From Exclusion to Inclusion: The Rise of Darkies in Tech with Ntsako Mgiba
From Exclusion to Inclusion: The Rise of Darkies in Tech with Ntsako Mgiba. In South Africa’s tech ecosystem, where networks often feel closed and opportunities unevenly allocated, Ntsako Mgiba saw both the problem and the solution. In February 2021, he founded Darkies in Tech, a vetted community for professionals of colour in technology, an initiative that would become the country’s largest of its kind. His journey from frustration to empowerment reflects a strategic and deeply personal mission to transform tech from the inside out.
Recognizing the Barrier to Belonging
Ntsako Mgiba launched Darkies in Tech after realizing how fragmented the tech world was for Black professionals. Trusted opportunities and insights were often shared in invisible networks. He began with a simple WhatsApp group to create connection and quickly saw that the need was far greater than casual conversation. That initial group was the spark that grew into a movement.
From Group to Movement: Strategic Growth
Darkies in Tech progressed from an informal WhatsApp chat to a formal nonprofit organisation. By October 2024, it had driven the launch of a centralised website and platform designed to help professionals of colour connect, collaborate, and access resources. The platform supports educational and social events that foster inclusion in South Africa’s tech sector.
With over 450 members, including founders, investors, and ecosystem builders, Darkies in Tech has created a space for belonging where passion meets possibility. Through curated programs and events, members gain access to funding knowledge networks and community support.
Building Bridges with Partnerships
Sustainable impact often stems from collaboration, not isolation. In April 2025, Darkies in Tech announced a groundbreaking partnership with Gijima, a leading black-owned ICT powerhouse in South Africa. This partnership paves the way for mentorship, skills programs, and real industry access for Darkies in Tech members. It is a milestone that signals validation and expansion of opportunity.
Milestones That Mark Transformation
- February 2021: Darkies in Tech is founded, beginning as a WhatsApp group for professionals of colour in tech.
- October 2024: Launch of the official website and centralised digital platform to streamline access and engagement.
- April 2025: Partnership with Gijima, opening new doors for mentorship, industry collaboration, and mentorship programs.
Overcoming Exclusion with Inclusive Strategy
Darkies in Tech faces challenges common to nonprofit and community-led movements: limited funding, credibility gaps, and the uphill task of building momentum against systemic bias. Ntsako Mgiba countered these by building trust through community, establishing a digital footprint, and securing strategic alliances that amplify legitimacy. He shifted frustration into structure and isolation into infrastructure.
Actionable Lessons for Entrepreneurs
- Start with Real Pain Points
Ntsako began by solving a genuine problem, exclusion. Entrepreneurs can build resonance by addressing tangible needs. - Scale in Layers
From a WhatsApp group to a website to corporate partnerships, each step was deliberate and foundational. - Build Bridges, Don’t Walls
Partnership with Gijima demonstrates that collaboration can unlock credibility and resource access faster than going lone. - Formalise the Informal
Turning informal networks into vetted, structured communities builds trust and amplifies impact. - Create Spaces That Reflect You
Darkies in Tech is powerful because it is led by people with similar experiences, representation matters in building belonging.
Looking Ahead
Darkies in Tech is no longer just a group, It is a national force shaping South Africa’s tech narrative. With plans underway to expand into Kenya Nigeria and Ghana, the brand is poised to become a pan-African model for inclusive innovation. Ntsako Mgiba’s journey shows entrepreneurs that systemic change starts with small, empathetic steps and grows with structure, community and courage.
