Ryan Noik speaks to Oscar Molaba, the Executive Director at Batanidza Technologies about leadership in the era of artificial intelligence, industry accolades and his advice for emerging leaders 

RN: Can you tell me a bit about the recent awards,  AFRICA TECH: TECH FOUNDER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2025 and, most recently, the award you won at Sentech Africa Techweek?

OM: To be honest, the recognition came as a bit of a surprise, especially when I reflect on how challenging the past year has been, both personally and professionally. Like many entrepreneurs, 2023 tested our limits.

These awards aren’t just about the last year, they’re about the past decade. Over ten years of showing up, trying, failing, learning, and building. All those lessons, all those long nights, are embedded in our daily operations at Batanidza Technologies. So, these accolades don’t just celebrate what we’ve achieved, they fuel what’s next. They give us the momentum and belief to keep pushing boundaries for another ten years.

RN:. How does winning these awards and receiving industry acclaim sharpen your resolve or change your perspective, if at all?

OM: There’s a quiet kind of validation in receiving recognition from your industry. As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly charting unknown territory, often without a map, sometimes without backup. So moments like these matter. They confirm that the risks were worth it and that the decisions, even the difficult ones, were rooted in something solid.

More than anything, these awards change how others perceive your work. They build trust, not just from clients and partners, but from peers. You start to be seen not just as a founder, but as a leader who is shaping the industry’s direction.

That said, my core perspective remains unchanged: every small, intentional step we take is a brick in the foundation of the future we’ve committed to. It’s not about recognition, it’s about responsibility.

RN: How did you get started in the tech industry was it a clear path or something unexpected?

OM: Clear career trajectory, whereby whilst working in the industry as a consulted I formulated the package of documents I needed to start the business: Business Plan, Corporate Profile, Service Proposals etc etc. It is on this foundation that, the company was both founded and started transacting a year later after the original registration.

RN: What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received and why has it stuck with you?

OM: There are two lessons that continue to guide me daily:

1. "Apply yourself to solving problems with dedication, purpose, and clear intent."
   Leadership is not about barking orders. It’s about immersing yourself in the challenge, understanding the moving parts, and offering direction when others need clarity. Purposeful problem-solving builds credibility and inspires teams.
2. “Read documents at least three times.”
   It may sound simple, but it taught me that leaders must be intentional about clarity. The first read gives you the overview. The second reveals the nuance. The third helps you respond with depth. That attention to detail is often what separates reactive leaders from strategic ones.

RN: Emerging technologies like AI are changing how we do business but are they changing leadership too?

OM: Without question. AI is reshaping leadership in two distinct ways:

• First, it’s creating a split mindset, those who fear replacement, and those who embrace augmentation. I’m firmly in the second camp. AI should enhance human capabilities, not erase them.
• Second, it’s challenging leaders to adapt faster than ever before. It’s not enough to understand your core business, you now need to understand how emerging tools affect your people, your product, and your purpose.

Leadership in the age of AI means guiding your team through rapid change while staying anchored in empathy, clarity, and foresight. It’s not just about adopting new tech, it’s about helping people evolve with it.

Let’s not forget, consumers also need to adapt. Part of our role as tech leaders is to educate and guide the market, not just respond to it.

RN: What advice would you give to emerging leaders or those striving for excellence in the industry?

OM: The biggest mistake young leaders make is chasing the title or the money. But long-term success? That comes from chasing impact.

• Chase cause and effect, understand what your decisions ripple into.
• Chase meaning, because passion without purpose burns out quickly.
• And above all, prioritise your people. They are your first customers. If your team thrives, your business will too.