Zinger Systems began as a business idea in the minds of a few
Cameroonian entrepreneurs. After they spent one year developing their
academic software and business model at Activspaces, a technology hub in
southwest of the country, they eventually launched their business and
now employ eight people.
Activspaces is a shared office space where designers, software
developers, artists and more can gather. "We've realized that many
enterprising techies work in isolation in Cameroon," said the space's
community manager, Al Banda.
"They're struggling to solve problems that have been tackled before. But they're trying to do this by themselves in these tiny silos. We think that by bringing people together, we're building a community centered around technology and pushing ideas together with a strong group spirit."
Someone who wants to join the community applies to the Activspaces board with their idea, which is then reviewed, and if accepted they gain access to workshops and help with gaining finance for their business.
"So basically we incubate initiatives - innovative initiatives," said Banda. "If one has a project which they feel can really be of impact to the community, they apply to active spaces with this project. We're basically just a hub where people come together and try to solve problems and build businesses out of these problems."
Click here to continue reading...SOURCE: Voice of America
