Non-Profit Crowdsourcing Tech Entrepreneur Centres at https://africahubs.crowdmap.com

Lusaka: 23rd February 2012: Using the power of social-networking, BongoHive Zambia is using the online mapping platform Ushahidi to build up an accurate picture of the fast-growing network of technology innovation and entrepreneurship centres across the continent of Africa.

The BongoHive dynamic, user-generated, online map is revealing just how many tech business incubation hubs have been set up around the continent: https://africahubs.crowdmap.com

By clicking on the red dots on the map of Africa, visitors to the website can discover more information about individual technology hubs that have already been mapped. By filling in a simple form visitors to the website can inform BongoHive of a new tech hub to add to the map.

“In just a few days we have already learned about 15 tech hubs in 13 different countries across Africa,” says Lukonga Lindunda, Co-Founder of BongoHive. “More reports are coming in every day. If we can get the message out there, with the help of Africa's technology journalists, our goal is to map 50 hubs before the end of the month”.

As Lukonga says: “Put your technology hub on the map by clicking on 'Submit a Report' and let us have the website and contact details of any centres missing from the map. This is a very positive story about Africa that directly contrasts the negative stereotyping of Africa as a continent dominated by poverty, corruption and hopelessness. The technology sector is booming in Africa and we want to support entrepreneurs and get the story out.”

The initiative came from an idea developed in collaboration with Tony Roberts (known as @phat_controller on Twitter). Lukonga Lindunda adds:

“We strongly suspect there are many other places in Africa where innovators come together in the way that we do at BongoHive and we wanted to use this innovative method to reach out to them and share learning and experience with them. There are a few centres like the iHub in Nairobi that have earned well-deserved acclaim, but we also suspect that there are many more out there that are unheard of and do not yet enjoy the same level of public awareness and support. We want to help them raise their profile.”

Visit the AfricaHubs website to see the mapping: https://africahubs.crowdmap.com