Wisani Hlangwane, co-founder and CEO of Funti3r.

Businesses may shorten hiring cycles and build high-performing teams by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies.

This is according to Wisani Hlangwane, co-founder and CEO of Funti3r, a South African start-up focussing on connecting talent with multinational companies through AI and blockchain technology.

Funti3r was one of five start-ups to win the Best SaaS start-up award last month at the AfricArena Johannesburg Summit 2025, which recognised Africa's top emerging start-ups for their innovative ideas.

In an interview with ITWeb Africa, Hlangwane discussed how Funti3r uses AI and blockchain technology to transform how global firms find top-tier talent, matching company needs with people based on skills, experience, and compatibility.

He explains: “Our AI-driven matching system intelligently aligns business needs with professionals based on skills, experience, and compatibility. This ensures optimal team performance and significantly reduces the hiring cycle.

“Additionally, our blockchain-backed platform secures every transaction and professional credential, building trust and transparency throughout the hiring process. Our integrated system makes hiring global talent seamless, cost-effective, and highly reliable.”

According to Hlangwane, data quality is at the heart of the company's AI systems, assuring accuracy and appropriate suggestions. This involves rigorous data verification techniques like organised tests, continuous feedback loops, and skill validation by peers.

Furthermore, blockchain integration ensures that data remains immutable and transparent. Maintaining high-quality data ensures that AI recommendations are consistent, precise, and reliable.

Despite having its greatest foundation in South Africa, Funti3r is spreading across the continent, taking advantage of Africa's diverse digital ecosystems.

He explained: “Our strongest base currently is South Africa, where we've seen significant traction and have successfully built a vibrant community of skilled professionals. Beyond that, we’re actively expanding into Nigeria and Kenya, both of which have rapidly growing tech ecosystems and exceptional pools of talent.

“Looking ahead, countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Egypt also align strongly with our vision, offering substantial potential due to their investments in digital infrastructure and innovation-friendly policies.”

Furthermore, the start-up has collaborated with prestigious companies such as ALX, the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, WeThinkCode, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology

“Internationally, we've collaborated closely with organisations linked to Dfinity in Switzerland, and we've secured long-term clients in countries like Germany. Results have been encouraging—we’ve successfully helped over 15 businesses scale while significantly cutting operational costs,” said Hlangwane.

Hlangwane envisions the future, stating that technologies such as generative AI, blockchain-based verifiable credentials, and stablecoin payment systems will influence how global talent works with enterprises.

He commented: “Generative AI will refine how talent is matched to projects, optimising skill alignment at unprecedented levels. Blockchain ensures secure, transparent transactions and trustable skill verification. Stablecoins simplify cross-border payments, eliminating traditional barriers around cost and exchange rate volatility. These technologies will collectively redefine and streamline how global talent collaborates with businesses in the coming years.”