The tech landscape of East Africa is very vibrant, and Cleopatra Kanyunyuzi stands out as a beacon of innovation and empowerment. She is the founder of Club Tangaza, an online tech skilling platform, and she has been instrumental in reshaping technology education in Uganda and beyond.
In this exclusive interview, we got in touch with her to explore the life and mind of this remarkable techpreneur, exploring her journey from a curious child in Kampala to a visionary leader in the tech industry.
Cleopatra’s story begins in the heart of Kampala, Uganda, where she was raised in an environment that prized education, perseverance, and faith. “My family instilled in me the value of hard work, which has been foundational in my career,” she reflects. As the eldest sibling, Cleopatra naturally stepped into leadership roles, developing strong problem-solving skills that would serve her well in her future endeavors.
Her parents’ emphasis on education played a crucial role in shaping her future. “Growing up, my parents ensured I never missed extra coaching classes, encouraging me to push myself academically,” Cleopatra shares. This early focus on learning and self-improvement laid the groundwork for her future success in the tech world.
The spark
Cleopatra’s love affair with technology began in an era when television was the primary screen in most households. “Growing up in the ’90s, we loved watching TV,” she reminisces. “It was always supervised, with limited screen time, and entirely passive.” However, her first interaction with a laptop in high school ignited her passion for technology. She said;
“Here was a screen I could interact with, a device that gave me the power to create and communicate in ways I had never imagined.”
This pivotal moment opened her eyes to the endless possibilities that computers offered, from watching videos and playing games to creating documents and learning new skills. The awe and excitement she felt drove her to dive deeper into the world of technology, ultimately shaping her career path.
From aspiration to expertise
Cleopatra’s academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, merging her childhood dream of becoming an engineer—like her father—with her growing fascination for technology. “Courses such as Programming Fundamentals and Computer Networks provided me with hands-on experience and a strong technical foundation,” she told PC Tech Magazine.
Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop at university. Cleopatra went on to obtain certifications in CCNA and Linux, further solidifying her expertise and deepening her understanding of network systems and operating environments.
“I am also continuing to pursue additional educational opportunities to expand my knowledge and stay current with industry advancements,” she adds, highlighting her commitment to lifelong learning.
The new literacy of the 21st Century
When asked about the importance of coding in today’s world, Cleopatra’s passion is palpable.
“Coding is often referred to as the literacy of the 21st century because, at its core, every business today relies on technology to operate.”
She goes on to explain how coding underpins the digital infrastructure that powers businesses across all industries, from agriculture and retail to healthcare and logistics.
“Whether it’s a small local shop or a global enterprise, technology is central to daily operations,” Cleopatra elaborates. “From point-of-sale systems and e-commerce platforms to mobile apps and data analytics tools, coding underpins the digital infrastructure that powers businesses.”
She emphasizes that as businesses continue to digitize, the demand for individuals who understand and can write code will only grow. “Coding is no longer confined to tech companies; it’s becoming a fundamental skill for anyone who wants to thrive in a technology-driven world,” Cleopatra asserts.
Shaping Africa’s technological future
Cleopatra’s vision extends far beyond her success. She sees technology as a key driver for addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges, particularly education and employment. “In Uganda and Africa at large, one of the biggest challenges we face is operational inefficiency, which hinders growth and development,” she notes.
She identifies the root causes of this inefficiency: “This inefficiency is largely a result of low levels of automation, a critical enabler of streamlined processes and productivity. The lack of automation stems from limited digitalization and digitization, both of which are essential for automation to thrive.”
Cleopatra points out the systemic issues underlying these challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential hardware devices. “Without robust infrastructure and accessible technology, it becomes difficult to implement automated solutions, leaving many sectors reliant on inefficient manual processes,” she explains.
In education, Cleopatra sees technology as a powerful equalizer. “Technology offers a solution—digital content, virtual classrooms, and e-learning platforms can provide students in even the most remote areas with access to the same quality of education as their urban peers,” she states. However, she acknowledges the current barriers, such as the lack of basic infrastructure and digital tools in many schools.
For employment, Cleopatra highlights how the lack of access to hardware and automation tools has led many businesses to rely on manual processes, limiting productivity and innovation.
