Wimbart Hits a Decade: Jessica Hope Reflects on Powering Africa's Tech Storytelling

Wimbart, a prominent public relations agency, is celebrating its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of significant contributions to the African tech ecosystem.

Since its establishment in 2016, the agency has successfully assisted over 230 clients across 20 countries in effectively communicating their visions to a global audience, solidifying its role as a cornerstone in the continent's technology narrative.

Founder Jessica Hope shared insights into her journey and the evolution of Wimbart. Her earliest interactions with technology began in primary school with old BBC computers and later a second-hand ZX Spectrum.

She also developed an early affinity for music technology, owning a Walkman, Discman, MiniDiscs, and an iPod. Her professional path led her from journalism into public relations, where she later worked with African entertainment platform iROKO before transitioning into leadership roles in communications.

After working in agencies and as Head of Press at the Jewish Museum in London, Hope joined Jason Njoku at iROKO as Global Head of Communications, setting up its New York office, a move that further strengthened her profile within Africa-focused media and startup storytelling circles as seen in her professional footprint across platforms such as https://wimbart.com where her communications leadership work is documented.

Reaching the ten-year milestone holds profound personal and professional significance for Hope. She expressed immense pride in building and nurturing a dedicated team, particularly highlighting the positive impact Wimbart has had on the careers of many young PR professionals.

The agency has cultivated an environment where individuals can authentically express themselves while contributing their expertise.

Upon launching Wimbart, Hope aimed to address critical gaps in the nascent African tech ecosystem. In 2016, dedicated PR services for African tech companies were scarce, with notable exceptions like Claudine Moore, and the broader ecosystem was still struggling for structured global visibility at the time.

Reflecting on early strategies, Hope pinpointed a steadfast focus on quality and authenticity as a key factor in Wimbart's success.

The agency prioritised deeply understanding and genuinely supporting its clients' missions, even declining opportunities when capacity was insufficient to guarantee excellence, a philosophy that has been further reflected in broader industry conversations around African tech communications leadership.

Regarding international perception of African tech, Hope believes that while significant progress has been made, misunderstandings persist.

She observed a recent trend of retraction in international storytelling, alongside a gradual shift toward more nuanced reporting that avoids overly simplistic “Africa rising” narratives.

Throughout her decade-long engagement with African tech, Hope’s core perspective has remained unchanged. She has consistently worked alongside founders building under complex conditions, while maintaining strong belief in the resilience of African innovation ecosystems.

The journey with Wimbart has not been without its challenges. Hope candidly described the hardest moment as the loss of her co-founder and father, a deeply personal turning point that shaped both her leadership and resilience within the company.

Looking ahead, Hope foresees continued maturation of the African tech ecosystem, including increased mergers, scaling innovation, and stronger participation in global infrastructure shifts such as artificial intelligence and data expansion. She remains confident in the adaptability of African founders navigating changing investment cycles.