Tell us about yourself and your background
I was born and raised in Delhi, where I developed an early passion for technology and innovation. This interest led me to pursue studies in Information Technology and begin my professional journey with esteemed organizations such as the Times of India and S. Chand Group. Over time, my career transitioned towards entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on developing technology-driven solutions for governments across Africa. With over 24 years of experience working on the continent, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to a wide range of impactful projects.
How did you get started in business?
My entrepreneurial journey began alongside my brother, Kirit Sobti, fueled by our shared vision and passion for Africa. We started in Ghana, initially supplying equipment, but soon pivoted to creating end-to-end solutions tailored to government needs. Today, our operations span several countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, supported by a team of over 75 professionals. We specialize in technology systems for public-sector applications such as revenue mobilization, environmental compliance, telecom regulation, and transport infrastructure through smart ticketing platforms.
You have co-founded multiple technology companies across Africa, the Middle East, and India. What has been your greatest career success?
While each venture has been a learning experience, the most fulfilling aspect of my career has been our work in environmental technology. I’ve co-founded several companies, including K.S. Infosystems and Indocorp in India, ECHT Environmental Services in Ghana, Seelive Technologies in India, and United Platform Solutions (UPS), which operates across the UAE, Kenya, and Tanzania. Our most impactful initiative to date is the Africa Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (AOCEMS). This platform empowers African nations to independently track and reduce industrial emissions, contributing directly to the fight against climate change. AOCEMS provides
real-time, accurate data that enhances environmental governance, public health, and sustainable development. The project is a blend of purpose and innovation-making it a standout success in my career.
What is it that you currently do? What is your mission?
My current focus is entirely on environmental technology, particularly the implementation and expansion of AOCEMS across Africa. Our mission is to establish a unified platform for emission and pollution data on the continent. This centralized system will allow governments to make evidence-based decisions, enforce environmental standards, and advance national sustainability agendas. At its core, this mission is about improving lives-cleaner air and water, healthier communities, and an economic model that grows responsibly. AOCEMS aims to ensure that African countries have the technological capability and data infrastructure necessary to meet their environmental and climate objectives.
Why are you so passionate about sustainability and climate change?
My passion stems from witnessing firsthand the environmental challenges faced by communities throughout Africa. Over the past two decades, it has become clear to me that technology can play a pivotal role in mitigating these issues. The effects of climate change are not abstract-they directly impact livelihoods, health, and food security. My personal commitment through AOCEMS is not only to provide solutions but to help Africa leapfrog into a leadership position on sustainability. By generating transparent, reliable, and actionable data, we can support governments and industries in implementing effective measures that protect both the environment and public welfare.
What interesting projects are you currently involved in?
The AOCEMS initiative is currently the centerpiece of our work. It’s a multi-country platform that integrates advanced technologies like IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning to monitor emissions in real time. These technologies allow us to analyze pollution patterns, forecast environmental risks, and build early warning systems. This project isn’t just about monitoring-it’s
about transforming how environmental data is collected, interpreted, and acted upon. The insights generated help regulators hold industries accountable while guiding better policy-making. It’s a perfect example of how deep-tech can be harnessed to solve real-world problems on a continental scale.
How are you revolutionizing air, water, and waste management?
Through AOCEMS, we’re reimagining environmental management by embedding intelligence into infrastructure. We deploy real-time sensors to capture data on emissions, water quality, and waste output. On the software side, we use machine learning for trend analysis, blockchain for data integrity, and edge computing for on-site processing-ensuring fast and reliable decision-making. We’re also exploring innovations in material science to enhance sensor durability in Africa’s varied climates. Additionally, by using low-power networks (LPWAN), we’re able to extend sensor life and coverage. This holistic approach-from hardware to analytics-is what sets our solution apart and enables us to address air, water, and waste management comprehensively.
Another venture you are involved in is your role as CEO at THE TIMES OF AFRICA. Tell us more about this.
As CEO of THE TIMES OF AFRICA, I lead our mission to reshape perceptions about Africa, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. Our publication is committed to showcasing the continent’s progress, innovation, and opportunities-stories that are often underreported. We aim to foster deeper cross-continental understanding, encourage investment, and facilitate collaboration by presenting Africa’s multifaceted narrative. This platform is a bridge for dialogue, business, and cultural exchange, and it aligns well with my broader commitment to Africa’s development.
What do you believe makes a great leader?
Great leadership begins with vision-the ability to see possibilities beyond the immediate and communicate that vision clearly. But vision alone isn’t enough. A great leader must be empathetic, understanding the people they work with and the communities they serve. It’s about listening,
learning, and building trust. Equally important is the ability to inspire and adapt. The world is evolving rapidly, and effective leaders stay ahead by embracing change, empowering teams, and leading by example. For me, leadership is about creating impact, not just in business metrics, but in lives improved and futures shaped.
What is next for you? What are your goals for the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, my top priority is scaling AOCEMS to every country in Africa. We aim to create the continent’s first unified environmental data system-something that doesn’t currently exist. What makes this particularly transformative is our zero-cost model for governments; we fully invest in the deployment, removing financial barriers for adoption. In addition to implementation, we are engaging with global partners and platforms to position AOCEMS as a reference model for data-driven environmental policy. The goal is for Africa to lead not just in climate dialogue, but in action-supported by technology, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.
