Magnaem Ambata: Tech and business trailblazer paving the way for innovation
Dedicated to pushing boundaries and inspiring positive change
Ambata was last year inducted into the Namibian Business Hall of Fame as an emerging entrepreneur.
Magnaem Ambata is a multifaceted and accomplished individual in the tech and business sectors.In 2021, she co-founded Billet, an educational technology (EdTech) start-up, and founded Paperunikorn, a no-code web development agency.
Being a well-vetted developer, she serves as a template designer for Webflow, an American-based company, where she contributes to the creation of custom website templates and supports the Webflow community at large.
Ambata was last year inducted into the Namibian Business Hall of Fame (NBHF) as an emerging entrepreneur. She said the experience was incredibly humbling and she feels deeply honoured to have been inducted.
“I owe this opportunity to Johanna Cloete, the board chair of Global Entrepreneurship Network [GEN] Namibia, and I'm immensely grateful for her support. This recognition not only signifies a personal milestone, but also stands as a testament to the years of hard work and dedication I've poured into my endeavours.
“Being a part of the NBHF is more than just an accolade; it serves as an inspiration to fellow entrepreneurs. I view this recognition as a responsibility, a call to keep pushing boundaries and an exciting chance to contribute to the positive changes we can make in the years ahead”.
Earlier this year, she was selected by The Next Web (TNW) for their T500 programme.
The dynamic Ambata is passionate and dedicated to pushing the limits of what is possible, with an unwavering belief in the value of continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally.
“My career did not follow a traditional path. I started working right out of high school, taking on various small jobs that instilled in me the values of self-reliance, adaptability and resilience. These experiences taught me that success is not always a linear path; sometimes, it's about embracing the unexpected turns and challenges that life throws at you.”
From self-taught developer to tech innovator
Having obtained a bachelor’s degree in business management from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2018, she took it upon herself to become a self-taught no-code developer.
She admitted that it was a path that demanded relentless determination and countless hours of YouTube videos and developer forum conversations. “I, however, had a pivotal experience during my undergraduate years when an internship experience exposed me to the vast landscape of innovation, igniting a passion for exploration and discovery. At the same time, my co-founder Emmerita Ambata and I began planting the seeds for our venture, Billet.”
Ambata's passion for technology and development was spurred by a blend of personal curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact. She saw the enormous potential of technology to bridge gaps and create opportunities, which consequently led to her being part of TNW T500.
“This programme identifies and celebrates 500 talented individuals under the age of 30 who have shown outstanding achievements in the digital landscape. Being part of this community has been an incredible experience, allowing me to connect with like-minded innovators from the Netherlands, Germany and beyond, and learn from their experiences.”
Navigating challenges to create positive change
Speaking about her career’s impetus, Ambata underscored the sense of purpose that she gets from her work, whether as a co-founder, developer or entrepreneur. “I know at the end of the day I would have made a truly positive impact in someone's life. However, being a woman of colour in the tech industry comes with a lot of challenges, with perhaps the most formidable being one of doubting my level of competency. To tackle this, I show up for myself every day and remind myself that my unique perspective adds immense value."
Her expertise revolves around the adoption of no-code tools to empower individuals of varying technical backgrounds to create digital solutions, especially in Namibia. As a strong advocate for remote work and the future of work, she envisions improved infrastructure to facilitate these areas, which she believes will boost economic growth and job opportunities.
“My contributions involve advocacy, partnership-building and knowledge sharing, with the ultimate goal of driving positive advancements and growth.
“For aspiring individuals in the tech industry, my advice is to prioritise continuous learning and not fear failure. Build a strong network, advocate for yourself and stay connected to your passion and purpose.”