With tech startups gaining traction in the Namibian space by providing solutions to everyday challenges, Autono-Me is one such platform that is targeting to disrupt traditional models of work. The Brief (TB) caught up with one of the firm’s founders and Chief Executive Officer, Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe (NN) to discuss the launch of the platform. Below are excerpts of the interview.
TB: May you please tell us briefly what is Autono-Me?
NN: Autono-Me is a work facilitator and a networking platform. We provide companies with access to vetted workers and the workers earn an income through short-term employment on the platform.
TB: How did you come up with this novel idea?
NN: It was born out of a need to address structural and systemic unemployment.
TB: Who is behind the company and how did you end up working together?
NN: Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe is the Founder and CEO of the company; Tuli Amakali is the CTO (Chief Technology Officer). The team got together in 2019 February to work on Autono-Me after it had already been launched in Ndiilokelwa’s Graduation year in Cape Town, 2018.
TB: How long has this been in the making?
NN: 3 Years
TB: Why did you decide to venture into tech?
NN: It’s an industry to leverage if we want to continuously challenge traditional models of work. I also wanted to use technology to rigorously improve the quality of life and education, this would be a start.
TB: How has been the uptake of the platform since the launch?
NN: Very well, there’s been a lot of response and gradual registration on the platform.
TB: What challenges have you faced as a startup to bring the idea to reality?
NN: Because the concept is fairly new, it’s been the buy-in from companies mostly, especially at demo level.
TB: What do you think needs to be done to create an enabling environment for startups in Namibia?
NN: Address structural barriers for start-ups; there’s so much red tape to get started. Financing and resources are critical and should therefore be accessible and available to viable startups.
TB: What can we expect from your startup going forward?
NN: Expect for a shift in industry, and expect A New Era of Work moving forward.
