I’m Clarence Itai Msindo
a System Administrator. Software Developer.

Making Smart Tech Decisions: An African Perspective

In today’s fast-paced tech world, deciding which devices to invest in can be overwhelming.

As an ICT professional working in Southern Africa, I’ve learned that making smart tech choices isn’t just about following global trends—it’s about understanding our unique context and needs.

Consider Your Infrastructure First

Before getting excited about the latest smart home device or AI-powered gadget, evaluate your local infrastructure. Do you have reliable electricity? How stable is your internet connection? In many African contexts, a high-capacity power bank or solar charger might be more valuable than the latest smartphone. Start with devices that can work reliably within your environment.

Focus on Problem-Solving Value

Instead of chasing trends, ask yourself: “What problem will this technology solve for me?” For instance, while smart speakers are popular globally, a robust smartphone with a good battery life might be more practical for daily needs in Africa. Look for devices that offer:

• Long battery life
• Durability in varying conditions
• Offline functionality when needed
• Easy maintenance and repair options

Consider Total Cost of Ownership

The initial price tag isn’t everything. Think about:

• Availability of local repair services
• Cost of data or subscription services
• Power consumption
• Replacement parts accessibility
• Insurance and maintenance costs

Make Sustainable Choices

As technology evolves, choose devices that will serve you well for several years. A slightly older model with proven reliability might be better than the latest release, especially when considering local support and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

Smart tech decisions in Africa require balancing global innovation with local realities. Focus on technology that enhances your productivity and quality of life within your specific context. Sometimes, the best choice isn’t the newest or most advanced option—it’s the one that works reliably and efficiently in your environment.

Remember, technology should serve you, not the other way around. Make choices that align with your needs, budget, and local infrastructure capabilities.

My Day and Life as a Remote System Administrator

When I first joined HA Group as a System Administrator in 2020, I felt like I had jumped into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim.

The world of server management and IT support seemed overwhelming, and I had no prior experience to fall back on. Looking back now, it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come.

How it Began

My journey began with a crucial decision to pursue the cPanel Professional Certification (CPP). This certification became my lifeline, teaching me the fundamentals of server management and giving me the confidence to handle our company’s infrastructure. It was like being handed a map in unfamiliar territory – suddenly, things started making sense.

SSH, or Somthing Like That

One of the biggest challenges was learning to work with the terminal shell through SSH. For someone who initially struggled with coding, typing commands into a black screen was intimidating. But gradually, what once looked like mysterious incantations became familiar tools. Now, I use these skills daily to set up automations and configure settings that keep our systems running smoothly.

PHP

Working with WordPress, our company’s website platform, pushed me to learn PHP. It wasn’t just about managing content anymore; I needed to understand the code beneath the surface. Each bug fix and customization taught me something new, building my confidence one line of code at a time.

IT Support & Challenges

The IT support aspect of my role presented its own unique challenges. Using tools like TeamViewer and Quick Assist, I’ve become a virtual troubleshooter for our team members across different group divisions. Sometimes it feels like being a remote doctor, diagnosing and fixing technical issues through a screen. Regular hardware checkups are particularly tricky when you can’t physically touch the equipment, but these challenges have made me more resourceful.

Lessons

Working remotely has taught me that you don’t need to be physically present to make a significant impact. Each day brings new problems to solve and skills to master. While there are moments of frustration when a user’s screen freezes during a critical support session or when a server update doesn’t go as planned, the satisfaction of keeping our digital infrastructure running smoothly makes it all worthwhile.

What started as a daunting career move has become a journey I genuinely enjoy. Every challenge has been a stepping stone to growth, and every solved problem has added another tool to my professional toolkit. As I continue to learn and adapt in this ever-evolving field, I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside our company’s technological needs. To look at what I have done so far, take a look at my GitHub repository linux-server-management.

Looking back at my nervous self from 2020, I wish I could tell him that it all works out in the end. Sometimes, the best way to learn is to dive in and start swimming.

2025 – Big Trends to Look Out For

As we step into 2025, the tech landscape is transforming rapidly, especially with AI leading the charge. Let me break down the key trends that are shaping our digital future.

The AI Revolution Continues

The buzz around AI isn’t just hype – it’s fundamentally changing how we work and live. What fascinates me most is the emergence of agentic AI – systems that can make independent decisions. But as someone working in tech, I believe we need balanced control mechanisms. As the saying goes, “too much of everything cannot be good for you.”

The rise of AI governance platforms is particularly interesting, especially for those of in system administration. These platforms will be crucial for managing AI ethics and ensuring responsible implementation. In cybersecurity, AI is becoming our strongest ally against evolving threats.

Blending Physical and Virtual Worlds

I am actually am excited about the convergence of physical and virtual realities. Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) are creating experiences that go beyond gaming. I’ve been thinking about getting a VR headset myself – it would be good for combining exercise with virtual environments. t could finally motivate me to do some workouts and make them more engaging and fun.

Cybersecurity’s Evolution

The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing transformation. We’re seeing collaboration between governments and companies to combat cyber threats. However, I’m particularly aware of how AI integration creates new security challenges. Security professionals need to stay ahead of potential exploits, especially those involving AI prompt manipulation.

The 5G Revolution

The expansion of 5G networks is set to revolutionize connectivity, particularly in IoT and industrial applications. Right now, I am aspiring to be an IoT developer, so I’m excited about the possibilities this creates for smart devices and interconnected systems.

Looking ahead, these trends aren’t just shaping technology – they’re reshaping how we live and work. While the pace of change can be weird and confusing, it’s crucial to approach these advancements with careful consideration of their implementations.

What tech trends are you most excited about in 2025?