Naima Boukhiar, FOUNDER, OCTADOT

Imagine a young girl in a bustling North African city, her face lit by the glow of a laptop screen, exploring the vast expanse of the internet with endless curiosity. She isn’t playing games or chatting with friends; instead, she’s solving problems, delving into the mechanics of how technology works, and dreaming of a world where innovation bridges gaps and transforms lives. That girl grew up to be Naima Boukhiar, the visionary behind Octadot, a community-driven tech agency reshaping Africa’s digital landscape.

Naima’s story is one of passion, resilience, and collaboration. As the only member of her family with a technical background, she forged her path with determination, driven by a simple yet powerful belief: technology has the potential to empower individuals and communities alike. From her childhood fascination with problem-solving to founding a multi-country tech powerhouse, Naima’s journey is proof that bold ideas and a relentless spirit can change the world.

A Childhood Shaped by Curiosity and Technology

Naima’s love for technology blossomed at an early age, setting her apart as the only one in her family with a technical inclination. She spent countless hours behind a laptop, exploring the vast possibilities of the internet and solving complex problems. These early experiences not only shaped her technical expertise but also sparked her lifelong fascination with how technology can simplify lives and create opportunities.

Reflecting on her childhood, she shares, “I was drawn to technology from an early age. My fascination with how it could simplify life and create opportunities shaped my passion for innovation.”

This passion ultimately led to the founding of Octadot, a company that began as a collaboration among friends from Sub-Saharan and North Africa. Their shared vision was clear: to empower businesses through technology and bridge the gap between innovation and scalability. Today, Octadot stands as a testament to that dream, with branches spanning multiple African countries and a thriving community of innovators.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience

Building Octadot was not without its challenges. For Naima, one of the toughest hurdles was balancing professionalism with personal relationships in a team composed of friends. Drawing from her experience as a teaching assistant and mentor at Oran1 University and INSIM, Naima fostered a culture of collaboration and respect within the team.

Another significant challenge was gaining the trust of businesses hesitant about embracing digital transformation. Through measurable results and a commitment to excellence, Naima and her team demonstrated the tangible benefits of their services, gradually earning credibility in the market. Her persistence and adaptability proved crucial in navigating these obstacles.

Leadership Rooted in Empowerment

Naima’s leadership style reflects her belief in empowerment and mentorship. She ensures her team can access the best resources—hardware, software, and tools—to excel in their roles. Her technical background as a full-stack software developer and networking engineer, coupled with her teaching experience, equips her to guide her team with wisdom and insight.

Working with a younger, dynamic team has also pushed Naima to grow as a leader. Gen Z’s creativity and energy inspire her, and she cherishes moments of collaboration that end in laughter and shared experiences. Her ability to create an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired is a cornerstone of Octadot’s success.

As she explains, “Some of my favorite moments have been brainstorming sessions that ended with laughter and sharing pizza. This journey has taught me patience and the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.”

For Naima, finding a balance between her demanding role and personal well-being remains a work in progress. Despite her packed schedule, she prioritizes activities like swimming to recharge her mind and body. She views balance not as a destination but as a journey, continually striving to achieve equilibrium while pursuing her passion for technology and entrepreneurship.

A Vision for the Future

Naima’s long-term vision for Octadot is ambitious yet deeply rooted in purpose. She envisions the company becoming the largest community-driven tech agency in Africa, fostering innovation and collaboration across the continent. With operations already established in Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, Octadot is on track to achieve this goal.

As a proud IEEE member, Naima is committed to driving digital literacy and entrepreneurship through mentorship and training programs. Her ultimate aim is to inspire a new generation of African entrepreneurs who will shape the future of technology and innovation on the continent.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To aspiring entrepreneurs, Naima offers this advice: “Believe in your vision wholeheartedly. Embrace every opportunity to learn—whether through work experiences, internships, or conferences. Be resilient, knock on every door, and don’t fear failure. Build relationships, stay curious, and never stop improving. Entrepreneurship is about more than creating solutions; it’s about building a life where you can thrive alongside the people you care about most.”

Naima Boukhiar’s journey from a curious child captivated by technology to the founder of a groundbreaking tech agency is a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. Through Octadot, she continues to empower businesses, nurture talent, and champion innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the continent’s tech landscape. 

Her story is a powerful reminder that with passion, persistence, and purpose, anything is possible.