Africa’s Talking Founder Samuel Gikandi Reportedly Ousted Amidst Internal Disputes
Samuel Gikandi, the CEO and co-founder of Africa’s Talking, has reportedly been removed from the company he helped establish, marking a new chapter in what appears to be an ongoing governance struggle within the company. Gikandi shared his claims on Twitter, stating that he was forced out by “the very criminals I am investigating” and that his investigation was considered “a crime.”
Background of the Governance Issues
Africa’s Talking, a communications software company that provides APIs for services such as bulk SMS, USSD, voice, payments, and airtime across 11 African countries, has faced governance challenges over the past few years. Gikandi’s ousting comes after a history of founder departures under questionable circumstances.
In 2019, Bilha Ndirangu, another co-founder and former CEO of the company, sued Africa’s Talking for unlawful termination after she was removed as a director in June 2023. According to court documents, Ndirangu accused senior company officials of misconduct and called for an independent investigation. Her removal as director was reportedly part of an attempt to block that investigation, which she argued violated a court order that restricted the company from such action.
The Pattern of Founder Departures
Samuel Gikandi, Bilha Ndirangu, and Eston Kimani founded Africa’s Talking in 2010. While the company had grown to become profitable between 2012 and 2013, internal disputes led to multiple departures, with Ndirangu being promoted to CEO after their Series A funding in 2018. However, she left in 2021 under disputed conditions, and Gikandi took over as CEO.
Now, Gikandi claims that his investigation into alleged wrongdoing within the company led to his forced removal. The specifics of the investigation and who was responsible for his ousting remain unclear. Neither Africa’s Talking nor its major investors, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), have commented on his claims.
What This Means for Africa’s Talking
The series of internal disputes, accusations of misconduct, and questions about the company’s voting procedures suggest that Africa’s Talking is grappling with serious governance issues. These ongoing problems raise significant concerns about the company’s leadership, decision-making processes, and overall stability, especially given its backing by major institutional investors like IFC.
The pattern of founder exits and the accusations surrounding governance practices within Africa’s Talking could have long-lasting implications on the company’s operations and investor confidence. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to see how the company addresses these internal challenges and whether new leadership will emerge to steer the company forward.
Conclusion
With the ousting of Samuel Gikandi, Africa’s Talking finds itself once again at the center of a governance crisis, following a series of disputed founder departures. As the company seeks to move forward, questions remain about its internal structure, governance practices, and the future direction of its operations in the African tech space. For now, the situation remains fluid, and both Gikandi’s claims and the company’s response will likely shape the next chapter for Africa’s Talking.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports and claims shared by Samuel Gikandi and other related sources. The developments in this case are ongoing, and readers are advised to stay updated through official channels.
