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Isaya Yunge’s inspiring journey from youth ambassador to tech leader
09th August, 2026 11:13 AM
Isaya Yunge has built a career around technology, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for young people across Africa.
His journey has included becoming a UNICEF Africa Youth Ambassador, speaking at the G8 Summit in Germany at 17, and earning recognition among some of the continent’s young leaders.
Yunge’s early achievements placed him in spaces where young people could share ideas on issues affecting their communities. His selection as a UNICEF Africa Youth Ambassador gave him an opportunity to take part in youth-focused work, while his appearance at the G8 Summit in Germany showed the level of attention his work had gained at a young age.
At just 17, Yunge spoke at the G8 Summit in Germany, marking one of the notable moments in his early journey.
His work has continued to focus on technology, entrepreneurship, and finding new ways to address social challenges affecting communities across Africa.
Building opportunities through technology
One of Yunge’s key achievements came through SomaApp, a platform developed to connect students with scholarship opportunities in Tanzania and beyond. Between 2016 and 2019, he served as CEO of SOMAAPPS Technologies, which developed the scholarship-matching platform.
In 2017, SomaApp received the GSMA Mobile Money Africa Hackathon award for best startup in Africa. The recognition added to Yunge’s growing record in technology and showed the potential of solutions aimed at helping young people access education opportunities.
Yunge has also taken on leadership roles in several technology ventures. He was co-founder and CEO of Smart Kaya, a technology venture focused on smart home technology.
He later served as Director and CEO of SPEKI Technologies from January 2022 to July 2023, focusing on business growth, innovation and organisational transformation.
Supporting young people
Since 2020, Yunge has served as Chairman of the SOMAPP Foundation, where he focuses on expanding access to education. His work includes scholarships and skills-based online resources designed to help young people gain useful knowledge and opportunities.
Yunge has also served as Chief Entrepreneur at GOODSAM Technologies since 2019, handling areas such as business and product development. His different roles have kept him involved in technology and entrepreneurship while also supporting efforts aimed at young people.
His work has earned several recognitions over the years. Forbes Africa named him among its 30 Under 30, while in 2019 he was included among Tanzania’s 50 Most Influential Young Tanzanians.
Beyond these honours, Yunge has received recognition for promoting technology, entrepreneurship and innovative solutions to social challenges across Africa. His career continues to combine business leadership with efforts to create opportunities for young people.
Yunge is now set to start a family life with President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, after their colourful engagement ceremony on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
