Before cybersecurity was a buzzword in Tanzania, before boardrooms started worrying about data breaches and ransomware attacks, there was a curious young man quietly studying the digital world’s blind spots. Kharim Mchatta didn’t stumble into this field by chance, he walked into it with intention, shaped by years of discipline and a deep desire to protect.
Born of Adventure
“I was born and raised in Tanzania, and if I could describe my life in one word, it would be adventurous,” Kharim reflects.
From a young age, his journey was stitched together across borders. He began his educational path at Aga Khan nursery and primary school in Nairobi, Kenya. But soon, his parents brought him back to Tanzania to grow up connected to his roots. There, he completed his primary education at Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and attended Shaaban Robert Secondary School.
Though his high school focus was on arts subjects like Kiswahili, bookkeeping, and history, a silent fascination with technology simmered in the background.
“Academically, I didn’t always follow the most conventional path… But behind the scenes, I had a quiet fascination with computers.”
That curiosity would eventually lead him to pursue Business IT at the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A) in Nairobi, followed by a Master’s degree in Forensic Computing at Coventry University in the UK.
“I chose not to dive into pure computer science; instead, I found a unique blend in Business IT. That’s where I began specializing in Forensics, Information Technology, and Cybercrime—bridging business thinking with technical depth.”
Still, the road ahead was anything but smooth.
The Birth of HACK IT
When Kharim returned home to Tanzania after completing his Master’s, he was full of hope, eager to apply his knowledge. Instead of opportunities, he was met with a word that too many bright young Africans know too well: rejection.
“Despite having the skills and qualifications, I was repeatedly turned away, often with the puzzling reason of being ‘overqualified.’ It was disheartening, knocking on doors that never opened, reading the same rejection emails over and over again.”
That frustration ignited a fire within him. He asked himself a question that would forever shift his destiny:
“Why wait for someone to give me permission to do what I’m already capable of?”
And so, HACK IT Consultancy was born, a cybersecurity firm headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, specializing in offensive security, cyber awareness, governance, and training.
“We help organizations understand their vulnerabilities, test the resilience of their systems, and build a culture of security from the ground up. In simple terms, we help people and organizations stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.”
The company, though still growing, is powered by a core team of seven and a few part-time contributors. What started as a personal mission has become a movement, pushing the boundaries of what cybersecurity looks like on the African continent.
A Changing Landscape
“When I first started, it was a quiet space. Few were talking about it, and even fewer were building businesses around it,” Kharim recalls. “But as cybercriminal activities have increased locally, a shift has begun.”
Today, more Tanzanian companies are waking up to the reality that cybersecurity is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. New startups are entering the scene, and awareness is growing. Still, Kharim doesn’t rest on being early. He focuses on being prepared, informed, and deeply committed to real impact.
“For me, staying ahead isn’t just about being first, it’s about being informed, adaptable, and genuinely committed to solving real problems. My approach is deeply rooted in curiosity and constant learning.”
Battling the Invisible
Building a cybersecurity firm in East Africa wasn’t just about launching a business. It was about shifting mindsets. Convincing people that cyber threats were real, imminent, and that proactive defenses were worth the investment, this was the uphill battle Kharim faced.
“One of the earliest and most difficult challenges I faced was building a brand from scratch in a space that thrives on trust. In cybersecurity, trust is everything.”
He remembers how potential clients preferred the “Big Four” or global firms. To compete, he made himself visible, on social media, at conferences, in media interviews. Slowly but surely, he began earning the credibility that couldn’t be bought, only built.
Another deep challenge was internal resistance from within organizations.
“In some organizations, the internal teams saw me as a threat, believing that the more issues I found, the more their jobs were at risk. That was never my intention.”
Instead of confrontation, Kharim chose empathy. He worked side by side with teams, affirmed their efforts, and celebrated their wins, building trust gently and authentically.
Making a Mark
One of the most meaningful ventures in this Kharim’s journey began not with a pitch deck or a product, but with people. “One of the most meaningful things I’ve done in my career didn’t begin with a business plan or a product launch, it started with a community.” That community was H4K-IT, a cybersecurity collective grounded in the philosophy that collaboration is stronger than competition.
