Photo: Shutterstock
Recently, I have been intrigued to see how parts of this great continent are beginning to take up the mettle and make a mark when it comes to technology prowess, particularly, the platform economy.
We might still not have created the likes of Google, Facebook, Whatsapp, but our foray into M-Pesa, the platform that has come to define the era of mobile money in Africa and many other innovations, demonstrates that it won’t be long before the continent enters the ranks of producing a global platform of note.
I have been clamoring for a company to originate from Africa that creates games for the people of Africa and of course the world. Gaming is the way one can express how their culture is reshaped and changes over a period of time - Chopup is one such tech platform.
Chopup is the brainchild of two youngsters in Nigeria, who have chased their dream to make sure African games like their peers around the world have a voice and more importantly, the people of this continent can also enjoy games that are made in their own circumstances.
These games that are created use the environment and caricature of the bustling energies of Lagos particularly the Yellow Combies, which pry commuters from one part of the city to the rest.
To get their creation going, these youngsters arranged gaming challenges at different universities across Nigeria, taking a cue from the playbook of the forerunner of the social media, Facebook.
These youngsters have won accolades about their growing creation in gaming and continue to learn and aspire to take their games across the continent and world.
Recently, their games have been uploaded into the gaming portals of MTN, Etisalat and Huawei and are slowly making their way across the continent.
The journey of these two youngsters is still in its infancy, but the steps taken shout of a growing tech future as attested by the recent visit by Mark Zuckerberg to Nigeria and Kenya
*YPO is a global community of chief executives dedicated to becoming Better Leaders through Lifelong Learning and Idea Exchange.TM We create trusted spaces where leaders gather, connect, share and grow. The YPO platform provides more than 24,000 members in more than 130 countries – representing diversified industries and types of businesses – with access to extraordinary educational opportunities, alliances with leading institutions, and interest-based communities to support their businesses, communities and families. For more information, visit ypo.org .
Author :Magnus Mchunguzi, Director Kwanza Group and YPO member*
For CNBC Africa
West African Gaming Expo (WAGE) is the first and only technology conference and exhibition in West Africa focusing on animation, video, mobile games and related products.
WAGE provides the best, brightest, and most innovative professionals in the interactive entertainment industry with publicity and media exposure, product and service sale opportunity, networking opportunity with leading-edge companies and end users.
A fun educational event consisting of Conference talks, Hackathons, Workshops / tutorials , Exhibition, Esport Competitions, Tournaments, Giveaways, Product launch and brand activation opportunities.
WAGE connects you with both new and existing partners and provides unprecedented exposure to emerging markets. WAGE is where new worlds of the interactive entertainment industry are inspired.
Please note the WAGE conference is open to all attendees
Please note the WAGE conference is open to all attendees
Stand out from the crowd and improve your chances of landing that dream job by becoming a Unity Certified Developer.
Validate your Unity knowledge and skills and earn a credential to help build your resume and communicate your skills to employers.
Come and speak with the professionals, see courses avaialbe at Bournmeouth University for students interested in gaming and animation.
Looking for a Job in Gaming and Animation, bring your CV and portfolio to WAGE 16 and meet the employers directly.
Listen to Joost Jetten Interntional Business Development Manager at Logitech introduce attendees to Logitech Gaming Devices.
UNITY will be hosting 2 conference sessions. Any one interested in developement or Animation creation should not miss this sessions.
Are you the best FIFA player in the region. Why not come along and take part in WAGE 16 FIFA 17 tournament. Over N100 000 to be won
This is a pane session hosted by Vortex, This panel will include speakers such as Ibrahim Ganiyu, Ayodele Elegba, Somto Ajuluchukwu, Tobechukwu Nwakere, Edu Shola. They are set to Showcase PAPA Ajasco Animated series, Spirit Wars (Mobile PC Fighting Games) and Many more
Come along as Ultima Limited takes us on a journey of how they created the WWTBAM APP. Listen to their story of what they had to do to get it right. Dont miss the chance to take part in the WWTBAM APP tournament and win BIG
Lagos based Indie Game company, launches their first game THRONE OF GODS. Throne of Gods is an epic fighting game based on African mythology.
Are you the best Mortal Kombat player in the region. Why not come along and take part in WAGE 16 Mortal Kombat tournament. Over N100 000 to be won