She gives examples: “Small-scale farmers could benefit from smart farming tools and IoT systems to optimize yields, but these tools often remain out of reach. Similarly, local businesses could digitize workflows and improve efficiency with affordable hardware and software solutions, yet many struggle to access or afford them.”
To unlock the potential of technology in Africa, Cleopatra advocates for prioritizing investments in critical infrastructure, including affordable internet, reliable electricity, and widespread access to hardware devices. She also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy programs to empower individuals to use these tools effectively.
“Africa’s young and growing population presents a unique opportunity to lead a technology-driven transformation,” Cleopatra asserts. “By addressing these foundational challenges, we can enable our people to leapfrog traditional barriers, harness the power of technology, and create sustainable solutions for education, employment, and economic growth.”
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated field
As a woman in tech, Cleopatra has faced her share of challenges. “One of the most glaring is the preference for men in securing contracts and opportunities,” she admits. “This bias can make it harder for women to prove their worth or even get a fair chance to compete.”
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She also mentions experiencing gender-based microaggressions, such as being overlooked in discussions or having her expertise questioned.
However, Cleopatra navigated these obstacles with grace and determination. “I’ve learned to navigate these obstacles by staying true to my vision and purpose,” she shares. Her strategy includes focusing on continuous learning to stay ahead of industry trends and ensuring that her skills remain relevant and competitive.
“Integrity has been my guiding principle,” Cleopatra emphasizes. “Delivering quality work and maintaining professionalism have helped me build trust and a strong reputation.”
She also highlights the power of mentorship, personal growth, and empowering others. “By mentoring younger women in tech, I aim to create a supportive community and pave the way for more women to thrive in the industry,” she explains.
Collaboration has been another key to her success. “Working with people who share my values and vision has allowed me to amplify my impact and build a stronger network,” Cleopatra notes.
Advice for aspiring Women in Tech
Cleopatra’s advice to young girls interested in tech careers is inspiring and practical. “Start early,” she urges. “The earlier you begin learning and experimenting with technology, the more time you’ll have to build your skills and explore different areas.”
She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking: “Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others—working with like-minded people will inspire you and provide valuable learning opportunities. Building strong networks is key. Surround yourself with people who share your passion and drive, as they can offer support, advice, and open doors to opportunities.”
Cleopatra also stresses the importance of seeking help and mentorship. “Always remember that it’s okay to ask for help. No one has all the answers, and seeking guidance from others is a strength, not a weakness,” she advises. “Find mentorship from reputable role models in the industry—these mentors can offer invaluable insight and help guide you through the challenges you’ll face.”
See also: “If You are an Investor, Invest in Women,” — Rafaela Frankenthal
Integrity and professionalism are values that Cleopatra holds dear. “Maintain high levels of integrity and professionalism. In tech, your reputation is your currency, and treating others with respect while staying true to your principles will help you earn trust and build lasting relationships,” she counsels.
Finally, she encourages a mindset of lifelong learning: “Embrace lifelong learning—technology is constantly evolving, and staying curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas will ensure that you remain at the forefront of the field.”
A message to entrepreneurs
As our conversation draws to a close, Cleopatra leaves a powerful message for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Stay committed to your vision, but be flexible in your approach. Entrepreneurship is a journey with highs and lows, and the key to success is perseverance, resilience, and a constant willingness to learn.”
She encourages entrepreneurs to build a strong support system: “Surround yourself with people who share your values and work toward common goals. Collaborate, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.”
Cleopatra emphasizes the importance of learning from failure and focusing on impact: “Remember, it’s not about avoiding failure but learning from it. Build a solid foundation, focus on your customers’ needs, and always strive to make a positive impact in your community.”
Her final words are a call to action for all aspiring changemakers: “Most importantly, believe in your ability to create change—because every big idea starts with a single step.”
Reflecting on her journey, Cleopatra offers a piece of advice to her younger self: “Take a more gradual, localized approach. While we launched fast and marketed widely across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, I now see the importance of first solidifying a system and processes in one location,” she explains. “By focusing on building a solid foundation in our local community first, we could have refined our model and made sure it was scalable before expanding into other regions.”
She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “I would also tell myself to prioritize collaborations more. Building strong partnerships early with schools, tech companies, and other community-based organizations would have amplified our reach and impact, and helped us grow more sustainably.”
