Mugabe, Cyber Cafés & Choosing Music Over Tech - Robert Nkeramugaba | Coffee Pump (E130)

Konnichiwa Fam, This one comes to you from Kigali, recorded at AfPIF in August with Robert Nkeramugaba, or Bob, as everyone calls him. Bob is a system architect at Broadband Systems Corporation and has been there ten years. Outside the day job he produces music, paints, and writes poetry. We first met in Kigali back in 2021 at a point where we were both going through it, and this is the first time we have sat down on camera. We talk about: - How we met in Kigali in 2021 and why men don't have enough of these conversations - Why Bob's dad named him after Robert Mugabe, and why it only appears on his baptism card - Kigali nightlife, the new arena, and Kenyans flying in for the basketball - Producing an EP for a spoken word artist and building sound from African instruments - Painting, curation, and where to find art in Kigali - Born in Burundi, moved to Rwanda at ten, and the architecture degree he never got to do - Cyber cafes in 1999 and what it took to hand in a single university assignment - Using AI to sharpen his thinking rather than to produce, and the message that gave itself away - His first job at Rwandatel, now Liquid, and being thrown in the water on day three - Five years on a World Bank broadband project and what an IRU locks you into for a decade - Rwanda's internet arriving through Nairobi and Uganda before Tanzania opened a second route - Starlink, dark fibre, local CDNs, and the Rwanda and Oman tier three AI data centre - Gun to his head, tech or music, and why the answer was music Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Get your tickets for the Couch Connect x Coffee Pump Live Event: https://tikko.co.ke/event/0a16ec18-fa65-440e-8004-0211164a3f3f 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 Find Robert Nkeramugaba: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-nkeramugaba-2b589528 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobmugaba - SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bob-mugaba Recorded in partnership with AfPIF and AF-IX: - https://www.afpif.org - https://www.af-ix.org Equipment supplied by Cameras Africa: - Website: https://www.camerasafrica.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerasafrica_ 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 1:22 - How Sajid & Bob Met, Rwandan Culture, Kigali's Modern Stadium & Sports 6:34 - Bob's Music Career, Art & Craft 15:30 - Coffee Shops & Nightlife in Kigali 18:21 - Bob's Upbringing, Education & University Days 23:32 - Cyber Cafes, AI, Bob's First Job & Rwanda's Telecommunications Industry Back Then 35:23 - Bob Working with the World Bank, BSC & Leveraging AI 42:50 - Government Pushing Connectivity & LEO Solutions 45:47 - Kenyan Banks in Rwanda, Dark Fiber, Data Centers & CDNs in Rwanda 49:55 - BSC Setting Up Base in Mombasa, Cloud Adoption & Neutral Data Centers 53:49 - Bob's Future Plans, His Creative Realm & Maximizing One's Potential 58:32 - Bob's Poetry Journey & His Favorite Music Artists 1:02:38 - Where to Find Bob 1:02:59 - Outro