Nomanini creates digital solutions that connect Africa’s general trade retailers to financial service providers and gives access to FMCG stock ordering. Product Manager, Timothy Govender shares what it’s like to liaise with stakeholders across the value chain to create and implement innovative products and solutions.

We might be biased, but FinTech is the most exciting industry to work in. The innovation, passion and pace of change are phenomenal - and so are the rewards. Nomanini works to bring financial inclusion to underserved markets, and our team has the opportunity to help informal retailers in Africa build better, more secure and successful businesses.

As a result of this type of work, we’re fortunate to attract people who are not only high achievers, but also driven to use their skills to make the world a better place. We have introduced you to our team before, and today we’d like to share insights from Timothy Govender, Product Manager at Nomaini, who has been with the team for a few years now and has pivoted from Project Implementation Manager to Product Manager just recently.

How did you find your way to Nomanini?

After an eleven-year career in the ICT, IT and Fintech industries, my personal desire to join a Fintech that made a social impact was stronger than ever. In early 2019 I had stumbled upon an exciting opportunity at Nomanini and I was elated to join this dynamic organisation in January 2020 as a Project Implementation Manager.

How has your career journey developed over the years?

After 13 years in the Operations environment my career has pivoted into the Product space. I am excited to serve our users in a different way, whereby I can directly shape and contribute to the products that empower our users. I love that I can make use of my experience in operations and the experiences of living in different countries growing up, including Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa and Mozambique.

What does your day-to-day role at Nomanini look like?

I am always busy interacting with all teams across Nomanini, as well as with our clients and partners. 

A typical work week consists of frequent check-ins with clients to manage implementations, troubleshoot issues, align with their strategic objectives, and position our products for joint success. 

As the custodian of our client’s needs, I liaise with our internal teams (engineering, product and commercial) to ensure correct solution delivery. Staying true to programme and delivery management as the core of my role.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

I love working with a truly dynamic group of professionals whose collective will to serve our clients and the underserved markets in Africa, fuels the team to get solutions out to market in impressive times, without compromising quality or user experience. 

Working with Standard Bank, Stanbic Bank (in various countries) and Nestlé has been extremely rewarding.

What type of projects have you been working on?

My highlights include implementing Trader Direct (our supply chain financing product) with our partners Nestlé, Standard Bank, Pan Africa Distributors and nConnect. This proof of concept has paved the way for Nomanini to launch a new business offering called StockNow. 

I have gained invaluable experience and learnings from the challenges and successes from working with our partners. Implementing Trader Direct has been impactful for our users and I have been fortunate enough to witness and be part of the amazing growth in our live markets. Equally, StockNow promises to be equally as impactful and has been a great deal of fun to manage.

What’s your next goal?

My current goal is to find that sweet spot where my skills and competencies from operations can intersect with product management to support our customers better and contribute to taking Nomanini to the next level.

-----

Learn more about Nomanini

Nomanini  imagines a future where informal retailers in Africa can thrive rather than only just survive. We build technology solutions that provide retailers access to credit and stock advances. 

To learn more about the work we do, please visit our website at www.nomanini.com. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and like us on Twitter.