killing it in the tech scene here. The energy, talent and innovation in Tunisia are undeniable. 1/4

Aslema Tunisia! 🇹🇳 🥳 Super excited to be in Tunisia for the Discovering New Tech Destinations Across Africa documentary project during Tunisia Ecosystem Week, thanks to an invite from my lovely friends from @_dreamvc_ and V3 Factory. 🧵

@moonshotbytc 2024 was a tech conference on another level — Nigeria’s biggest yet! Bringing together over 4000 innovators, leaders, and visionaries from across the world! Myself and my team at @BackendSeries partnered with @TechCabal to capture the heart of it all 🚀 1/2

Visit to Cotonou: A Guide for Tech Enthusiasts is now live! 👇🏽 🔗 techbygerald.com/2024/10/vis… If you’re a tech entrepreneur, investor, or enthusiast looking to explore the rapidly growing tech ecosystem in Cotonou, Benin, this guide is for you. 🧵 1/3

1/3 After releasing my documentary on the growing tech ecosystem in Benin, I was amazed by the number of individuals who expressed interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration in the country. So, I went back—but this time, I wasn't alone!