I love the way young Africans under 35 are taking over the continent through various sectors. Writing these stories is life changing for me and I hope for you too.
I cannot begin to imagine what other African youths not covered in this blog and in their millions have ventured in to. Today we engage Charles Masengere all the way from Uganda.
I would love to hear about your background
I was born in Uganda in a very liberal family. My dad as an engineer and entrepreneur, and my mum as a successful serial entrepreneur. They always encouraged us to experiment and try out different things. I was fed on personal and business books throughout my childhood, a habit that has continued all my life.
In high school, I got selected in various positions from class prefect, house captain, chairperson of the Scripture union and Bible Study Fellowship to director of the acting club. I worked officially for NCR as an in house technician throughout campus.
I joined Makerere University and pursued a Bachelors in Computer Science and IT. I was a member of the Rotaract club, a rugby player and because children make me irrationally happy, I offered motivational talks to them- I would get paid for it sometimes.
I loved helping students develop their coursework and trained people in matters technology and swimming (smiles). Hey, you don’t have to be extremely muscled up to do some of these things.
My love for writing blossomed in campus. I wrote a couple of short stories and poems. I was even selected to work on International Uganda Book Festival’s website as a writer.
What have been some of your achievements?
I started a Google business in Kampala immediately after campus as an online social media manager. Through this program, I carried out tens of motivational talks that I believe impacted and enhanced leadership skills in hundreds of young Ugandans.
I founded Paper Click, an online marketing Company while still in campus that majorly focused on hosting advertisements and domains.
Being a geek and after seeing a need of people looking for guidance in business, I am currently running two ventures, Aztech Ideas and My Town Fashions. Aztech’s mission is to offer business development for startups, small medium enterprises and students. My Town fashions offers a flaunt it fashion trend for young people. Our focus is in customizing and revamping outfits. I love seeing satisfied customers which is what keeps me going.
Our vision is to reach and influence over 200,000 people in the next five years. We are seeing this come in to fruition having set up web services for many people including the Dairy Farmers Network Uganda.
How are you enjoying the YALI so far?
I had a blast, was challenged and panel beaten in great ways as a leader. Meeting over 80 young Africans from different countries was eye opening and a huge impact in my life. I got access to funding and job opportunities. One of my biggest highlights was sharing my book with some of the YALI fellows. I have been writing it for the last five years and should be out very soon.
Charles in the next 10 years?
My vision is to reach over 500,000 people in the next 10 years through my ventures. To partner with stakeholders like Google and Start A Hub in Uganda in ventures directed at youth in matters business development.
I am part of Coders without boarders where I have made huge networks. We are currently looking in to building something and might not share right now because of a non disclosure agreement.
What do you do for fun?
My second name is dancing. I adore love art, movies and walking.
