Ona Insights Visits AkiraChix to Talk Data, AI, and the Future of Analytics

At Ona Insights, we believe that the future of data in Africa is only as strong as the pipeline of talent we invest in today. That belief took shape recently when our team had the privilege of sitting down with a room full of bright, inquisitive students at AkiraChix, a community dedicated to nurturing women in technology. What followed was one of the most energising conversations we have had in a while.

Who Is Ona Insights?

We kicked off the session by introducing Ona Insights, who we are, what we do, and what drives us. We reminded the students that Ona Insights is a data analytics company that helps organisations turn raw data into actionable intelligence. From designing data pipelines to building dashboards that inform real business decisions, we work across sectors to make data work harder for the people who use it. But beyond the technical work, we wanted the students to understand what it actually feels like to be part of the Ona Insights team.

We talked about our culture, the collaboration, the curiosity, and the expectation that everyone brings their 'whole thinking' self to work. Working at Ona Insights means you are never just executing tasks; you are asking questions, challenging assumptions, and growing constantly.

Data Analyst vs Analytics Engineer: What Is the Difference?

One of the session's most popular topics was the distinction between two roles that often get confused, and for good reason. Here is how we broke it down:

• Data Analyst: Focuses on interpreting data to answer business questions. Think dashboards, reports, trend analysis, and storytelling with data. If a company wants to know why sales dropped last quarter, the data analyst finds the answer.
• Analytics Engineer: Sits closer to the data infrastructure. They build and maintain the data models and pipelines that analysts and other teams depend on. Think of them as the architects who make sure the right data is clean, reliable, and accessible before any analysis even begins. Importantly, the analytics engineer bridges the gap between technical data work and the real-world business needs of the people they serve.

Both roles are critical, and at Ona Insights, we value the interplay between them. The conversation helped students understand that while both roles work closely with data, they contribute to different parts of the data workflow and often collaborate to create effective data solutions.

Is AI Coming for Data Jobs?

This question generated the most lively debate of the afternoon. The honest answer? AI is already changing data roles, but it is not replacing the people in them. It is raising the bar for what those people need to know.

AI tools can now automate repetitive data cleaning, generate basic visualisations, and even write SQL queries. But the judgment calls, understanding context, asking the right business questions, communicating insights to non-technical stakeholders, and building ethical data systems, those still require human expertise. If anything, AI is creating more demand for data professionals who understand how to work alongside these tools, not fewer.

Our message to the students was clear: learn the fundamentals deeply, stay curious about new tools, and never stop asking why.

Engaging Curious Minds Through Questions and Discussion

The Q&A session was engaging. The AkiraChix students came prepared, and their questions reflected genuine intellectual curiosity about the industry. Some of the standout questions included:

• What kind of data does Ona Insights work with?
• How does Ona Insights deal with messy and very unclean data?
• Is there data that Ona Insights cannot work with?
• Are there challenges that the company has faced, and how has it overcome them?
• How does Ona Insights handle sensitive data?

On data sensitivity, we were glad the topic came up. Data ethics and privacy are not afterthoughts at Ona Insights; they are built into how we design systems from day one. We follow responsible data practices, ensure compliance with relevant standards, and take seriously the trust that clients place in us when they hand over their most sensitive information.

Why Sessions Like This Matter

Two hours with the AkiraChix students reminded us why mentorship and community engagement are not just "nice to have"; they are part of who we are as a company. The data ecosystem in Africa will only thrive if we actively bring the next generation into the conversation, give them honest insight into the industry, and show them that there is a place for them in it.

We are grateful to the students from AkiraChix for their enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and active participation throughout the session. Their curiosity and passion for learning made the conversation both insightful and inspiring.

As the world of data and AI continues to evolve, creating spaces for knowledge-sharing and mentorship remains essential in shaping the future of technology. We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting the next generation of innovators, analysts, engineers, and tech leaders.