Interview with Eric Nsarkoh-Former Head of Engineering at Stanbic Bank-Stanbic Heights Branch and Founder of Street Streams Limited.

Interviewer: Welcome! Your incredibly successful career is truly inspiring!

Interviewer: I noticed you began your career in chemical engineering and even worked at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. Can you tell us when and why you decided to shift to information technology, considering your background in chemical engineering?

Mr. Nsarkoh: My first encounter with computers happened in my third year of studies. I was deeply engrossed in my research on generating biogas from palm oil extract. When I went to share my findings with my supervisor, I had written everything down with paper and ink. He asked me to type it up. At that moment, I had no idea what a computer was or how to type so that was my introduction to IT. Luckily, during my national service after graduating, I was placed at Valco, where I had access to a computer in an office. I seized the opportunity to dive into it. My path crossed with IT once more during my MBA program when they introduced the Management Information Systems option, and by coincidence I was among the first batch of students. That’s when my IT career really took off.

Interviewer: In preparing for this interview, I came across the fact that you left the Atomic Energy Commission to pursue studies in Management Information Systems (MIS) in Brussels, Belgium, which required you to leave your previous role prematurely. Could you share what influenced your decision to leave and what kept you motivated to pursue MIS despite the limited faculty available at the time?

Mr. Nsarkoh: The first part of your question is the easy part. I left the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission because I didn’t enjoy the work there, maybe I am not a natural researcher. While I found the initial work installing the nuclear reactor interesting, I didn’t feel comfortable with the workplace culture. At that time, I was writing research proposals and trying to find practical applications for the nuclear reactor we had built. However, the Commission’s culture didn’t support my proactive approach, and they expected us, as junior research officers, to simply assist others but people did not seem to need assistance. I actually started the MBA while still working there, which meant a lot of rushing to attend lectures since there were no part-time study options at the time. This stress made it easier for me to decide to leave when the opportunity to study in Belgium came up. As for the low enrollment in the program and limited faculty, it didn’t demotivate me. I was the first to sign up, and I believe my determination encouraged others to join. I was set on studying Management Information Systems (MIS) and wasn’t interested in the alternative option, Management Science.

Interviewer: You have had several roles in telecommunications, including leading MTN Business Solutions. What prompted your shift from telecommunications to banking?

Mr. Nsarkoh: That is a good question. After spending a decade in telecommunications, I felt like we had achieved a lot during that time. Mobile money and smartphones had evolved significantly, and our sales force had become highly skilled leaders. Many of them were traveling the world, and it seemed like the organization didn’t need me as it did a decade ago. On the other hand, the banking industry had faced challenges due to the rise of fintech and mobile money. A significant portion of deposits had shifted to fintech platforms, including MTN’s own float. It felt like a natural progression for me to move from a place where I had grown and matured to a place where my expertise was greatly needed. This kind of transition has been a recurring theme in my career.

Interviewer: You are currently the CEO and founder of Street Streams Limited. Could you tell us what it is about?

Mr. Nsarkoh: Today, Street Streams owns the Brorno Platform, which is a unique solution. With Brono, you can request items from informal traders, such as those in the Abossey Okine market. You simply input the item you want, wait for the trader to respond with the price, make the payment through the platform, and confirm the delivery location. The merchant then receives the payment. This process, with about 5 or 6 steps, opens up a whole new world of e-commerce opportunities for the informal sector, which typically doesn’t have standardized catalogs or prices. It’s an exciting innovation that empowers informal traders to participate in e-commerce.

Interviewer: What inspired the creation of the Brorno app?

Mr. Nsarkoh: I believe it started with a need. I saw that the mobile money ecosystem was mainly used for remittances, where people withdraw money to make purchases, missing out on valuable analytics. I wanted to propel Ghana into e-commerce but realized we couldn’t rely solely on formal businesses. After engaging extensively with merchants, it became clear that this approach would work. The challenge, however, was getting these merchants on board. That’s why we’re currently raising funds and exploring partnerships, including entering the MEST ecosystem. It’s an exciting journey in the world of financing and partnerships, although there’s still much work to be done.

Interviewer: What would you say is the key ingredient in building something like this? Could it be a blend of experience, skills, and knowledge? This insight could be invaluable to fellow entrepreneurs.

Mr. Nsarkoh: At the core, it is the grace of the God we serve in that allows us to embark on something that we cannot see but we possess the conviction that what we are embarking on is the right thing to do. Beyond that, experience and skills are crucial. I had the conviction that I’d done it before, and I leaned on my networks. So, it’s all about experience, belief, and connections that guide our decisions.

Interviewer: Looking back on your career, are there any things you would have done differently or aspects you would change?

Mr. Nsarkoh: They say hindsight is 20/20. When it comes to the operational and execution side, I have insights into how equipment and recruitment could have been improved. Concerning Street Streams, our major strategic steps had no major roadblocks at the foundation, but there’s always room for better execution and improvement. I would say my focus would be to execute better.

Interviewer: What advice would you like to give to young, up and coming individuals who may be unsure of their career path?

Mr. Nsarkoh: Before I share advice, let me tell you a bit about my own journey. Three decades ago, I was just as uncertain as many of you may be now. When I graduated from KNUST, I submitted my name to be a teaching assistant without a clear plan. I even attended an interview at Valco, just to experience what it was like. This is the only advice I can give: Keep pursuing what you’re passionate about without being overly concerned about the outcomes. The university initially asked for three people but only got two, which led me to Valco. When Valco closed down, I moved on to the Atomic Energy Commission, and eventually, I pursued MIS. Essentially, I tried everything I could, except for joining the army, because I knew my limitations. So, remember to explore your interests, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Interviewer: What innovations would you like to witness in the world of technology?

Mr. Nsarkoh: In the areas of content creation, AI and in digital commerce, the issue isn’t technology but rather that we struggle with the partnerships we contract. I would love to see us do better because we have a lot of work to do contextualizing these frontiers. I was recently asked about what I believe the four big areas for the future are. I believe them to be:

1. Content Creation: Finding more effective ways to generate and share content seamlessly.

2.Web 3: Exploring the possibilities of decentralized and user-centric internet applications.

3.Digital Commerce: Enhancing the online shopping experience and streamlining e-commerce.

4.AI and Big Data: Leveraging artificial intelligence and big data for deeper insights and smarter decision-making.

These innovations hold immense potential, and I’m eager to see Ghana and the world make significant strides in these areas.

Interviewer: Any final thoughts?

Mr. Nsarkoh: I can only encourage you. I made the time to talk to you because I like to see young people try to generate conversation. I can only encourage you on that journey. Also, people should subscribe to my YouTube channel @Eric Nsarkoh – YouTube

Interviewer: Thank you for making the time for this interview

Mr. Nsarkoh : You are most welcome.