“I’ve always been a firm believer in communities, spaces where people can learn, grow, and support each other.” H4K-IT was established with the goal of uniting bright minds across the region in a space where knowledge could be freely shared and opportunities created.
Expanding Beyond Borders
What began as a small initiative in Tanzania quickly gained traction. “What started as a small local initiative quickly grew into something much larger.” Through capacity-building simulations, webinars, panel discussions, and conferences, H4K-IT has extended its influence beyond Tanzania and into the greater African region and even beyond the continent. “Our reach has grown organically, fueled by passion, consistency, and a deep sense of purpose.”
A key milestone came two years ago with the launch of the H4K-IT Cybersecurity Bootcamp. This initiative targets beginners, particularly youth and women who are underrepresented in the tech world. “The bootcamp offers hands-on training from industry experts and helps participants discover their path in the cybersecurity world, whether that’s governance, penetration testing or digital forensics.”
For the founder, success is defined not just by building a company, but by building people. “To me, that’s the true measure of success, not just building a company, but building people. Not just creating jobs, but creating hope.” The mission transcends borders. “This impact goes beyond Tanzania. We’ve welcomed participants and collaborators from across Africa, and each time we cross a border we bring with us the same mission: to educate, to empower, and to unite.”
Sustaining a Movement
The work with H4K-IT is not just a passion project, it’s a lifelong mission. “One initiative that holds a very special place in my heart is the ongoing development and long-term sustainability of H4K-IT, the cybersecurity community I founded.” From its humble beginnings, the platform has evolved into a movement that’s shaping careers and empowering professionals across the continent.
“Right now, my focus is on ensuring that H4K-IT isn’t just impactful today but sustainable for years to come.” One of the biggest steps forward is the launch of a proprietary cybersecurity simulation platform. “It’s a major step forward for us—bridging the gap between theory and practice, especially for aspiring professionals who don’t have access to expensive tools or labs.”
Sustainability, however, requires collaboration. “We’re looking for supporters who share our mission—organizations and individuals willing to sponsor certification vouchers, provide mentorship, or contribute resources to help increase the employability of our participants.”
Advice to Entrepreneurs
For those looking to break into the cybersecurity industry, especially with limited means, the advice is grounded in humility and resilience. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that you don’t need to have it all figured out, or have all the resources, to start.”
Kharim emphasizes collaboration over competition. “The cybersecurity industry is vast, and the truth is, no one can fill it alone. That’s why my first piece of advice is this: collaborate, don’t compete.”
Innovation often comes from scarcity. “Limited resources don’t mean limited potential, it just means you have to be more creative and intentional with what you have.” To new entrepreneurs, the message is clear: “Start with what you have. Use free tools. Learn new skills. Ask for help. Partner with others.”
Watching the Horizon: AI and the Future
The cybersecurity space is rapidly evolving, and one technology in particular is making waves: Artificial Intelligence. “Right now, one of the most talked-about and transformative trends in the cybersecurity space is Artificial Intelligence (AI).” While AI enhances operations, it also presents new threats. “While AI brings innovation and efficiency, it’s also being exploited by cybercriminals to develop more advanced and evasive threats.”
The stakes are high. “We’re entering an era where cyberattacks are becoming smarter, faster, and harder to detect, thanks to AI-driven exploits and automated hacking techniques.” Still, there is optimism. “The exciting part is that the cybersecurity community is also stepping up.”
The journey continues with the third cohort of the H4K-IT Cybersecurity Bootcamp. “Speaking of the future, I’m thrilled to share that we’re gearing up for the third cohort of the H4K-IT Cybersecurity Bootcamp, set to kick off in early May.”
A Journey of Lessons
Looking back, the most valuable insights didn’t come from formal education, they came from lived experience. “Looking back on my journey as an entrepreneur, I can confidently say that the greatest lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from textbooks or boardrooms—they came from real-life experiences, hardships, unexpected moments, and the people I’ve met along the way.”
The biggest takeaway is simple but profound. “One of the most important lessons is this: It’s better to try and fail than to live your life haunted by ‘what if.’” And with that in mind, the advice is clear: “Start. Stay consistent. Be kind. Keep your values close. And never forget, success may be slow, but it’s always worth it.”
