Top technology hubs in Africa

Technology has become a very immense part of our lives, transforming our habits and daily routines of our work as well as our personal lives. At this rate most technology companies are feeling the pressure of having to constantly innovate and compete with other companies. As the need for great tech talent progressively increases new tech hubs are popping up around African countries to create communities and foster growth within these countries.

Have a look at some of the top Technology hubs:

Hiv coLab – UGANDA

This is an innovation and incubation hub, a collaborative co-working space for Uganda’s business and tech community. They are the first Tech Hub in Uganda collaborating with academia and private sector to inspire the next generation of Ugandan Technologists to build and develop apps, guiding youth into creativity and innovation to produce quality and world class technology! They facilitate Genius and accelerate emerging companies’ development by providing hands-on assistance during vulnerable start-up years.

iLab – LIBERIA

The iLab’s mission is to assist IT professionals as well as organizations and institutions in their efforts to more readily share information using ICT. Specifically, they offer trainings in open source tools and systems because they promote interactive communities and shared ownership.  Other iLab trainings range from how to start your own blog to managing inconsistent power supply.  iLab is also a space for local meet-ups and for local and international organizations to host events that are in-line with iLab’s mission.

ICEADDIS – ETHIOPIA

This hub is a collaborative work environment. It is the first innovation hub & co-working space in Ethiopia established in May 2011.They facilitate creative projects and events. It is partly open community workspace, vector for investors and pre-incubator for young energetic tech- entrepreneurs. Their collaborators share ideas, pool resources, use ICTs effectively, make effective use of product development projects, access business and life skill trainings, and transform ideas into viable businesses.

SMARTXCHANGE – SOUTH AFRICA

SmartXchange  is an incubator whose core mandate is to provide enterprise development services to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’S) in the Media, Information Communication Technology and electronics sector. SmartXchange manages a programme that identifies and assists in developing quality skilled MICTe SMME’s in KwaZulu Natal and also to build a pool of skilled MICTe workers that will enable KwaZulu Natal businesses to flourish. This hub partners with corporates from the MICTe industry, tertiary institutions and the government sector to work towards up skilling entrepreneurs and the youth. Through these partnerships, SmartXchange is able to also contribute towards the creation of sustainable jobs, economic growth and the competitiveness of the province.

RLABS – SOUTH AFRICA

Reconstructed Living Lab (RLabs) is a global movement and registered Social Enterprise that provides innovative solutions to address various complex problems. It was founded by Marlon Parker in 2008 as an environment for community driven innovation and reconstruction. RLabs creates an environment where people are empowered to make a difference in the lives of others. The RLabs “main hub” is in Athlone, Cape Town but have activity in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.

KINU – TANZANIA

Kinu is a Social Enterprise with the mission of concentrating, growing and accelerating the Tanzanian tech and social landscape. An open space for Tanzania’s tech community to foster a culture of co-creation, spark innovation and augment capacity building. The Tanzanian tech scene needs to be brought together to form a community, develop a culture of co-creation and innovation which will become the catalyst for growth and capacity building.

The KINU Hub is the collaborative space needed to enable the community to participate into the co-creation process and make a joint effort to generate new solutions to social challenges.

INNOVATION HUB

The Innovation Hub is sub-Saharan Africa’s first internationally accredited and leading science and technology park. Established by the Gauteng Provincial Government in 2001, The Innovation Hub has created initiatives that support innovation; enterprise development and development for over 14 years. The targeted sectors are in ICT and advanced manufacturing, green economy and biosciences in order to contribute towards the growth of the economy, creation of decent jobs and poverty reduction in Gauteng. Strategically located in Tshwane, South Africa’s executive capital and ‘smart’ province, The Innovation Hub has become a regional centre of innovation and knowledge creation, linked to the fast moving world of global interconnectivity.

JOZIHUB – SOUTH AFRICA

Jozihub is a co-creation space in Johannesburg dedicated to creating sustainable change in Africa. They foster a culture of openness and innovation – providing a space to share ideas, collaborate and explore the opportunities created by the social and technological changes which are transforming our continent. In addition to providing a stimulating working environment they provide their members with access to a network of innovators and inspirational events and activities.

iSPACE – GHANA

iSpace is a unique environment where technology startups can start up faster. They nurture a local network of like-minded and focused entrepreneurs, providing space for them to work, meet, collaborate, learn and have fun. By getting the right people together in a physical space, good things happen.

iSpace is an expansion of a successful initiative that offers startups with a dedicated co-working space, community gathering point and network for driving entrepreneurial success. iSpace is a non-profit organisation, funded by membership fees and sponsor partners.

OUTBOX – UGANDA

Outbox help new and upcoming African entrepreneurs interested in using technology to build high growth companies with workspace, mentorship, and training programs. Through their partnerships, they help them raise money for their ventures and access markets. They also work with students, developers, researchers, and organizations to build inclusive communities that entrepreneurs can tap into for talent and collaboration.

Africa is moving forward, and technology has is a very important part to play in it, we look forward to  new developments.

Main Image: Nextgov