ActivSpaces scouts for Cameroonian IT talent
The African Centre for Technology and Innovation Ventures Spaces (ActivSpaces), a Cameroonian technology start-up incubator, has commissioned a trial mobile digital caravan to improve access to technology in the country's most remote locations.
The 'Makerspace Mobile' initiative, which is primarily backed by the French Institute of Cameroon and Ascent Media, began recently in the economic hub Douala and is scheduled to run until May 3.
According to Steve Tchoumba, executive manager of ActivSpaces, the purpose is to find tech talent, pique young people's interest in technology and creativity, demonstrate the range of tech vocations, and encourage digital inclusiveness and local entrepreneurship.
The Makerspace Mobile is a 40-foot container that has been repurposed to provide young techies with collaborative work areas where they can learn, share ideas, explore, and bring their project ideas to life using cutting-edge technology.
The caravan, which functions as a mobile tech laboratory, is outfitted with a variety of maker tools such as laptop computers, internet access, 3D printers, laser scanners and cutters, Arduino kits, Raspberry Pi, virtual reality headsets, and soldering rods.
"This is a significant step forward in our efforts to promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology access in the most rural and underprivileged areas. Bringing technology to areas where it is lacking is our top priority," Tchoumba stated.