The Cape Innovation & Technology Initiative (CiTi) through the Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn is working in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism on a project to build capability and strengthen entrepreneurial technology solutions in the townships.
"There is an amazing problem-solving ability within township entrepreneurs and CiTi is committed to support township technologists to ignite some creative technology solutions," says CiTi CEO, Ian Merrington.
The focus area of the project is to support local tech startups, as well as neighbourhood development projects and initiatives, with technology solutions to challenges faced in the townships. While startups will gain exposure to international best practice, private sector investors will gain an opportunity to invest in the startups participating in the project.
"We will create platforms for tech startups to engage, share ideas, challenges and opportunities and collaborate on solutions that works," says Fezeka Mavuso, General Manager of the Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn, based in Lookout Hill.
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The first hybrid Round Table was hosted on 20 November 2020 at Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn with live streaming on Zoom and attended by community leaders, local economic development partners and government, educational institutions, business sector leaders and startups from various areas.
The focus of the Round Table was to get an understanding of the status, current challenges, potential solutions and support for tech businesses in the townships.
Key themes emerging from the session included:
Connectivity and access
Existing services and support not reaching the people and the scale required on the ground to make the impact we need
Safety and security of consumers and businesses within the townships
These themes will drive and focus the discussions at networking sessions and engagements going forward.
If you want to add your voice, complete the survey to give your input here.
Township Tech Networking Sessions
During December 2020 and January 2021, we will host a number of online and in-person networking sessions.
The fist networking session is planned for 10 December 2020.
