Silicon Savannah – Africa’s growing tech scene attracting investors

A handful of companies are assembling low-cost mobile handsets as more Africans swap basic phones for Internet-ready smartphones and tablets, but most hardware is still imported.

Internet usage is still relatively low – though increasing rapidly, with only about one in five Africans having access as many are constrained by lack of electricity, broadband or devices.

One Kenyan start-up, Ushahidi, is attempting to bridge that gap with a hardy portable Internet router made for hot and dusty African conditions.

Known as the BRCK, the router will cost just under US$200 and charge off car batteries, solar panels or mains electricity. Its battery can run for at least 8 hours, essential in a region with frequent power outages.

Source: Reuters

Pages: 1 2 3