Recently
there has been tremendous increase of number of hubs, labs, research centers
and ICT sectors in Africa. The institutions have been very helpful to the
development of the ICT sector throughout the continent. Even the poorest
countries in the continent have been reached, the internet penetration rate has
increased and funds for startups and projects have been flowing in, seriously
that have been a major achievement for Africa. But are our governments doing
enough? That is the question that needs a serious answer.
For years
Africa hasn’t trust technology as a means of solution for problems facing our
communities. Even the amount of money the government is dedicating for
technology enhancement has been too small to really actually develop the
sector. The Total budget of Tanzania in (2012-2013) is 9.7 million USD and only
2.53 million USD was allocated for ICT sector you can imagine when only 0.03%
of the total budget is allocated for the development of the industry how do we
think the future solver of the African problem will survive?
Tech is what
drives the continent now; I was reading the article “ICT takes a lion share in
venture capital funding”. That is the future when we expect to have 36 million
mobile subscribers in Tanzania alone by 2015 I wonder if we still consider the
tech industry is not among the major players for the development of the
continent specifically East Africa.
It is the same thing to Kenya and Uganda while
Kenya as allocated 0.5 % of its budget Uganda has a located 0.13 of its total
budget. If you compare the amount money used by other emerging economic giants
on technology and invention you will see really we are lagging far behind.
Yes,
something has been done with our government but yet we need more effort and
trust especially from the top offices. People should be encouraged to
understand the importance of the technology sector for the development of the
national income. The good thing about technology it just enhances the way you
do thing wither is cultivating crops or livestock farming when you use
technology then you do it well. It is the time our governments invest more in
technology and scientific researches.
The grants
and loans are coming from outside but they are not enough we should put more
effort ourselves. The time will come when the only way you can reach people is
through technology. Let’s embrace it and try to find a way to use solve our
problems.
ICT is the
only industry that gives direct employment to the youth. With proper mentoring
we can be able to transform the minds of youth from being employers to job owners;
this will help to enhance the African economy.
Although
most of the startups have been reluctant to grow but still we need these startups
to keep these kids out of the streets and give them something to believe and
work in because with proper effort and good mentoring they will definitely
coming up with something that can impact our communities. The likes of Bongo
live, FloCash and Obami are out there ready to impact the local community. They
just need the proper support and mentoring from the government this time not
from outsiders.
Jumanne
Mtambalike
TECH360
Correspondent