Chief Technology Officer

Company Description

We’re building Africa’s coding and math platform for the next generation. Pupilo is the pionner’s Afrocentric gamified STEM platform for children ages 7-18. We are on mission to help children learn coding and mathematics through fun, culturally-relevant daily bite-sized lessons — built for the African child, by Africa.

We’re now looking for a CTO who doesn’t just write great code — but who wants to build something that matters.

Role Description

As Pupilo’s CTO, you will own the full technical vision and delivery of our platform. You’ll lead app architecture, grow and manage our development team, and drive our MVP to a successful App Store and Play Store launch. You’ll work directly with the Founder and sit on the leadership team. This is a hands-on role at an early-stage startup — you’ll be deep in the build while also setting the strategic direction for how we scale across South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.

Responsibilities

∙ Define and own Pupilo’s technical architecture across mobile (iOS & Android), backend, and AI integrations

∙ Lead and grow the development team, starting with our current React Native developer

∙ Drive delivery of the 16-week MVP roadmap through to App Store and Play Store submission

∙ Architect offline-first functionality — a non-negotiable for our low-connectivity African markets

∙ Oversee integrations: Claude API (Jomo, our AI teacher character), Paystack (payments), Firebase (auth, database, push notifications)

∙ Build the parent dashboard, content admin panel, XP/badge/streak systems, and quiz engine

∙ Own app performance, security, and quality across Android and iOS

∙ Lead Phase 2 and Phase 3 product expansion: multi-language support (isiZulu, Yoruba), web app, school dashboards, and B2B institutional portal

∙ Contribute to investor conversations and technical due diligence

Qualifications

∙ 5+ years of mobile app development experience

∙ Strong React Native expertise — you’ve shipped production apps on both iOS and Android

∙ Node.js and Firebase (Firestore, FCM, Auth) experience

∙ Deep understanding of offline-first architecture — you know how to build for intermittent connectivity

∙ Startup experience — you’re comfortable with ambiguity, fast iteration, and wearing multiple hats

∙ Excellent communication and team leadership skills

Strongly preferred:

∙ Based in Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, or Kenya preferred)

∙ Experience with AI API integrations (Anthropic Claude API or similar LLMs)

∙ Familiarity with Paystack or other African payment gateways

∙ Experience building EdTech, consumer mobile, or gamified products

∙ Exposure to B2B/B2G product environments (school platforms, government partnerships).

What You’re Joining

∙ A funded, mission-driven EdTech startup with real traction and a clear path to market

∙ A platform with genuine cultural ambition — not a copy-paste Western product

∙ A founding team with deep education expertise, World Bank experience, and a Harvard-trained policy co-founder

∙ A seed round targeting Q3 2026 close — your equity stake will be meaningful

∙ The chance to build the technical foundation of a platform that could reach millions of African children.

Compensations

Competitive package commensurate with experience. Equity offered. Details discussed at interview stage.

To Apply

Send your CV, a link to apps you’ve shipped, and a short note on why Pupilo resonates with you to:

[email protected]

Subject line: CTO Application — [Your Name]

pupiloinc.com | @hellopupilo | Johannesburg, South Africa