IN a rapidly changing world where technology holds the key to economic growth, education and opportunity, one African entrepreneur is redefining what it means to lead in the digital age. Gerald Revocatus is fast becoming one of Tanzania’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, distinguished by his dedication to empowering Africa’s youth through technology and innovation.
As co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fiqra Technologies and its flagship education platform, Fiqra Academy, Mr Revocatus has positioned his ventures at the forefront of digital transformation and skills development across the continent.
Mr Revocatus’s journey into technology began with a passion for web development, digital marketing and product management.
From his early days as a young coder in Dar es Salaam, he envisioned using digital skills not just as a career, but as a tool to transform opportunities for young Africans. Reflecting on how his journey started, he said, “It initially started as basically an idea.
I never saw myself spearheading or steering a company or having a business in that sense. We were just passionate, young kids from university passionate about coding… just trying to find something meaningful to do.”
His motivation to create Fiqra Academy was deeply personal.
He recalled, “One of our family friends graduated top of the class. After graduating, it was really hard for him to search for employment, despite being top of his class. It made me realise that many other young Africans graduate with great results but have a hard time getting employed because maybe they have outdated skills.” This realisation became the driving force behind his mission to equip young Africans with digital skills that are in demand, helping them navigate an increasingly competitive job market.
Seeing the opportunity to make a tangible difference, Mr Revocatus explained, “I started working for different companies without even having a degree. It’s just because I possess an in-demand skill. So, I was like, what if we channel the skills that we have to many other young Africans, not only to help them stand out in the job market, but maybe they can find freelancing opportunities and make a living out of it.”
In 2020, he co-founded VijanaTech, later rebranded as Fiqra Technologies, a company committed to developing custom software solutions and education platforms that address socio-economic challenges. The name “Fiqra,” meaning idea in Swahili, reflects the company’s core belief that great ideas can spark transformative change.
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Fiqra Technologies provides custom software development, mobile applications, UI/UX design and digital marketing services to clients across diverse sectors. Through these offerings, the company has helped organisations implement digital transformation strategies, improve efficiency and solve complex technological challenges.
However, it was Fiqra Academy that propelled Gerald into the limelight as a leading EdTech innovator. The academy’s mission is clear: to offer flexible, affordable and relevant digital skills training that prepares learners for careers in technology skills such as coding, artificial intelligence and digital marketing. Reflecting on the early success of his teaching efforts.
He said, “we saw an opportunity in that, our first class had more than 40 students and it gave us hope at least. We thought, what if we have the most centralised way where we can deliver these skills and people can access them anywhere, anytime. We went on to build Fiqra Academy.” Under his leadership, Fiqra Technologies continues to deliver a wide range of web and mobile applications, digital marketing services and tailored tech solutions for businesses and organisations. Its most notable product, Fiqra Academy, was built with the purpose of bridging the gap between traditional education and industry demands.
The platform offers accessible, flexible and high-quality digital skills training in areas such as programming, artificial intelligence and digital marketing, helping learners improve their employability and entrepreneurial potential. The academy also emphasises practical learning and mentorship, ensuring that learners not only acquire knowledge but can apply it to real-world problems, from freelancing projects to startup ventures.
Mr Revocatus’s work has earned him recognition both locally and internationally. Among his accolades are the Innovation Award at the Tanzania Emerging Youth Awards in 2021, inclusion among the Top 10 Startups of the Year at The Entrepreneur Africa Awards and nomination for the Best Newcomer Award at the Global Startups Awards in 2023. He has also been celebrated as a National Changemaker by the “We Make Change Now” initiative, reflecting his impact on youth empowerment and social innovation.
These awards highlight not only his technical expertise but also his vision to transform education and provide meaningful opportunities for Africa’s next generation. His professional growth has been enhanced by participation in several high-profile programmes, including the Vodacom Digital Accelerator, Africode Mentorship, Africave Fellowship and the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
He also completed the ‘Power and Influence for Positive Impact’ programme at Harvard Business School Online, strengthening his leadership capabilities and equipping him with tools to drive systemic change in the education sector. Through Fiqra Academy, Mr Revocatus has championed a new model of education that adapts to modern needs.
The platform is accessible via web and mobile applications, enabling learners from urban centres and underserved communities alike to gain practical skills that align with market demands. Beyond individual learning, Fiqra Academy connects educators, industry experts and learners in a dynamic ecosystem that fosters collaboration, mentorship and real-world impact.
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By facilitating this interactive approach, the academy ensures that learning is not passive but applied, allowing students to build portfolios and experiences that enhance their employability. In addition to education delivery, Mr Revocatus’s work extends to developing digital systems that improve organisational efficiency and social engagement.
He led the creation of the website and voting system for the Tanzania Emerging Youth Awards and designed a database solution for Digital Opportunity Trust (Tanzania), highlighting his capacity to align technology with strategic organisational needs.
These projects not only showcase his technical expertise but also his commitment to using technology as a tool for societal impact.
His leadership style emphasises resilience, meaningful relationships and a deep understanding of the problems his initiatives seek to solve. Through strategic partnerships, social media engagement and participation in regional and international forums, Mr Revocatus continues to expand Fiqra’s influence and reach.
At events such as eLearning Africa 2025, he engaged stakeholders from across the globe, advocating for collaboration and tailored solutions that serve Africa’s diverse educational needs. His presence at such forums also highlights Tanzania’s growing prominence in the global EdTech and digital innovation landscape. Looking ahead, Mr Revocatus remains focused on scaling digital access and preparing future generations for the evolving digital economy.
Projects such as Fiqra Clubs aim to introduce digital skills in primary and secondary schools, while the forthcoming Fiqra Content Hub seeks to enable broader content creation and sharing for educators and learners alike.
These initiatives reflect his belief that digital literacy must start early and be supported by robust, communitydriven platforms. He envisions a system where African youth can learn, create and innovate within their own communities without having to rely solely on opportunities abroad.
Mr Revocatus’s commitment to innovation and youth development positions him as a key figure in Tanzania’s growing tech landscape. His work continues to demonstrate how locally driven solutions can fuel broader change, equipping young Africans with skills that help them succeed in a competitive global economy.
Through his leadership at Fiqra Technologies and Fiqra Academy, he is not only shaping the future of education but also inspiring a generation to envision and build new possibilities through technology.
He serves as a role model, proving that passion, resilience and strategic thinking can turn ideas into impactful enterprises that change lives. By blending technology with education, Mr Revocatus is helping to redefine Africa’s future. His work demonstrates that with innovation, determination and a clear purpose, young Africans can overcome systemic barriers to education and employment.
Fiqra Academy continues to grow, reaching more learners every year, while Fiqra Technologies innovates solutions that bridge the gap between skills and opportunities. Mr Revocatus’s vision extends beyond immediate outcomes, he is building an ecosystem that will continue to nurture talent and create leaders for decades to come.