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ERICK D. MAKILAGI

Software Engineer | UI/UX Designer | Fintech Innovator

makilagied@yahoo.com+255 676 440 184Mjimwema, Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzanialinkedin.com/in/makilagiedgithub.com/makilagied

Professional Summary

Experienced Software Engineer specializing in frontend development with JavaScript, TypeScript, Next.js, Angular, and React, complemented by backend skills in Python, Node.js, Express, and foundational knowledge in Spring Boot and Laravel. I have hands-on experience with MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and basic Oracle DB, along with application support, Linux system administration, and basic Flutter development. With a strong foundation in fintech, I design secure, scalable financial applications and craft intuitive, user-centric interfaces that enhance usability and engagement, continuously optimizing systems to deliver measurable impact.

Technical Skills

Frontend: Angular, React, Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Flutter (basic)
Backend: Python, Node.js, Express, REST APIs, Spring Boot (basic), Laravel (basic)
Database: MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Oracle DB (basic)
Design: Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, UI/UX Design
Other: Linux System Administration, Application Support, Microsoft Office, Automation, n8n, VoiceFlow, Git, Docker, kubernetes (basic), Cursor, ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude
Soft Skills: Organizational & Planning, Intercultural Communication, Problem Solving, Team Collaboration

Work Experience

ICT Officer, Software Developer & UI/UX Designer

iTrust Finance Limited - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Mar 2024 - Present
  • Provide technical support and maintain ICT infrastructure
  • Develop, test, and deploy software solutions based on user and business needs
  • Design intuitive UI/UX interfaces and prototypes for web and mobile applications
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless system integration
  • Perform system troubleshooting, maintenance, and user training
  • Ensure data security, backups, and compliance with ICT policies
  • Continuously optimize systems and processes to enhance performance and user experience
  • Contribute to the development of fintech applications that drive financial inclusion and innovation in Tanzania
  • Implement automation solutions to streamline workflows and improve efficiency across departments
  • Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude to enhance productivity and support software development and design tasks
  • Utilize n8n for workflow automation, integrating various applications and services to optimize business processes
  • Employ problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve technical challenges, ensuring smooth operation of ICT systems and successful project outcomes
  • Collaborate effectively with team members across departments, contributing to a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement

UI/UX Club Lead

University of Dar es Salaam ICT Students Society - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jun 2023 - 2024
  • Organized and led club meetings, workshops, and events focused on UI/UX design principles
  • Coordinated guest speakers and industry professionals to share insights with members
  • Offered mentorship and guidance to club members seeking to improve their UI/UX design skills
  • Promoted awareness of UI/UX principles within the community through marketing and outreach

UI/UX Design Intern

GeoICT4e - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jul 2023 - Sep 2023
  • Conducted user research and analysis to inform UI/UX design decisions
  • Developed wireframes and prototypes using Adobe XD and Figma
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams on design iterations and feedback loops

Data Collector Intern

Ramani Huria Tanzania - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jul 2022 - Oct 2022
  • Collected geoinformatics data to support urban mapping projects
  • Ensured high data quality and accuracy through validation and verification processes
  • Collaborated with field teams to optimize data collection methods

Freelance Software Developer

Self-employed - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jul 2020 - Sep 2021
  • Developed web and mobile applications following the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
  • Designed and implemented responsive user interfaces and features
  • Collaborated with clients to gather requirements and provide tailored solutions
  • Managed project timelines, testing, and deployment

IT Support Intern

DAWASA - Kinondoni Municipal, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Jul 2019 - Oct 2019
  • Managed network administration and security tasks
  • Provided technical support and troubleshooting for staff
  • Maintained IT systems and ensured reliable operation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)

Nov 2021 - Oct 2024

Diploma in ICT

Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA)

2018 - 2020

Key Projects

iTrust Finance Solutions

2024 - Present

Developing, testing, and deploying software solutions for fintech applications. Designing intuitive UI/UX interfaces and prototypes for web and mobile applications with seamless system integration and data security compliance.

Harusi

2026 - Present

Wedding planning app for Tanzania. Plan weddings, manage guests, committees, pledges, budget, invitations, and more—all in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). Features include a marketing landing page, organizer and admin dashboards, auth & roles, and pre-loaded sample data for testing.

https://harusi-io.vercel.app/

Investors Dashboard – Uwekezaji Online

2025 - Present

Next.js web app for Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) equities and local mutual fund analytics. Features live quotes, indices, top movers, order-book depth, price history charts, and fund NAV series, with caching, resilient fallbacks, and a polished light/dark UI.

https://www.uwekezaji.online

DSE MTP vs Bank Statement Reconciliation

2026 - 2026

Tool to reconcile DSE MTP trades against bank statements by matching rows with the DSE control number in bank narrations and verifying that the amount paid equals the credit amount.

https://mtp-recon.streamlit.app/

Tanzania Salary Calculator

2025 - 2025

Web app to calculate Tanzanian net and gross salaries, providing accurate, easy-to-use payroll computations.

https://tzsalary.vercel.app/

Nithamini Foundation Website

2025 - Present

Modern, multilingual website for a charitable organization in Tanzania. Features internationalization (English, Swahili, French), engaging animations, mobile responsiveness, performance optimization, donation integration, and interactive UI elements.

https://nithaminifoundation.vercel.app/

TZ Pension Calculator

2025 - 2025

Web app to calculate Tanzanian pension payments accurately and efficiently.

https://pensiontz.vercel.app

7-Day Weather App

2024 - 2024

Weather forecasting app that provides a 7-day forecast with an intuitive UI and real-time weather data for Tanzania.

https://v0-7-day-weather-app-one.vercel.app/

Mobile Transaction App

2024 - 2025

Designing a user-friendly mobile application facilitating secure and seamless transactions on-the-go. Implemented intuitive UI/UX features to enhance user experience and ensure efficient handling of financial transactions.

Paradigm Explore

2023 - 2024

A cutting-edge mobile app designed to assist researchers in navigating and exploring various research paradigms efficiently. The app streamlines the research process, providing quick access to relevant information.

UISS Website

2023 - 2024

Collaborated with a skilled team in the development of the UISS website, contributing expertise in user interface design and development to create an innovative platform for showcasing design projects and fostering community engagement.

Languages

Swahili: Native
English: Proficient (C1/C2)

Referees

Kelvin Benard Chingoma

Senior Software Developer

Dar Es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE)

canwork.job@gmail.com

+255 746 251 394

Abdul Bandawe

Head of ICT

iTrust Finance Limited

abdul@itrust.co.tz

+255 745 899 019

Dr. Mercy Mbise

Lecturer, Department of Computer Science

University of Dar es Salaam

mercymbise@gmail.com

+255 784 726 655