TechBBQ '25 Episode 4: Nordics & Africa startup scenes with Charles Kinga

In this TechBBQ 2025 podcast episode, Christian sits down with Charles Kinga, one of the key people behind the Nordic Africa Startup Summit—a new initiative launched at TechBBQ to connect the Nordic startup ecosystem with Africa’s fast-growing tech scene. Charles shares his personal journey of coming to Denmark 25 years ago, studying African Studies at the University of Copenhagen, and discovering early on how digitally connected and tech-savvy many African founders were—long before it became a mainstream narrative. That curiosity evolved into a deep interest in how technology and entrepreneurship can create real opportunity across the continent. Together, they unpack how the Nordic Africa Startup Summit was built in just 100 days—like a startup from scratch—bringing in strong partners, attracting leading voices from African tech, and creating a platform focused on collaboration rather than pitching. The conversation explores: Why Africa is one of the most underestimated growth markets in the world The role of startups in job creation and economic development Why engagement and long-term collaboration matter more than “sending money and looking away” How tech can help build smarter systems and reduce friction (including corruption) through better infrastructure The bigger goal: moving from “talking about Africa” to talking with Africa—and meeting founders as people, not labels If you’re curious about investing, building, or partnering in Africa—or want a grounded perspective on where global opportunity is heading—this episode is for you.