TechBBQ’s Charles Kinga on what European investors get wrong about Africa

Charles Kinga, the Head of the Nordic-Africa Initiative at TechBBQ, is a man of many stories. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, he grew up in Jericho, Mumbi Estate, surrounded by a diverse mix of middle-class families and those who had fought for Kenya's independence. His father, who worked in tourism as a tour guide and driver, had a personal connection to Kenya's history as he had fought in the country's war for independence.

Success in Charles' household was about having a stable life, a good job, and doing well in school. At the age of eight, he moved to the countryside near the border between the Maasai and Kamba communities, where he discovered a sense of paradise. This experience shaped his perspective on where he truly wanted to belong.

Charles later moved to Denmark, a decision he made to seek a new challenge rather than looking for a better life. Living in India for about ten years, he met a Dane who became his girlfriend and mother to his first daughter. Upon arriving in Denmark, Charles found a society that was organized and based on trust, unlike the hustle and bustle he had experienced in India.

He quickly learned the Danish language, finding its pace and way of life to be a good fit for him. His life in Denmark has been a blend of cultures, making him the natural storyteller he is today.