SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 11
Download to read offline
Kenya’s Reputation as Africa’s
      Silicon Savannah
   Myths, Models & Money in East
    Africa’s Promised Technology
              Metropolis
‘Innovative Africa’
          • http://afrinnovator.com
            /book
Myths & Money
“Nairobi is still in the ascendant phase of its hype
 cycle, so failures have tended to be overlooked. The
impact and tech crowds share an interest in promoting
  a romanticized narrative that technology can solve
                       Africa’s woes.” –
    Jonathan Kalan ‘The Silicon Savannah: Of Vanity
Capital & Vanity Companies’ (Afrinnovator.com, 2012)
“There’s hype and then there’s business… Not every
 mobile app is actually a company, nor is every techie
                  an entrepreneur.”
Andrea Bohnstedt, Not all are cut out for business (The
                      Star, 2012)
Myths & Money
First, a little demonstration…
“There were (and still are) grand hopes of super
  growth in technology based enterprise in Kenya by
virtue of this [fiber optic]; this is not wrong; I think the
  only wrong thing is that it was assumed this would
                   happen overnight!.” –
     Will Mutua ‘Stop Trying to be Silicon Valley’ –
                  Afrinnovator.com, 2010
Myths & Money
• Some things simply take time: We can’t be
  ‘silicon valley’ all at once
• Myths: Real, sustainable businesses will stand
  the test of time; the hype & fad will fade (If
  you haven’t check out Jim Collins’ ‘Built to
  Last’)
• Money: It’s about efficiency, again with
  time, will bring reorganization - smart
  investments will attract smart money
Models
• There’s a whole section dedicated to this in
  my book. Top 3 lessons from studying
  China, Israel, SV ecosystems:
1. Top-Down vs Bottom-Up approach
2. ‘Soft matter’ vs ‘Hard matter’
3. Ultimately – culture, culture, culture
Habitat for Innovation
     • Favorable rules of the                               • Open business
       game                                                    environment/knowledge
     • Knowledge intensity                                     sharing
     • High quality & mobile                                • Interaction between
       workforce                                               industry &
     • Results-oriented                                        universities/research
       meritocracy                                             institutes
     • Climate that rewards risk                            • Collaboration among
       & tolerates failure                                     business, govt, nonprofits
                                                            • High quality of life
                                                            • Specialized business
                                                               ‘infrastructure’
                                             ‘Hard’ vs ‘Soft’ Matter
The Silicon Valley Edge: A Habitat for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,Chong Moon Lee et al, Stanford University Press
‘Innovative Africa’
          • http://afrinnovator.com
            /book
          • Thank you

More Related Content

Similar to Silicon Savannah - Myths, Models Money (Mobile Web East Africa, Feb. 2013)

The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...
The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...
The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...Frank W. Spencer IV
 
Innovation in digital economy
Innovation in digital economyInnovation in digital economy
Innovation in digital economyColin Graham
 
Innovation Hot Zones in Asia Pacific
Innovation Hot Zones in Asia PacificInnovation Hot Zones in Asia Pacific
Innovation Hot Zones in Asia PacificEric Tachibana
 
Iact matt nemerson presentation
Iact matt nemerson presentationIact matt nemerson presentation
Iact matt nemerson presentationdouglaslyon
 
Developing Social Engagement Strategy
Developing Social Engagement StrategyDeveloping Social Engagement Strategy
Developing Social Engagement StrategyRod Brooks
 
Team no 46 pritish prakhar
Team no 46 pritish prakharTeam no 46 pritish prakhar
Team no 46 pritish prakharPrakhar Nigam
 
Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship
Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship
Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship ussourcelink
 
Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session
Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session
Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session Nahdet El Mahrousa
 
Rick smyre future of eship
Rick smyre future of eshipRick smyre future of eship
Rick smyre future of eshipussourcelink
 
Utr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnson
Utr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnsonUtr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnson
Utr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnsonIAU_Past_Conferences
 
Innovation and Collaboration in Job Shop Manufacturing
Innovation and Collaboration in Job Shop ManufacturingInnovation and Collaboration in Job Shop Manufacturing
Innovation and Collaboration in Job Shop ManufacturingBi-Link
 
