New Data Scientist Feature: Naftali Indongo

Meet Naftali Indongo, a data scientist and a new member of the Ishango Data Science Programme. His interest in numbers and innovation started at an early age. As a young boy growing up in a small village in Namibia, he loved crafting wire cars and was fascinated by mechanics and engineering. In high school, he focused his studies on mathematics and science, which shaped his analytical abilities.

He went on to pursue an Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics at the University of Namibia, which enabled him to apply his understanding of mathematics to real-world applications. His journey into data science started during a project at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) during his Master’s studies, which combined mathematics, statistics, and computing. His skills and interest in data science were further nurtured when he received the Ishango-Data Quest scholarship in 2022. Driven by a passion for leveraging machine learning for innovation, he then went on to pursue an MSc in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, where he recently graduated.

 His advice to aspiring data scientists is to:  

• Build a Strong Foundation
• Develop Technical Skills
• Problem-Solving Aptitude
• Embrace Continuous Learning
• Spirit of Exploration
• Collaboration is Key
• Adaptability is Crucial
• Network Effectively
• Never Stop Seeking Opportunities

“Being a part of Ishango AI, where innovation and data-driven decision-making are the pillars of our culture, is an immense privilege. Together, we are at the forefront of shaping the future of data science, uncovering invaluable insights, and driving meaningful change.”