Darkies in Tech, the largest POC technology community in South Africa, has launched a new website platform designed for professionals in the tech industry. Founded by Ntsako Mgiba in February 2021, this organization has quickly grown to become the largest vetted community, now boasting over 450 members, including founders, investors, and ecosystem builders.
Throughout its existence, Darkies in Tech has organized educational and social events aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for skilled Black professionals in the tech field. Ntsako Mgiba highlighted the challenges faced by Black founders in South Africa’s development landscape, stating,
“Many of us encountered similar obstacles while navigating the ecosystem, feeling excluded from the trusted networks where knowledge, opportunities, and funding were shared. Unlike other communities, we rarely exchanged insights among ourselves; we were highly fragmented.”
Originally established as a WhatsApp group, Darkies in Tech has now evolved significantly, and the launch of this website represents a major step forward. The organization aims to achieve Public Benefit Organization (PBO) status to attract corporate sponsorships and plans to expand into various African countries in the future.