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| Kinu Hub |
On Monday 28th January 2013 Matthew Corcentus a representative from the
world economic forum who used to work for GOOGLE visited KINU
hub at Dar-es-salaam. Tech 360 Magazine correspondent Mr. Kahema Juma had a chance to hold an
interview with him about the scope of technology and its influence to the
development of the African continent in general. This was what he had to say.
01. Welcome to Tanzania, from your experience do you think
investing in technology enhancement initiatives will help the African
governments to reduce poverty and problems facing our societies? Yes under the condition that is implemented
correctly. Tech in general it is democratically. It has that power. It simply
means the spirit of the tech has to be reflected so that impact should be seen.
02. There has been a great debate whether the ICT solutions can
work practically on the ground solving real time problems facing the continent.
What is your opinion on this? ICT is proposing a model from a different age and different
time. Internet to achieve its importance the tariffs should be removed.
03. If you were given a chance to advice tech pioneers on where
to invest their time and energy in the
vast technology industry. What could be your advice? Solving problems that people come
against. People need to solve Tanzanian
problems that regular people faces.
04. Do you think African start ups can survive without funding? Yes, there is lack of supply of tech companies
but there is demand of them. Now is the right time to start tech industries
05. Is it really mobile technologies are the solution for
African reluctance in embracing new technologies
and changing the world? Yes, right now there is more
telephone than toilet in Africa. It can solve it.
06. If you were given a chance to place Silicon Valley in
Africa where could be your immediate option and why?
You need population density that is proximity to other industry. Also
power supply should 365 days a year. Also you need a regulatory regime that
promotes tech start ups in the country. In my opinion may be South Africa could
be conducive but that does not mean anywhere else cannot do it.
07. Do you think the hubs and labs such as KINU they are doing
enough to promote technology in Africa. What is your advice to the people who
supervise the labs? There is
always more to be done, try to focus on how to invigorate offline market
through simple technologies.
08. What is your advice to the Tanzania government and the
Tanzania tech entrepreneurs and pioneers?
They have to work with the tech pioneers and they have to trust them.lot
of public policies depend on not trusting people while lot of tech business
depends on trusting people. For example in Ecuador the government allows only
the central bank to make mobile payments.
Thanks for your time
and have a pleasant stay in Tanzania, thank you too