Aviation Dreams, Rugby & Selling Starlink Across Africa - Said Alli | Coffee Pump (E126)

Konnichiwa Fam, Recorded live at AfPIF 2026 in Kigali. Said Alli is the Executive Chairman and CEO of MoveOn Telecoms, and he got there by accident. He wanted to work in aviation, ended up at Makerere studying IT, and has spent the last two decades building networks across East Africa. Six Telecoms, Raha, Green Telecom in Tanzania, and now a business connecting people through Starlink in places fibre will never reach. We get into: – Wanting a career in aviation and how that turned into telecoms – Growing up in Uganda and what university actually taught him – Rugby, and what the game gave him that the classroom didn't – His first networking job and learning the trade from the ground up – Moving from engineering into business development – Joining Raha in Tanzania and what that market taught him – Founding Green Telecom and what nearly broke it – Running MoveOn Telecoms and building wireless infrastructure – Working with SpaceX and what satellite really changes for rural Africa – Open access fibre and why the model matters – What he's building next – His first AfPIF and why he keeps coming back Huge thanks to AfPIF and the African IXP Association for hosting us and setting up the guests. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Order Our Coffee and Wallpapers: https://wa.me/c/254707696969 Our Coffee and Tea Is live! Order from our website: https://coffeepumppodcast.com/shop Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Support The Channel: MPESA: 0707 69 69 69 Pay Bill: 542 542 Account Number: 069 420 Recorded at AfPIF 2026, Kigali, in collaboration with: Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum: https://www.afpif.org African IXP Association: https://www.af-ix.org Find Said Alli: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tchiddy/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/said-alli-93066b3b/ MoveOn Telecoms: https://www.moveontelecoms.co.ke Find our host Sajid Vayani: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani Coffee Pump Spotify, Apple and Socials: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani Disclaimer: The content of The Coffee Pump Podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Coffee Pump Podcast, its affiliates, or any associated entities. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be construed as professional advice in any field, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or business matters. Any statements made about businesses, products, or individuals are based on personal experiences and opinions and are not meant to be taken as fact or a definitive review. The Coffee Pump Podcast does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or consequences of using the information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions, conduct their own research, and seek professional guidance where appropriate. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Coffee Pump Podcast is not responsible for any actions or decisions made based on the content provided. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - LinkedIn, How Saj & Said Met & Said's Recent Award 4:31 - Said's Aviation Background, Upbringing In Uganda & University Experience 14:16 - Rugby & Said's First Networking Job 24:30 - Said Transitioning To BizDev & Data, Building Capacity & Connections 31:29 - Said's Travel Experiences & Joining Raha Limited 36:45 - Building Green Telecom: Challenges & Expanding The Business 45:41 - Running MoveOn Telecoms, Large Signals & Wireless Infrastructure 51:10 - Working With SpaceX, Sustaining & Building ISP Infrastructure 56:05 - Open Access Fibre Network 57:50 - Said's Future Business Plans 1:00:15 - Said's Experience At AfPIF 1:04:03 - Said's Hobbies, Sports & Movie Recommendations 1:06:13 - Get In Touch With Said 1:06:32 - Outro