The U.S. Consulate General has urged African technology start-ups to develop innovations that would ensure good governance in the continent.
The U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Russell Brooks, gave the advise during the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) TechCamp Reconnect Workshop.
The YALI TechCamp Reconnect Workshop is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for International Information Programmes (IIP) and organised in partnership with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and the Co-Creation Hub (CCHub).
Brooks said that everyday there were evidence of the critical need for greater efforts in good governance in the African continent.
“’I am speaking of the need for better healthcare, more efficient transportation, better schools, improved sanitation and a healthier environment.
“’In other words, a better quality of life and a more prosperous lifestyle for the citizens of Lagos or cities like Lagos throughout the continent.
“’Unfortunately, finding lasting, sustainable solutions to these problems is hampered by corruption, the absence or misallocation of resources and simple mismanagement.
“We are counting on you! The task is huge but every journey must begin with that first step. Perhaps sometime in the future, someone will cite this TechCamp as one of those first steps toward finding solutions to today’s problems,” Brooks said.
The Director of Incubation Unit, Co-creation Hub, Mrs Damilola Teidi-Ayoola said that the use of technology to solve problems in Africa could not be overemphasised.
Teidi-Ayoola said that there was the need for startups to understand the importance of empowering others, as it would help to build the ecosystem.
She said that the hub was glad to partner with the U.S. government to see ways that startups would transfer solutions that would promote governance.