Call for Sponsors and Technology Donations

Appfrica is a project that was started by myself, an individual living and working in Uganda. There’s a real desire expressed by students here to be able to learn and work with the latest technologies. In fact, it was one of the things specifically mentioned to me by local students at Barcamp Kampala just two weeks ago. This was the overwhelming response when someone from Silicon Valley asked the question “How can the greater tech community support grassroot tech innovation in Uganda?” Students want the opportunity to be competitive in the world market. This means working hard both at school and outside of school. In Uganda, this isn’t possible for the developers I’ve talked to. The fact that there is no e-commerce system makes it hard for students to purchase web server space to work on their entrepreneurial ideas. The cost of internet and computers in comparison to the cost of living also makes it incredibly unaffordable for most to work on their own ideas at home. Advanced software skills aren’t something you can ‘just’ learn at school. Like with specialized training in any area, it’s an ongoing experience. Software development is a culture and a community that must be supported. It’s Appfrica’s mission to do just that in East Africa.

^{Olweny San James was one of the students who translated Firefox into the local Uganda language, Luganda last month.}

First on Appfrica’s list of projects is to create a workspace for young software developers here in Uganda to use outside of school. This facility will include a production web server, a handful of computers and office space where students can nurture their ideas and develop them in a professional environment. In short, it will be an incubation space for university level students and young entrepreneurs in software. I’ve identified five students who are excelling in software development here, but the simple fact is the schools here can’t afford to focus on specific students and their projects. More often than not, the truly exceptional students slip through the cracks and must either find ways to teach themselves, leave the local market to learn abroad, or they simply get discouraged and stop trying.

Appfrica is currently funded entirely by me but hopefully there are people interested in sponsoring or supporting this project as we continue to grow. Here is a list of things I’ll be purchasing over the next few weeks to launch the space. If you or your group wish to get involved in supporting this effort by donating technology or sponsoring us to subsidize costs, contact me at j.gosier@appfrica.org. Even if you don’t have anything to offer but you’ve got advice, it would be greatly appreciated. I also recommend that you read “A Breakdown of the Costs of Doing Business in Africa” for a better understanding of the expenditures of operating a business in Uganda.

Things Needed for the Appfrica Incubation Center:

• Linux Server(s)
• Power Macs (2)
• White Box PCs (5)
• Flat Screen Monitors (7)
• Computer Desks (10)
• Office Chairs (10)
• Broadband Router and Switch
• Office Space in Kampala, Uganda
• 256kbps or above Internet Connection