Simsciex Technologies CEO Nomso Kana’s journey has been anything but conventional, with her passion for taking Africa forward having the potential to change the technology game.
Simsciex Technologies is a leading provider of comprehensive ICT solutions, specialising in broadband access, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.
The Johannesburg-based entity is committed to building a connected future for South Africa by delivering cutting-edge internet infrastructure and boosting the economy by empowering individuals and businesses through technology—which are the very reasons CEO Nomso Kana founded the business in the first place.
“I founded Simsciex Technologies (Simsciex means ‘simplified sciences’) while I was still in my white lab coat days, spending my working hours in a radioisotopes laboratory, purifying medical isotopes used for cancer treatment,” she explains.
“I went through this route because after I solved a broadband access problem in our nuclear sciences and research campus, I was persuaded to take this to the market.
“My scientific background shaped my analytical traits skills required in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is about solving problems and monetising them.”
As a nuclear scientist-turned-tech entrepreneur, Kana has faced the challenge of bridging the gap between deep technical expertise and business innovation in a fast-evolving digital world.
This, she says, has been done by combatting the gap in technical skills and ‘think-on-your-feet’ business innovation by staying abreast of the latest tech reviews and learning continuously.
“My background includes computer science, where I did programming. The complex applications of a nuclear reactor require algorithms that you need to derive and customise according to the specific reaction. I entered the business world equipped with these skills,” she says.
Growing up, Kana did not imagine entering into the niche field of nuclear science, but she always knew she wanted to be a scientist at the very least.
Interestingly, she was recruited into a nuclear scientist role after completing her Medical Biology Scientist training at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), both of which are part of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).
That role ignited a spark in Kana—and she knew this was the place for her.
“The spark ignited when I was in the irradiation labs, processing the isotopes for their destination and understanding the impact they would have on improving the health of those suffering from cancerous illnesses,” she says.
But why the complete shift to ICT?
As connectivity is often cited as key to Africa’s development, Kana felt a duty to help overcome the barriers to achieve digital inclusion across the continent.
“In the near future, Africa is poised to be the marketplace for a digital skills workforce, and digital literacy along with digital infrastructure saturation plays a significant role in this,” Kana explains.
“However, gaps persist in certain areas where infrastructure development is hindered by geographical terrain. The critical barriers include a lack of ICT policy implementation, insufficient private sector involvement, and a lack of incentives to build in rural and peri-urban areas where most Africans reside.
“If you consider the SADC region, which is still classified as 70% rural (according to UN studies in 2021) and holds one-third of the African population, these are areas where low-orbiting and geostationary satellites can be effectively utilised.
“The most critical barrier, however, is the lack of collaboration and governments that fail to prepare a digital citizenry.”
Forging her own path
Kana is under no illusions that she is very much part of a male-dominated industry in the technology space.
While she believes that will likely never change, she is determined to make it work by tactically entrenching herself and her business.
“My biggest lesson as a female founder is that the ‘boys’ club’ will likely always exist. While men often prefer working together, a dynamic we may not be able to change, smart women find ways to collaborate with them indirectly,” she explains.
“Our modest yet cunning nature allows for this, and we possess the ability to nurture an idea from its inception to its final form. Historically, in every space that has been gender-monopolised, women have demonstrated the skills to enter and innovate it.”
Kana also has a deep passion for women’s economic development, but what is the most effective way to support and scale women-led businesses in the STEM and innovation sectors?
For this to happen, while support is important, women need to have the same passion that Kana possesses for forging ahead and solving pressing problems.
“My passion towards the economic development for women has no bounds, as financial stability is a must for everyone. I certainly think we can’t be financially dependent on others, we are prone to abuse when it is like that,” she says.
“STEM, STE(Arts)M if you like, is a cornerstone for innovation in the modern times we live in. I think girls must be motivated from the household to consider STEAM, have an aptitude towards it even if they don’t make it a career choice.
“The best way to support and scale women-led enterprises is to provide holistic support from the ideation and MVP phases of entities so that the business has a clear product path.”
As a member of several ICT boards and policy forums, Kana is in a unique position to drive the empowerment of women from within the heart of the sector.
While this is very much on her agenda, she also uses the opportunity to lift as many people as she can, regardless of gender.
“I personally use these forums not only to advocate for gender equality and gender inclusion-based policy planning but also for the inclusion of the latest advanced technologies that can improve the lives of the least among us. In these spaces, I also have the opportunity to ‘send the lift down’, enabling more women to enter decision-making roles,” Kana insists.
Building a legacy of impact
With Simsciex Technologies constantly performing groundbreaking work in broadband infrastructure, Kana has a lot to be proud of.
But what is her proudest moment to date?
“One of our proudest achievements was bringing connectivity to a previously unconnected greenfield area. Residents there had difficulty even making basic mobile phone calls due to limitations in the existing network infrastructure,” Kana explains with pride.
“This community included an indigenous group, and our long-term goal is to develop a generative AI model and natural language processing tools specifically for their language.”
In closing, Kana avered that in terms of legacy building—be it as a nuclear scientist, entrepreneur or a changemaker in general, she just wants to see a brighter future for those who have long been marginalised.
“Historically, Africa has been structured as a matriarchal society where leadership emphasised collaboration, development, and advancement rather than dominance. My aim is to highlight the significant and ongoing contributions of African women in shaping the continent.
“By showcasing their impact, I hope to inspire future generations of African innovators and inventors to fearlessly pursue progress and development for our continent,” she concludes.
And we wish you nothing but the best on this quest.
Simsciex Technologies’ Services
Broadband Access
We provide expert design, deployment, and management of fixed wireless broadband networks, leveraging the latest technologies like WIFI6 to ensure fast, reliable, and affordable internet access.
WIFI6 Hotspots
We implement and manage high-performance public WIFI hotspots, enabling seamless connectivity for communities.
Cybersecurity Engineering
We offer specialised cybersecurity solutions for telecoms, protecting networks and data from evolving threats.
Project Management
Our experienced team provides end-to-end project management for technology deployments, ensuring seamless execution and timely completion.
