Meet 28-year-old software engineer bridging digital divide in East Africa

It is with the passion and can-do attitude that characterises African entrepreneurs that Emmanuel Gatwech describes the driving motivation behind Sahil. The digital platform he founded in 2023 is on the path to becoming the next African success story!

Tell us about your background.

Originally from South Sudan, I grew up in Khartoum, Sudan, before my family moved to Uganda in 2010. I pursued my college education in Zimbabwe and complemented it with an online diploma from a French Institute.

With over four years of experience as a software developer, I’m passionate about creating innovative solutions for real-world problems. My career has exposed me to various sectors, broadening my insights and experiences.

You can simply call me E-Man (E is for Energy), a nickname reflecting my vibrant energy and commitment to spreading positivity. I have a deep appreciation for different cultures, enjoy indulging in movies and music, and express my unique personality through fashion. While some may see me as eccentric, I embrace it as part of my identity.

I’ve been fortunate to work with startups across different continents, including Germany, the USA, Uganda, and Rwanda, which has enriched my professional journey with diverse experiences and global perspectives.

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

While I didn’t start out with a clear goal of becoming an entrepreneur, the desire to solve real-world problems and make a difference in my community eventually led me down this path.

What led you to start Sahil?

Sahil was born out of the struggles my mother faced running her restaurant. Witnessing her challenges inspired me to create a solution that would simplify logistics for business owners like her.

What are your major challenges?

We have a strong technical team, but we face challenges in operations and finances. Digital literacy rates and operational costs are our major hurdles. We need to run campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of transitioning to the digital era for businesses. We’ve also had to navigate setting up our office in Rwanda due to financial constraints in South Sudan.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions in Silicon Valley regarding investing in Rwanda?

Silicon Valley investors may overlook the potential of investing in Rwanda due to misconceptions about the African market. However, Rwanda presents significant opportunities for tech investment, especially in sectors like logistics and digital inclusion. I’ve spoken with people from Norrsken and Y Combinator, and they’ve given positive feedback on the idea. It gives me hope.

Others have mentioned that the idea is promising, but they’re worried about South Sudan being a “high-risk” market. Despite that, I believe we can make a difference by leading the way. If we don’t work to improve our country, then who will?

Compared to startups in Silicon Valley, where do you think African startups at your stage struggle the most?

African startups often face unique challenges, including access to funding and navigating regulatory environments. However, resilience and innovation are key strengths that drive success despite these obstacles.

How can African tech diasporas help digital platforms similar to Sahil?

African tech diasporas can play a crucial role in supporting platforms like Sahil by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources and funding. Their expertise and connections can help accelerate growth and expansion.

What are your projections for the next five years?

Over the next five years, we aim to expand Sahil’s reach across East Africa, onboard 25,000 businesses, and diversify our services. We envision establishing robust on-ground presence through agents and integrating location services for real-time tracking to enhance support and efficiency. Our goal is to facilitate seamless cross-border supply chains and drive economic growth in the region.