[artsim]

The skill is already there, as evidenced by the large numbers of developers flocking tech hubs such as the iHub in Nairobi. What is needed is first is angel investors to help projects become startups. It's hard to build a startup on an empty stomach. Next is successful role models for those in Universities and colleges to emulate.

[munyukim]

Much contrary belief, I agree with you that there is a lot of talent. These developers are very talented and intelligent; they lack the experience and exposure. Given time and the right investment, there won't be much difference with the rest of the world.

[TallGuyShort]

Speaking of there being a lot of talent contrary to much belief, I recall seeing a TED talk that mentioned how people in many African cultures excelled at binary arithmetic when it was introduced to them because it was actually much more similar to their mode of thinking (as evident in binary-tree patterns in their art, IIRC) than the decimal system predominant in Western culture.

As someone who grew up in southern Africa, I'd love to put some time and resources towards efforts to help the start-up scene in Africa.

[sadlyNess]

Kenyan and curious, what ideas do you have on how you can help?

[TallGuyShort]

Very few, at the moment - I only started thinking about it a few days ago when I saw the "AfricaHackTrip" on MeetUp.com. I would be unable to join them on that trip, but it's got me thinking about what else I might be able to contribute. Do you have any ideas?

[sadlyNess]

Well, most damage(to hacker-mindedness) is done in high schools and universities, that's a place one can start with. I'm thinking our hackspaces need to have good libraries so a book donation inititave would help.

[TallGuyShort]

Do me a favor and email me, would you? mackrorysd's my gmail.