Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
I'm Alan Knott-Craig, an entrepreneur, author, and founder of fibertime™️. My mission is to connect everyone to the internet. I started life in Pretoria, before studying at Nelson Mandela University and becoming a chartered accountant with Deloitte in 2002. My entrepreneurial journey began in 2003 when I started Cellfind, a South African pioneer in mobile location-based services. From there, I served as CEO of iBurst, one of South Africa's most extensive wireless broadband networks, after which I started World of Avatar and acquired Mxit, Africa's largest social network. In 2013, I started an NGO, Project Isizwe, with a mission to bring free public WiFi to townships. In 2014, I founded HeroTel and, over the next 8 years, we expanded it into South Africa's largest rural broadband provider. After exiting HeroTel in 2022, I founded fibertime™️ to provide pay-as-you-go fiber internet to townships and try connect the next 3 billion people worldwide. My entrepreneurial career has seen me co-found and fund over 21 companies in various industries, including telecommunications and media. As an author, I've written ten books, including the national bestseller "Don't Panic," and a memoir called "Chasing the Internet: From Backyards to Boardrooms". I share my lessons and philosophy on entrepreneurship on my daily blog: www.alanknottcraig.com. Recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and consistently listed in the "Top 100 Choiseul Africa," my work has not only focused on building businesses but also facilitating a better future for Africa by connecting the unconnected. My interests extend beyond the boardroom to spending time with my family, walking, swimming, and studying history. I love history. As I continue to try new ways of accelerating digital access, I am committed to a fair and equitable society for all South Africans.
At fibertime™™ our vision is to connect home in every township to affordable fiber. Through collaboration with local communities and a commitment to excellence and affordability, fibertime™ sets a new standard for internet service provision, enabling digital inclusivity and supporting local entrepreneurship.
At Hero Telecoms, my role as Executive Chairman involved leadership and the embodiment of the company's mission to extend broadband access to rural areas. I led with a hands-on approach, from strategic planning and investment acquisitions to overseeing the integration of acquisitions that expanded our service offerings. Key to this role was my ability to drive and inspire a culture of innovation and customer focus, leveraging my experience in telecommunications to anticipate market needs and navigate industry challenges. My effectiveness stemmed from a combination of strategic leadership, a deep commitment to social impact, and an entrepreneurial spirit that sought to constantly push the boundaries of what's possible in rural connectivity.
Leading Project Isizwe, I championed the cause of free public WiFi, focusing on bridging the digital divide for rural communities. This role demanded not just technological acumen but a strong sense of social responsibility, negotiation skills to partner with governmental and non-governmental organisations, and the ability to manage large-scale projects under tight constraints. The key to success was: Persistence. The ability to forge meaningful partnerships. A clear vision that digital access is a right, not a privilege. My leadership was defined by a commitment to innovation for social good, driving the team to deploy sustainable WiFi networks that have had a lasting impact on education and economic development in the communities we served.
As the CEO of Mxit, my role extended beyond typical executive duties to reimagining the platform's potential as a tool for social change. Steering Mxit during its peak, my task was to innovate in a fast-paced digital environment, promote strategic user engagement, and expand the platform's reach across Africa. Leadership, creativity, and adaptability were my guiding principles, allowing me to lead a team at the forefront of mobile technology and social networking. The ability to pivot and innovate, coupled with a strong vision for the platform's role in society, helped Mxit pioneer using social media for education, health, and community engagement.
My tenure as founder and CEO of World of Avatar was characterised by a focus on cultivating a vibrant ecosystem for tech startups in Africa. This role required a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, strategic investment understanding, and a deep belief in the transformative power of technology. I was directly involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs, shaping the strategic direction of startups, and creating a supportive environment that encouraged innovation and growth. Key characteristics that underpinned success in this role included: Visionary leadership. A belief in African potential. A commitment to building a sustainable, impact-driven tech landscape. Through World of Avatar, we provided crucial funding and a platform for African innovators to connect, learn, and grow.