NATI preso vfinal
NATI preso vfinalNATI preso vfinal
NATI preso vfinalronpiovesan
 
Tireless and Talkable Campaigns
Tireless and Talkable CampaignsTireless and Talkable Campaigns
Tireless and Talkable CampaignsRod Brooks
 

Similar to Silicon Savannah - Myths, Models Money (Mobile Web East Africa, Feb. 2013) (20)

IIT Academy - Masterclass - Beyond Agility
IIT Academy - Masterclass - Beyond AgilityIIT Academy - Masterclass - Beyond Agility
IIT Academy - Masterclass - Beyond Agility
 
The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...
The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...
The Age of Opportunity: The New Era of Innovation for Business, Technology, a...
 
Innovation in digital economy
Innovation in digital economyInnovation in digital economy
Innovation in digital economy
 
Future Workplace
Future WorkplaceFuture Workplace
Future Workplace
 
Hr roundtable 120323
Hr roundtable 120323Hr roundtable 120323
Hr roundtable 120323
 
Innovation Hot Zones in Asia Pacific
Innovation Hot Zones in Asia PacificInnovation Hot Zones in Asia Pacific
Innovation Hot Zones in Asia Pacific
 
Iact matt nemerson presentation
Iact matt nemerson presentationIact matt nemerson presentation
Iact matt nemerson presentation
 
Developing Social Engagement Strategy
Developing Social Engagement StrategyDeveloping Social Engagement Strategy
Developing Social Engagement Strategy
 
Team no 46 pritish prakhar
Team no 46 pritish prakharTeam no 46 pritish prakhar
Team no 46 pritish prakhar
 
Introduction to Exponentials Insights 2016
Introduction to Exponentials Insights 2016Introduction to Exponentials Insights 2016
Introduction to Exponentials Insights 2016
 
Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship
Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship
Rick Smyre - Future of Entrepreneurship
 
Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session
Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session
Nahdet El Mahrousa's Incubator Information session
 
Rick smyre future of eship
Rick smyre future of eshipRick smyre future of eship
Rick smyre future of eship
 
Job futures deck
Job futures deckJob futures deck
Job futures deck
 
Utr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnson
Utr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnsonUtr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnson
Utr. prog. thursd. wayne c. johnson
 
Innovation and Collaboration in Job Shop Manufacturing
Innovation and Collaboration in Job Shop ManufacturingInnovation and Collaboration in Job Shop Manufacturing
Innovation and Collaboration in Job Shop Manufacturing
 
NATI preso vfinal
NATI preso vfinalNATI preso vfinal
NATI preso vfinal
 
24 Hour Customer Launch Event
24 Hour Customer Launch Event24 Hour Customer Launch Event
24 Hour Customer Launch Event
 
The Millennials Enigma
The Millennials EnigmaThe Millennials Enigma
The Millennials Enigma
 
Tireless and Talkable Campaigns
Tireless and Talkable CampaignsTireless and Talkable Campaigns
Tireless and Talkable Campaigns
 

Recently uploaded

Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.YounusS2
 
Machine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdf
Machine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdfMachine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdf
Machine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdfAijun Zhang
 
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 WorkshopNIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 WorkshopBachir Benyammi
 
ADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
ADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDEADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
ADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDELiveplex
 
COMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online Collaboration
COMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online CollaborationCOMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online Collaboration
COMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online Collaborationbruanjhuli
 
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1DianaGray10
 
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )Brian Pichman
 
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptxCybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptxGDSC PJATK
 
Computer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and Hazards
Computer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and HazardsComputer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and Hazards
Computer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and HazardsSeth Reyes
 
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintEmpowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintMahmoud Rabie
 
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystemBird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystemAsko Soukka
 
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?IES VE
 
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCostKubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCostMatt Ray
 
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesLinked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesDavid Newbury
 
OpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability Adventure
OpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability AdventureOpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability Adventure
OpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability AdventureEric D. Schabell
 
