After lots of research and planning, I’ve finally taken my idea of supporting African technologists and put it into practice through a nonprofit venture called webstartAfrica. With all of the technology meet-ups and events happening in Africa, I was encouraged by what I was seeing but struggling to find my place amidst the revolution taking place.
My technology exposure is more than the average person, but I am far from a seasoned developer, etc. My skills were in organizing, leading, starting and promoting. I eventually had a realization that while the events were stirring up a lot of press and filled with budding technologists, there was yet to be a supporting organization that encompassed all of these technologists. For every attendee at one of these meet-ups, there were at least 10 technologists who seemed to slip through the cracks, many of them hobbyists or students. That was my inspiration for webstartAfrica. I want to support both the seasoned veteran and the rising star.
While much of the groundwork has been done on the organization, the real work lies ahead. I’m in the process of searching for a Board of Directors, which can be a daunting task. Also important will be the recruitment of willing Sponsors, reliable Partners, and thirsty Members. That task begins today.
Please be sure to visit the website and don’t hesitate to send me comments or recommendations for improvement. I’m here and listening.
