Social tech ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This study presents the findings of a survey commissioned by three UK foundations on the ecosystems of ‘social technology’ (systems designed to promote social good) in sub-Saharan Africa. It paints a ‘broad brush’ picture of the ecosystems for technology innovation across the region, highlighting those ecosystem characteristics present in multiple national contexts. These include the arrival and spread of tech hubs; interactions with Silicon Valley models of innovation on; the outsize influence of telcos; the advent of social media bundles and absence of net neutrality; and implicit bias against Africans and racism in funding. The study draws upon a combination of desk research, participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 116 individuals in 32 countries in English, French or Portuguese.