USask graduate makes waves on a global stage
Uchi Uchibeke (BA’18) uses his USask degree to create real impact in Black communities.
By Leslie-Ann SchlosserUchi Uchibeke (BA’18) is passionate about making a difference. The young alumnus is quickly emerging as a jack-of-all-trades in the tech world and has built a reputation for making huge impacts on a global stage.
Among his many talents, the computer science alumnus and computer software engineer co-invented a novel way of using Blockchain – a technology that records digital assets and identity management. He also founded AfricaHacks, a digital platform for people of African descent to create startup tech businesses. AfricaHacks organizes Africa's largest tech competition, a virtual hackathon with thousands of young participants, judges, and sponsors from around the world. The AfricaHacks platform also hosts communities and enables them to learn more about technology.
Additionally, Uchibeke is an On Deck Fellow, a 2020 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Honouree, and a Governor's Special Scholar. Uchibeke speaks about Blockchain, smart cities, and African potential throughout the world.
We touched base with this ambitious young alumnus to see how USask shaped his career path, and how he is influenced by Black History Month.
How did your USask education support your professional goals?
“My USask education was the complete tool that launched me into a career as a software engineer. My USask experience prepared me for a job that I secured before graduation. Because my program and the experience were interdisciplinary and included a mix of academic and extra-curricular programming, I had the skills needed to succeed in the workplace while I was still a student. The professional internship component of my USask education set me ahead of my peers from other programs. I highly recommend USask to anyone looking for an excellent academic experience combined with a supportive community dedicated to students' success.”
How did you use your voice to bring change to your community?
“I founded an impact-focused company that enables people of African descent to create companies to make their lives, their families, and the world better. With AfricaHacks, my team supports 30,000+ youth across Africa to learn about building sustainable businesses. We support community-organized innovation challenges - called hackathons - where youth connect, create and innovate. We also provide an online app for communities to organize, develop, learn and grow. And we have inspired and supported the launch of new startups in three African countries.”
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“Black History Month means a time for everyone (companies, universities, individuals) to reassess their priorities and include programs and processes to support and empower Black people in their communities. The most impactful way to promote inclusivity is to open doors to opportunities and provide resources to support programs that economically empower Black people. Black History Month is a time to invest in Black people in our communities and launch new programs that create measurable economic, empowering impacts.”