
A nuclear-scientist turned entrepreneur, Nomso is the founder and Chief executive of SimSciex Technologies , a tech infrastructure company building broadband infrastructure in remote greenfields, and giving tech its rightful place in Africa’s future.
Nomso’s career journey is anything but linear. In a bid to fix a wi-fi glitch on a Nuclear research campus, she went from purifying cancer-treating isotopes in a radioisotope lab to creating a pan-African movement to connect the unconnected.
Today, she’s leading high-impact broadband projects in underserved communities, advocating for inclusive digital infrastructure, mentoring women in STEM, and sitting on major ICT and sustainability boards—including her appointment as a Commissioner for South Africa’s 4IR initiative.
In this eye-opening conversation, she talks about why digital inclusion is non-negotiable for Africa’s development and the legacy she’s building for the next generation of African girl geniuses.
You founded Simsciex Technologies to address broadband infrastructure and economic development. What inspired this specific focus, and how has your scientific background shaped your entrepreneurial journey?
I founded Simsciex Technologies (Simsciex meaning Simplified sciences) while I was still in my white lab coat days, spending my working hours in radioisotopes laboratory, purifying medical isotopes used for cancer treatment. I went through this route because 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 monetizing them!
As a nuclear scientist turned tech entrepreneur, how do you bridge the gap between deep technical expertise and business innovation in a fast-evolving digital world?
I combat 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 customize according to the specific reaction. I entered the business world equipped with these skills!
What was the spark that led you into nuclear science and did you always imagine yourself in this space growing up?
Growing up, I didn’t imagine myself going into the niche field of nuclear science, but I always wanted to be a scientist. Funnily enough, I was recruited into a nuclear scientist role after completing my Medical Biology Scientist training at our South African national labs for occupational and communicable diseases; however, I had a background in physics and chemistry. 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.
Connectivity is often cited as key to Africa’s development. From your experience, what are the most critical barriers we need to overcome 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. 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 utilized. The most critical barrier, however, is the lack of collaboration and governments that fail to prepare a digital citizenry.
What have been your biggest lessons as a woman founder in a male-dominated tech infrastructure space?
My biggest lesson as a female founder is that “boys’ clubs” 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.
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-monopolized, women have demonstrated the skills to enter and innovate it.
You’re passionate about women’s economic development. In your opinion, what is the most effective way to support and scale women-led businesses in STEM and innovation sectors?
My passion towards the economic development for women has no bounds, 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. 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.
You serve on several ICT boards and policy forums. How do you use these platforms to advocate for both technological advancement and gender equity?
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.
Simsciex Technologies is doing groundbreaking work in broadband infrastructure. What’s been the most fulfilling moment since starting the company?
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. 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.
What legacy are you hoping to leave not justas a nuclear scientist or entrepreneur but as a changemaker for future generations of African women in tech?
Historically, Africa has been structured as a matriarchal society where leadership emphasized 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.