Tobias Eigen has been on my short-list of “people to talk to” for a couple months now. He has been working to change Africa for the better through the use of technology. That is why I was really happy to get an email from him today sharing some of the newest developments that are going on with his organization, Kabissa.
Kabissa has applied for $500k worth of funding for their new Kabissa 2.0 project with NetSquared. They are talking big ideas. They want to use their knowledge of web-based technology tools to train and help grassroots African organizations grow community, build awareness and facilitate massive change through local tech ambassadors.
I’ve always been a huge believer that technology will be one of the cornerstones for massive change in Africa. It provides the ability to circumnavigate inefficient and out-of-date government and monopolistic institutions. Technology has a way of lowering barriers to change and creating new opportunities for those who really want to see something happen.
Kabissa 2.0 is probably worth funding well beyond the $500k they’re asking for. If they can truly provide basic tools that promote African interaction and encourage growth through technology, then they have my support. I’d like nothing better than to see Africans leading this change in their own local areas.
Show your support for this project, and other projects related to Africa at NetSquared. Africa-related projects:
- Addressing Africa’s Problems Through Social Networking Sites
- The Nata Village blog. A unique opportunity to witness the battle to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in an African village
- Kabissa 2.0: Strengthening the Social Web in Africa
- Community-Owned Telecenter Projec t
