Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Google Africa wants to know...Share your story

When I saw the news feed about Africa Connected last month I immediately shared it with my dearest friend Sonwabiso who runs a production company in SA, I knew how much he'd appreciate it...and he sure did.

I dread the thought of how one survived without Google - it is truly one of the best inventions of the 21st century. The internet has totally transformed our lives. A critical role that it plays is the ease of accessing information - a fundamental aspect to the development of any state or society, particularly in Africa.

Google launched a new initiative called ‘Africa Connected: Success stories powered by the web’.  They want Africans to share their story about how the web and Google has played a pivotal role in transforming their lives, their business or even their passion.

Five of the most inspiring stories will each receive a $25,000 Africa Connected prize, as well as, expert assistance from Googlers to help make their success even greater.

20 semi-finalists will be selected to take part in an interview and to produce a short promotional video. Submissions are open from August 27, 2013 to October 31, 2013.



PC Screen shot taken - Tuesday, 17 September 2013, 22:23:06 SAST


Though I must admit that it's relatively smart of Google to embark on initiatives such as Africa Connected as they also need to grow their market. Africa has roughly 1.0 billion people ('09 figures), that accounts for about 15% of the world's human population, so strategically most businesses would consider penetrating this market if they have the resources to do so.
(Ironically - I googled the figures. It was the first source that came to mind before I prompted myself to think of other digital/online resources).

There's absolutely no doubt that we need platforms like Google, unfortunately very few Africans have access to the internet due to high costs however we see a positive increase in internet access via mobile devices and one would love to see this grow. 

As Thomas Jefferson pronounces - 'Information is the currency of democracy' - my brown cheeks turn into gold as I marvel at the idea of a Africa that's free of dictatorship and looting of public funds. 
Africans would have understood the true meaning of democracy.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Africa's Young Economic Trendsetters of 2013

It can't be easy to start a business, ensure it's self-sustainable, profitable and endures through turbulent economic climates.

As 2013 starts to slip away and 2014 slowly approaches with hopes, dreams and aging :-) I have mixed emotions. I'm a 'born in 1984' creature so next year on the 4th of July I'll be 30.

When I saw '30 under 30 - Africa's Best Young Entrepreneurs' on Forbes Africa mag (Aug. 2013) I wanted the janitor at the airport to sweep me under the carpet as she went on with her business. Alright...maybe not, however I was most certainly inspired. This means I have exactly 10 months to...well...be one of Africa's best entrepreneurs.

Here's 30 Africans under 30 who make Africa's Best Young Entrepreneurs as per FA magazine. I don't believe that with this list Forbes Africa implies that it's a definitive list however, extensive research has been undertaken to compile it. Click on the company links - you too will be inspired.

In no particular order:-

Jonathan Liebmann
Age: 28
Company: Propertuity
Country: South Africa

Patrick Ngowi
Age: 28
Company: Helvetic Solar Contractors
Country: Tanzania

Lorna Rutto
Age: 28
Company: EcoPost
Country: Kenya

Lorna Rutto

Justin Stanford
Age: 28
Company: 4Di Group
Country: South Africa

Rapelang Rabana
Age: 28
Company: Yeigo Communications
Country: South Africa

Kimiti Wanjaria and Ian Kahara
Age: late 20's
Company: Serene Valley Properties
Country: Kenya

Evans Wadongo
Age: 26
Company: Sustainable Development For All
Country: Kenya

Evans Wadongo

Cosmas Ochieng
Age: 26
Company: Ecofuels Kenya
Country: Kenya

Eric Muthomi
Age: 26
Company: Stawi Foods and Fruits
Country: Kenya

Joel Mwale
Age: 20
Company: Skydrop Enterprises
Country: Kenya

Verone Mankou
Age: 26
Company: VMK
Country: Congo

Verone Mankou

Oluwaseun Osewa
Age: not indicated
Company: Nairaland
Country: Nigeria

Sandra Appiah and Issac Boateng
Age: 23 and 28
Company: Face2Face
Country: Ghana

Ashley Uys
Age: not indicated
Company: Real World Diagnostics and Medical Diagnostech
Country: South Africa

Ashley Uys

Thula Sindi
Age: 28
Company: Thula Sindi
Country: South Africa

Ola Orekunrin
Age: 25
Company: Flying Doctors
Country: Nigeria

Ola Orekunrin
Andrew Mupuya
Age: not indicated
Company: Youth Entrepreneurial Link Investments
Country: Uganda

Opeyemi Awoyemi, Olalekan Olude and Ayodeji Adewunmi
Age: not indicated
Company: Jobberman
Country: Nigeria

Opeyemi Awoyemi, Olalekan Olude & Ayodeji Adewunmi

Ludwick Marishane
Age: 23
Company: Headboy Industries
Country: South Africa

Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams
Age: not indicated
Company: Red Media/The Future Project
Country: Nigeria

Sizwe Nzima
Age: 21
Company: Iyeza Express
Country: South Africa

Sizwe Nzima

Mark Kaigwa
Age: 25
Company: Afrinnovator
Country: Kenya

Arthur Zang
Age: 25
Inventor: Cardiopad
Country: Cameroon

Farai Gundan
Age: not indicated
Company: Farai Media
Country: Zimbabwe

Farai Gundan

William Kamkwamba
Age: 25
Invention: Electricity-producing windmill
Country: Malawi

"They are solving problems such as healthcare and electricity shortages; proffering innovative solutions to waste management; building virtual and physical communities and creating many jobs. A few of them manufacture the foods we love; design exquisite clothing for our women and develop cool apps for mobile phones across Africa." (Forbes Africa, Aug. 2013, pg.18)

These entrepreneurs and businesses are so diverse - a testimony that there are plenty of opportunities.

To all of them - Thank you for the inspiration!





Sunday, September 8, 2013

Just Love

haahaha.... okay. I must apologise for being MIA. There is just so much happening, most importantly I hope the ventures I've been exploring can benefit the beings I encounter.

So please forgive me...and show love :-)