By: Mathias Hangala
Born in Ndiyona Constituency of the Kavango East Region, Johannes Masambo’s early life was marked by hardship. After losing his parents at a young age, he was raised by his aunt, with extended family members stepping in for support.
“I remember starting Grade 1 at Ndiyona. My first teacher was Mrs. Mberekera; she is still around. I stayed there from Grade 1 until Grade 7,” he recalled.
Masambo remembers attending school barefoot, wearing only a shirt and shorts, even during winter. Despite these challenges, his determination to pursue education and sports participation remained evident.
“We didn’t have a television at home, so I would go to the school hostel or the community TV to watch documentaries, especially on Discovery Channel,” he shared.
After completing Grade 7, his sister took him to Divundu, where he encountered a computer for the first time, an experience that would shape his future.
“I would watch movies and play games. Sometimes my sister would lock the computer, but by the time she came back, I had already created a new user profile to access it. She would ask, ‘What kind of person are you?’”
Between 2006 and 2012, Masambo attended Ndiyona Combined School. He later moved to Bagani Combined School from 2013 to 2017 and was exposed to different languages.
It was at Bagani that he met an American English teacher who introduced a library equipped with the school’s first computer and Wi-Fi connection. Thanks to his exposure to English through documentaries, Masambo quickly adapted and benefitted from this opportunity.
The teacher recognised his interest and allowed him to use an old computer for practice.
“That’s where my passion really began. By the end of the day, they would even ask me to repair the computers.” he said.
At that point, he began to envision a future in engineering or a technical field.
Using the skills he acquired, Masambo started earning an income by fixing phones and eventually bought his own computer. He gradually transitioned into software-related work, offering various services. Among his early innovations was a word-search game developed in local languages such as Rumanyo and Thimbukushu, which he shared with friends.
Although he aspired to study Information Technology (IT) or engineering, financial constraints stood in his way. His guardians encouraged him to pursue education instead, as studying engineering in Windhoek was unaffordable.
In 2020, he enrolled at the University of Namibia’s Rundu campus to study literature, but left after nine months.
“I had to study education, but to me it was the most boring course I’ve ever done. I just didn’t enjoy it,” he admits.
Determined to follow his passion, Masambo applied for a Namibia Training Authority (NTA) scholarship, which covered his tuition fees. In 2021, he commenced his studies towards a Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering at Riverside Institute in Windhoek, where his uncle supported him with accommodation.
After graduating in 2023, he secured an internship in telecommunications and went on to gain practical experience through roles at companies such as Teltec and Azertech.
His work included telecommunications infrastructure, radio frequency programming, CCTV and security systems, network installations in remote areas, and internet connectivity projects at locations such as Swakop Uranium, Husab Mine, conservancies, and farms.
“These experiences opened doors for me to learn about radio frequencies, security technologies, and network solutions in remote environments,” he says.
Masambo advises aspiring professionals to focus on science subjects, particularly mathematics and physical science, to follow a similar career path.
“While working in telecommunications, I noticed the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT. I began experimenting with AI tools and realised it could be the next big opportunity for this generation,” he notes.
After researching the local landscape, he discovered a Namibian AI company, AISOD, and reached out.
While still employed, he attended training and completed a one-year AI program in April 2025. He joined the company full-time in May 2025 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Head of the Training Department in November 2025 and Chief Technology Officer in February 2026.
Today, Masambo trains students and professionals in AI, helping them work on real-world projects, build portfolios, and secure opportunities.
“Sometimes students come with real contracts or tenders. I help them refine and complete their projects so they can succeed independently,” he states.
Reflecting on his journey, Masambo remains grounded in how he has progressed from his starting point.
“My journey started from very humble beginnings. Through curiosity, persistence, and passion for technology, I was able to grow into an engineer and AI leader. Today, I continue to learn, teach, and help others use technology to create opportunities for themselves,” he remarks.
