With a growing reputation for innovation and a young, tech-savvy workforce, Africa is quickly positioning itself as a key player in the future of the global tech economy. According to a World Bank report, Africa’s workforce is becoming increasingly skilled, with tech hubs across the continent growing at an annual rate of 6.5%. As companies worldwide grapple with talent shortages in software engineering, AI, and data science, African professionals are stepping up – not just to fill gaps, but to lead innovation.
Against this backdrop, individuals like Noi Omaboe are emerging as crucial connectors – helping to bridge international companies with Africa’s vast, under-tapped talent pool.Noi Omaboe has become a powerful bridge between Africa and the U.K., using his background in technology and business to create access for African tech talent to work with international companies. As head of sales and partnerships at Rafiki, a U.K.-based software company, he leads the firm’s sales strategy and forges lasting partnerships across Europe, the US, and Africa. His vision drives Rafiki’s growth and establishes international career pathways for African tech talent.
Leading Roles and Business Impact
Omaboe has assumed key responsibilities in several respected organizations throughout his career. At Rafiki, he manages a cross-continental team and launches services in new markets. His leadership has enabled hundreds of African technology professionals to secure roles with small and medium-sized businesses in the United Kingdom. Through his guidance, Omaboe directly influences Rafiki’s success.
Before joining Rafiki, Omaboe honed his skills through multiple roles in Africa and the U.S., contributing significantly to the success of growth-stage startups and multinational enterprises.
He boosted Conga’s sales pipeline in the United States, generating millions of dollars in new business. He helped companies enter the Ghanaian market during his time at the O3 Group in Accra. He also worked in Tunisia as an analyst at AfricInvest, evaluating early-stage investments for a €110 million fund. He has held roles that demanded sharp decision-making and focused on achieving measurable outcomes.
Bridging Talent Across Borders
Building on his diverse experience, Omaboe has extended his impact into cross-border tech hiring, connecting skilled African professionals with companies in the U.K. and beyond. He empowers U.K. companies to tap into a broader talent pool by addressing critical skill shortages and fostering the growth of capable remote teams. As a result, he has paved the way for African professionals to join the U.K. workforce and support the advancement of developing companies.
He mentors early-stage African startups and offers advice on scaling businesses and expanding internationally. His expertise in funding, scaling, and entering new markets has helped multiple early-stage African startups successfully enter the U.K. market.
Recognition and Ongoing Influence
Esteemed publications such as Digital Journal and the Oxford Saïd Business School blog have featured Omaboe, highlighting his engagement in connecting African professionals with global employers. He has participated in industry discussions, including the Oxford Africa Business Forum, providing practical recommendations on building cross-regional partnerships.
At Rafiki, his initiatives focus on sales development, forging strategic partnerships, and optimizing artificial intelligence to streamline business operations and facilitate autonomous team management. He advises technology companies and investors on hiring internationally, strengthening operational structure, and encouraging team collaboration. His guidance helps organizations overcome recruitment challenges and improve workflows.
“It is widely known that Africa has the fastest growing and youngest population of any continent and by 2050, Africa’s population will reach close to 2.5 billion making up a quarter of the world’s,” Omaboe explains. “At the same time, we are in the midst of a global shift in how and where work gets done – with remote collaboration, AI and digital infrastructures redefining the talent landscape. With over 60 percent of the population under the age of 25 and internet penetration accelerating year on year, Africa holds the largest concentration of untapped digital talent on the planet. The question is no longer if African talent will shape the future of work – it’s how soon the world will fully recognize and invest in it.”
Omaboe envisions African tech professionals participating more fully in international markets and is helping companies access skilled tech talent while supporting career growth for individuals across Africa.
As more organizations hire across borders, African tech workers contribute to projects that drive business progress. Omaboe’s leadership champions cross-border hiring models and talent investment, strengthening companies while positioning African professionals at the forefront of global innovation.
