Why Pathways International Stretched Its Arm To Africa

Business intelligence firm, Pathways International Ltd, extended its services to Africa by opening an office in Kenya, and will now operate in the continent as Pathways Technologies. Many global tech companies (including the big tech companies) have been extending services to Africa as the digital transformation journey in Africa continues steadily. The entrance of Pathways Technologies to the continent was witnessed by many including Mr. Marc Dillard, The Deputy Head of Mission from the United States of America embassy in Nairobi.

There many things that have attracted the company to stretch its arm to the continent, which have all been fueled by the growth of technology and digital transformation. The company’s President and CEO, Joel Onditi, founded Pathways International LLC with the help of his former professor, Jed Summerton. Speaking at the launch of Pathways Technologies in Nairobi, Onditi shared his journey of moving to the stated to chase the American dream but he later saw it best to play a part in the development of technology in Africa.

“My stint in the US was filled with various learning and growing moments. I had to learn what it meant to set up a business in a new country. I had to learn how to sell our services and pitch the African people as technology gurus and not just marathon runners,” Onditi explained.

“During my numerous business trips to Nairobi, I realized the need to provide our world class services to the African market which began our work with local entities. We also formed academic partnerships with local colleges to teach high-level skills like data science and AI. Realizing how much potential Africa had and knowing that technology is a lever in the growth and transformation of Africa, I started dreaming about an opportunity to return to Africa,” he further stated.

With the launch in Africa, Pathways Technologies’ goal is to partner with existing organizations, to make Africa a better place. The company has already started building true alliances with like-minded players. Onditi mentioned a few of the players which include Sulma Wholefoods, VentureLift Africa, and the Government of Kenya through its tech-city project, Konza Technopolis.

The Kenyan Government is seeking to create 1 million digital jobs over the next 3-5 years, under the Jitume initiative. In the partnership, Pathways Technologies Ltd will undertake the training of youth in highly specialized technology fields like data science, data analytics, and software development.

“Pathways technologies Ltd will also work with Konza Technopolis to source for job markets in Africa, US, and beyond . We believe that this partnership will fast track the dream to truly make Kenya the Silicon Savannah,” Onditi stated.

With Sulma Wholefoods, Pathways Technologies Ltd has created a digital platform to onboard farmers and leverage advanced technologies like AI to perform credit scoring for the otherwise unbanked farmers.

Pathways Technologies Ltd has also partnered with VentureLift Africa to leverage data and technology across Fintech, Creative, Energy, Healthcare, and Agriculture sectors. The partnership focuses on AGOA trade analysis, diaspora engagement, and education for employment, to connect the African youth talent to the US and other global markets.