Lamin is helping connect African tech startups with talent and investors through Bantaba. He reflects on entrepreneurship, Africa’s growing tech sector, and the role SSE played in his journey.
For Lamin K. Darboe, entrepreneurship and impact go hand in hand. As the founder and CEO of Bantaba, he is working to bridge the gap between Africa’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem and the global African community abroad. Through Bantaba’s digital platform, African tech companies are connected with talent and investors, helping founders access the resources they need to scale their businesses and drive innovation across the continent.
In his role as CEO, Lamin oversees the company’s strategic direction and long-term growth. His responsibilities range from ensuring Bantaba attracts the right talent to managing relationships with investors and key stakeholders. On a day-to-day basis, he focuses on driving the company toward both its immediate objectives and broader vision.
“The opportunity to support Africa’s tech founders was too good to pass up,” he says.
Lamin believes Africa’s economic transformation is being fueled by a young, tech-savvy population, a growing middle class, and increasing regional integration. These trends, he explains, are creating significant opportunities for entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to solve problems and build scalable businesses.
“Our role at Bantaba is to ensure that these founders are able to access the resources required to scale their businesses,” he explains.
Before launching Bantaba, Lamin pursued an MSc in Finance at SSE, drawn by the School’s strong academic reputation and entrepreneurial environment. He highlights SSE’s practical approach to learning, with its emphasis on case studies and guest lectures, as well as Stockholm’s status as a thriving startup hub.
“SSE has a strong reputation for top-quality faculty,” he says. “The School’s curriculum is designed to be very practical.”
Recommendations from former classmates who had previously studied at SSE also played a role in his decision to move to Stockholm.
My time at SSE was very decisive for my career path. I have been able to follow courses and attend events that helped me further my passion in entrepreneurship. The School’s incubator - the SSE Business Lab - provided a launchpad for our venture and the relationships I built at the School led us to some of our investors and mentors.
Today, Lamin encourages current students to fully embrace the opportunities available to them during their time at SSE — both inside and outside the classroom.
“Use your time at SSE to build relationships with your fellow students, faculty, and alumni,” he advises. “If you are passionate about entrepreneurship like me, then you’ll find a home at the School’s business incubator.”
Asked to summarize his experience at SSE in three words, Lamin chooses: “Engaging, rewarding, and impactful.”