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024SkyPlanner
 
Nanopower In Semiconductor Industry.pdf
Nanopower  In Semiconductor Industry.pdfNanopower  In Semiconductor Industry.pdf
Nanopower In Semiconductor Industry.pdfPedro Manuel
 
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...DianaGray10
 
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just MinutesAI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just MinutesMd Hossain Ali
 
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxBuilding AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxUdaiappa Ramachandran
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
 
Machine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdf
Machine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdfMachine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdf
Machine Learning Model Validation (Aijun Zhang 2024).pdf
 
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 WorkshopNIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
 
ADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
ADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDEADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
ADOPTING WEB 3 FOR YOUR BUSINESS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
 
COMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online Collaboration
COMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online CollaborationCOMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online Collaboration
COMPUTER 10: Lesson 7 - File Storage and Online Collaboration
 
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
 
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
 
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptxCybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
 
Computer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and Hazards
Computer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and HazardsComputer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and Hazards
Computer 10: Lesson 10 - Online Crimes and Hazards
 
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintEmpowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
 
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystemBird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
Bird eye's view on Camunda open source ecosystem
 
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
 
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCostKubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
KubeConEU24-Monitoring Kubernetes and Cloud Spend with OpenCost
 
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesLinked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
 
OpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability Adventure
OpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability AdventureOpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability Adventure
OpenShift Commons Paris - Choose Your Own Observability Adventure
 
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
 
Nanopower In Semiconductor Industry.pdf
Nanopower  In Semiconductor Industry.pdfNanopower  In Semiconductor Industry.pdf
Nanopower In Semiconductor Industry.pdf
 
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
 
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just MinutesAI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
AI Fame Rush Review – Virtual Influencer Creation In Just Minutes
 
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxBuilding AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
 

Silicon Savannah - Myths, Models Money (Mobile Web East Africa, Feb. 2013)

  • 1. Kenya’s Reputation as Africa’s Silicon Savannah Myths, Models & Money in East Africa’s Promised Technology Metropolis
  • 2. ‘Innovative Africa’ • http://afrinnovator.com /book
  • 4. “Nairobi is still in the ascendant phase of its hype cycle, so failures have tended to be overlooked. The impact and tech crowds share an interest in promoting a romanticized narrative that technology can solve Africa’s woes.” – Jonathan Kalan ‘The Silicon Savannah: Of Vanity Capital & Vanity Companies’ (Afrinnovator.com, 2012)
  • 5. “There’s hype and then there’s business… Not every mobile app is actually a company, nor is every techie an entrepreneur.” Andrea Bohnstedt, Not all are cut out for business (The Star, 2012)
  • 6. Myths & Money First, a little demonstration…
  • 7. “There were (and still are) grand hopes of super growth in technology based enterprise in Kenya by virtue of this [fiber optic]; this is not wrong; I think the only wrong thing is that it was assumed this would happen overnight!.” – Will Mutua ‘Stop Trying to be Silicon Valley’ – Afrinnovator.com, 2010
  • 8. Myths & Money • Some things simply take time: We can’t be ‘silicon valley’ all at once • Myths: Real, sustainable businesses will stand the test of time; the hype & fad will fade (If you haven’t check out Jim Collins’ ‘Built to Last’) • Money: It’s about efficiency, again with time, will bring reorganization - smart investments will attract smart money
  • 9. Models • There’s a whole section dedicated to this in my book. Top 3 lessons from studying China, Israel, SV ecosystems: 1. Top-Down vs Bottom-Up approach 2. ‘Soft matter’ vs ‘Hard matter’ 3. Ultimately – culture, culture, culture
  • 10. Habitat for Innovation • Favorable rules of the • Open business game environment/knowledge • Knowledge intensity sharing • High quality & mobile • Interaction between workforce industry & • Results-oriented universities/research meritocracy institutes • Climate that rewards risk • Collaboration among & tolerates failure business, govt, nonprofits • High quality of life • Specialized business ‘infrastructure’ ‘Hard’ vs ‘Soft’ Matter The Silicon Valley Edge: A Habitat for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,Chong Moon Lee et al, Stanford University Press
  • 11. ‘Innovative Africa’ • http://afrinnovator.com /book • Thank you