Editor’s Pick: Tech Kidz Africa
Paul Akwabi travelled overnight from Mombasa to make sure he could pitch in the EdTechX Africa Ecosystem event in Nairobi. He was shortly announced the winner by an overwhelming percentage and has continued to find success since. Tech Kidz Africa is designed for students between 7–18 year, striving to connect the youngest African innovative minds with those around the world.
Why did you start Tech Kidz Africa?
Growing up in Kenya, I remember wanting to play with my aunt’s phone and other gadgets I could find around the house. However, my passion for technology was always discouraged by my parents. Unfortunately, this situation was not unique to me. In Africa, children have often pushed away from technological interests in hopes of increasing academic focus.
I didn’t let this stop me. Ten years later, while attending the Technical University of Mombasa, I came up with an innovative mobile platform which won a national award! Realizing my innovativeness was delayed, I decided to give kids an opportunity I never got when I was younger.
Tell us a little bit more about the product
Tech Kidz Africa is a technology academy for children between 7 and 18 years. We have customized robotic kits and curriculums depicting the African system in creative design thinking, coding, robotics and character development. We encourage children to come up with tangible products and then expose them to possible opportunities through local and global exchange programs. We have partnered with ‘Close the Gap,’ a Belgian organization that aims to close the digital gap by refurbishing computers and making lives better.
What are you looking to achieve next?
Firstly, we are looking to have more centres in Kenya and across the East African countries. We are also planning to complete our online platform, which will unite all tech-savvy teenagers and give them the opportunity for cross border collaborations.
What has been the biggest obstacle in creating Tech Kidz?
The biggest obstacle has been lack of access to computers. This is especially prevalent in schools and parents who are still not ready to embrace digitization.
Looking back to the day you founded Tech Kid Africa, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Since the founding of Tech Kidz Africa, I would remind myself that passion and persistence is the fuel for growth.
What piece of advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
I would advise entrepreneurs to push harder, be patient for results, and remember that more preparation will lead to increased efficiency.
What has the response been like since winning EdTechX Africa Ecosystem Event in Nairobi?
Since winning EdtechXAfrica, we have received more credibility were able to seal deals with few organizations and increased client trust.
What other regional markets/ecosystems do you want to grow into and why?
We would wish to grow majorly within East African, Central Africa and South African countries, and work in partnerships with coding schools throughout Europe, Asia and the UK.
Why should people be using Tech Kidz Africa?
Tech Kidz Africa aims to enhance social value through cross-border connections. Thus, it is amongst the few platforms teenagers can use to collaborate on innovative technology ideas across countries.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
We are connecting youngest African innovative minds with global minds to make the world a better place for everyone irrespective of culture, religion, and backgrounds.
