I’m a developer and entrepreneur who loves building technology that empowers informal markets and small businesses. I focus on practical, scalable solutions that improve access to payments, customers, and information, and I enjoy exploring AI and automation—leveraging machine learning, NLP, and AI agents to create smarter, data-driven tools. My aim is to use technology to drive inclusion, efficiency, and real-world impact in emerging economies. In everything I do, I’m motivated by turning ideas into tangible products and measurable outcomes. I thrive on cross-functional collaboration, shipping fast, and continuously learning as technology and markets evolve.

Naeem Thomas

I’m a developer and entrepreneur who loves building technology that empowers informal markets and small businesses. I focus on practical, scalable solutions that improve access to payments, customers, and information, and I enjoy exploring AI and automation—leveraging machine learning, NLP, and AI agents to create smarter, data-driven tools. My aim is to use technology to drive inclusion, efficiency, and real-world impact in emerging economies. In everything I do, I’m motivated by turning ideas into tangible products and measurable outcomes. I thrive on cross-functional collaboration, shipping fast, and continuously learning as technology and markets evolve.

Available to hire

I’m a developer and entrepreneur who loves building technology that empowers informal markets and small businesses. I focus on practical, scalable solutions that improve access to payments, customers, and information, and I enjoy exploring AI and automation—leveraging machine learning, NLP, and AI agents to create smarter, data-driven tools. My aim is to use technology to drive inclusion, efficiency, and real-world impact in emerging economies.

In everything I do, I’m motivated by turning ideas into tangible products and measurable outcomes. I thrive on cross-functional collaboration, shipping fast, and continuously learning as technology and markets evolve.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Advanced

Work Experience

Product Manager at Rivalz AI
September 1, 2024 - Present
Managed the full product life cycle and launch of the Rivalze co-system, an AI-powered decentralized infrastructure network building the future of compute on blockchain rails.
Chief Technology Officer at Ezithenga
June 1, 2023 - September 1, 2025
Designed, built, and maintained a WhatsApp native e-commerce platform enabling entrepreneurs to create and manage online stores entirely through a conversational interface. Led end-to-end system development, UX design, API integrations, and automation.
Full Stack Engineer at EZ-IT
June 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Delivered end-to-end IT solutions for businesses looking to expand their online presence and modernize their tech infrastructure. Built production-ready front-end and back-end interfaces with APIs, authentication, payments integration, and admin dashboards.
Junior IT Support Specialist at Old Mutual
August 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Primarily focused on IT security within Old Mutual systems. Conducted access reviews and built systems that convert access-control data into reviewable spreadsheets for managers to conduct audits.
Product Manager at Rivalz.ai
September 1, 2024 - Present
Managed the full product lifecycle and launch of the Rivalz.ai ecosystem, an AI-powered decentralized infrastructure network. Led cross-functional teams across AI, blockchain, design, and engineering to align on roadmap, requirements, and timely delivery.
Chief Technical Officer at Ezithenga
June 1, 2023 - September 1, 2025
Designed, built, and maintained a WhatsApp e-commerce platform, orchestrating backend and frontend stacks, chat-flow UX, API integrations, automation, onboarding, and performance validation to scale the product globally.
Junior IT Support Specialist at Old Mutual
August 1, 2018 - January 1, 2020
Provided IT support with a focus on security, access management, and system administration to support daily operations and user needs.
IT Security Administrator at Old Mutual Solution Delivery
May 1, 2017 - July 1, 2018
Contract role focusing on access reviews, security administration, and remediation to support project delivery and security posture.

Education

Add your educational history here.

Qualifications

National Diploma in Software Development
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025
Advanced Diploma in Web Development
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025
National Diploma in Software Development
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025
Advanced Diploma in Web Development
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025
National Diploma (N Dip) in Software Development
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025
Advanced Diploma in Web Development
January 11, 2030 - December 2, 2025

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Telecommunications, Other, Financial Services

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
See more