Best African countries to launch your tech startup
Much of Africa is currently undergoing an enormous technological revolution as it adapts to an increasingly globalised world. A world in which a country’s ability to digitise its businesses and markets is becoming increasingly vital to find a place within the global economy. We will be examining which African countries are the best to launch your tech start-up. The countries examined in this article are not in any particular order.
Nigeria
The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria has maintained its position as a developing technology powerhouse. Despite recent economic challenges resulting from dwindling oil prices, fuel scarcity and corruption, Nigeria has continued to grow as a hub for emerging tech companies such as Jumia, Konga, Jobberman, and IROKOtv. Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, is home to a plethora of vocational and polytechnic technology institutions, as well as the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education, aimed at improving the country’s already advanced satellite telecommunications.
Botswana
One of Africa’s most diverse countries, Botswana has transformed itself from poverty to become a developing middle-income country. The capital, Gaborone, boasts the reputation of being one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with 78.7% of inhabitants owning a television and 93.7% owning a mobile phone. Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) introduced the Nteletsa project, which has already connected over 200 small villages spread out around the country – great news for mobile-focused tech startups hoping to make a splash in the future.
South Africa
For decades, South Africa has been the nuclei of scientific and technological innovation for sub-Saharan Africa. The up and coming SKA (Square Kilometre Array) project is an advanced space program, with additional aims to upgrade South Africa’s data storage and transportation technology in order to achieve the country’s wider economic and infrastructural goals.
Uganda
Ranked amongst the top three African countries for having the most advanced technological and innovative capabilities according to Martin Prosperity Institute of the US, Uganda is all about opportunity. A recent interview with young Ugandan entrepreneurs revealed, “You can now get dongles and 3G even in remote villages, so it’s helped college grads learn coding in their bedrooms.” Uganda’s passion to connect the whole of its country paves the way not only for urban technological advancement but the opportunity for rural entrepreneurship as well.
Ghana
Currently ranked as having the highest mobile broadband penetration in Africa, Ghana’s technology market holds a strong focus on the mobile app market. Mobile apps in particular, have created a strong fusion between the tech industry and the economy after Stanbic Bank Ghana Ltd created a user-friendly app aimed to make bank transactions easier, which has subsequently improved people’s fiscal responsibility. In 2011, Ghana also launched Surfline Communications Ltd which provides ‘premium quality wireless broadband connectivity’ using LTE (Long Term Evolution) network known more commonly as 4G. Only a handful of companies across Africa have access to LTE.
Kenya
Nicknamed Africa’s ‘silicon valley’, Kenya has made its mark in the technology industry with many major multi-national companies having locations in the capital, Nairobi. The attraction of big business, paves the way for smaller startups as the growing mobile economy demands accessible and cheap solutions such as M-Shop – an app which allows users to buy a bus, train and cinema tickets with ease.
Egypt
Despite political turbulence over the last few years, Egypt has maintained technological innovation in developing hubs such as Cairo. After damage to its main infrastructure, it is vital for Egypt to invest in startups as their grassroots innovation is what will pave Egypt’s technological future. With strong incentives from companies such as Virgin, the future looks promising for those looking to start up business in Egypt and with promising results, funding for new businesses may soon be on the rise.