With her popular site CP-Africa.com, Nmachi Jidenma is no longer just a student: she is a “digital media publisher, social media engager” and an enabler of change projects across the continent. ‘Ifreke Inyang had a few words with her…

If you were asked what you do in one sentence, it would be…

I am a digital media publisher, a social media engager and a business/technology writer via the Pan-African website, Celebrating Progress Africa (CP-Africa.com).

At what point in time did you decide to go into what you are currently doing?

It started about two years ago. I had just graduated from university and was waiting to start Graduate school. I was incredibly passionate about the Africa space and decided to keep myself updated with the latest issues, topics and trends via social media and blogging.

Has it always been a passion for you?

Yes, most definitely. It has always been a passion for me. I have always loved to write and I have always loved keeping up with the continent. Doing this is just an outward expression of an inner obsession and passion.

Did you have anybody/people as role models?

Yes, certainly. I admire my mother. She is a very strong and driven woman and her belief in me keeps me going. Also, I admire Ndidi Nwuneli of LEAP Africa. Her NGO, LEAP Africa was a big influence in my life when I was a teenager. I also really admire Pete Cashmore, Founder of Mashable.com. I find the fact that he has been able to build such a well-known technology website in such a short period of time and at such a young age to be really inspiring.

Was there anything about growing up that influenced you to go into it?

When I was growing up, my father inundated me with books and implanted a love for oral and written communication in me. Cadence and rhythm in oral and written communication fascinated him and I soon picked up this fascination. He had profound respect for the art of writing. I do too and I think my job every day is to pay homage to this art by growing and learning constantly in the writing field.

How did you start off?

It started off somewhat innocuously. I started by sharing interesting links about the continent on my Facebook wall consistently without realizing it. I only realized how consistent I was when a friend sent me a Facebook message saying she visited my wall often to check out what was new and interesting on the continent. Eventually, I moved the links and my thoughts to a blog for easier navigation, interaction and scaling.

Would you say the capabilities you have are as a result of hard work and training?

Yes I would definitely say so. Hard work is a must and training is very essential. But even more important, is a passion and love for what one does. I am proudly an obsessive blogger and this is why hard work comes naturally. If I didn’t like writing and staying on top of news about the continent so much, I probably wouldn’t work as hard. Passion is key.