With more than 80% of the global youth population Africa is the world’s most untapped sphere for digital technology, and AI and technology solutions companies on the continent aspire to a promising future internationally. However African start-ups receive no more than 2% of global capital support. 

During the Global SME Ministerial in Johannesburg in July, Amira Saied, tech and business journalist, spoke with Hammou Brahim Ouaissa, the co-Founder of TiniTec, the first AI solutions company in Algeria. The entrepreneur spoke about the opportunities and challenges that African AI companies are facing, and what small businesses like his need in terms of support.

Q: What was your journey as an entrepreneur like?

I have been an active entrepreneur for the past 12 years. I began my academic and professional journey in Europe. After earning my master’s degree in Hungary, I moved to the Netherlands where I founded my first startup. That experience gave me valuable technical and commercial skills in the tech business industry.

With that knowledge, I decided to return to Algeria and establish TiniTec, the first Algerian AI-driven company. Our focus is to provide AI solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

At TiniTec, we strongly believe Africa’s greatest asset is its people and their talent. That is why we are committed to empowering and guiding local talent to develop innovative solutions.

Q: Can you tell us more about your achievements so far?

We are a modest but ambitious company. Our ultimate vision is to become a leading AI company in all of Africa. Since our founding, we have successfully delivered more than 70 projects, many of which involved complex and highly innovative solutions.

These numbers prove that there is real talent and commitment behind TiniTec. Our team believes in the vision and works tirelessly to push boundaries.

Q: You also participated in the first Global SME Ministerial held in Johannesburg. What was your impression of that gathering?

We were very excited when we first heard about the meeting. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with policymakers, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs who share a common vision of empowering SMEs across Africa. 

It also showcased Africa’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation.

For us at TiniTec, it was particularly meaningful to meet others active in AI, as it opened the door to potential collaborations across the continent.

Q: In your view, what are the main obstacles holding back African entrepreneurship in the AI sector?

The most significant challenges are limited access to finance and infrastructure, as well as gaps in digital skills. African talent is strong and up to date in AI, but deeper training and broader collaboration with global leaders—especially from the United States and China—are still needed.

At TiniTec, we are actively working to strengthen collaboration with companies from these leading hubs. We see these obstacles not just as challenges, but as opportunities. If addressed properly, they can unlock a new wave of growth for the continent.

Q: Did the Ministerial meeting in Johannesburg help build those international bridges?

Yes, absolutely. It was a very good initiative with tangible results. From our side, the connections made in Johannesburg will certainly bear fruit in the coming year.

We had the chance to connect with ministers of small business development from South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya, as well as officials from the International Trade Centre. These relationships are crucial. For us, they represent bridges between technology, education, and business growth. 

Through this network, we are confident we will be able to move forward ten, even a hundred steps faster.

Technology and innovation cannot thrive in isolation. If African SMEs each work alone without collaboration, growth will remain limited. But with such meetings, we create the networks needed to compete with European, American, and Asian companies. 

Q: As someone with experience in both Europe and Africa, how do you see the potential of African AI and fintech solutions in the global market?

Let me share a personal story. Seven years ago, I visited Algeria for just a couple of weeks. I was surprised to see how many people were still behind in digital transactions. Fast forward to today, we are seeing massive progress in fintech and digital adoption across Africa.

This shows the enormous potential of African entrepreneurship in digital transformation. With the right infrastructure, financing, and policy support, African AI and fintech solutions will not only serve local markets but also compete strongly in Europe and beyond.