What influence has Garage48 in Africa for local ICT communities

Garage48, the World famous development weekend finishes it’s year in South Africa, Johannesburg 2-4. December 2011.
Garage48 events have proved to be successful motivators among different ICT communities.

Richard was the local organizer for Garage48 Kampala in September 2011. He has seen how the event has changed and given meaning and motivation for ICT community in Kampala even within 6 weeks already.
Richard says “7 weeks have gone by since Garage48 first event in Kampala and still the IT fraternity here talks about how great the experience was. Garage48 event showed many in the tech community how possible it is to get things done in a short time once we put our mind to it. However, most importantly was how it showed Ugandans what the startup culture is all about and what it entails. Many of the participants learnt that it is not all about getting a prototype out there but developing it into a product and building a business around it.”
Gerald Odur, one of the participants of the event described the event “The event was awesome!! can’t wait for the next!!” Damian, another participant from the Somesha team went on to describe the event as “That is a step in Ug IT innovations and creativity. Make it annual for a chance to new ideas. Nice progress.”

Ragnar Sass, the founder of Garage48 says “Africa has been really interesting – the 4 events we have had so far are just awesome. Uganda and Kenya in September-October and Nigeria and Ghana in May – they all showed that we are offering the right thing. Most importantly participants saw and felt what it takes to make something work in so short time. Many of them have told us later that they did not know before that this is possible. Participants are always the most important – they are the ones who make the Garage48 event what it’s supposed to be. We offer them a place, mentors, keep them focused, encourage networking and a lot of work, but of course fun – creative startuppers need good jokes as well, then best things are born.”

For participants the registration is still open at www.garage48.org/johannesburg/registration

Garage48 Johannesburg sponsors are:

• Vodacom – pan-African mobile telecommunications company, and was the first cellular network in South Africa. Vodacom provides venue and catering for Garage48 Johannesburg.
• Google – the world leading online search engine and massive online instrument. Google is the Platinum sponsor for Garage48 Johannesburg.
• BlackBerry® – one of the world leading smart-phone and software providers. BlackBerry® is the premium Sponsor for Garage48 Johannesburg.