Africanian News: From Africa, by Africans, for Africans, and friends of Africa.
As part of our ongoing series of insightful conversations with AfriLabs board members, we had the privilege of sitting down with Steve Tchoumba, an accomplished entrepreneur and key figure in Cameroon’s vibrant tech entrepreneurial ecosystem. Currently serving as the AfriLabs Board Secretary and the Executive Director of ActivSpaces in Cameroon, Steve shares his perspectives on fostering innovation, the evolution of tech entrepreneurship in Cameroon, and the role of AfriLabs in shaping the continent’s tech landscape.
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Africanian News: Steve, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you provide a brief overview of your role as the AfriLabs Board Secretary and your responsibilities in shaping the direction of tech innovation on the continent?
Steve Tchoumba: Certainly, it’s my pleasure to be here. As the AfriLabs Board Secretary, my role involves overseeing and coordinating the administrative functions of the board. This includes maintaining accurate records of meetings, ensuring effective communication among board members, and supporting the organization’s governance processes. Alongside this, my position as the Executive Director of ActivSpaces allows me to actively contribute to fostering innovation and supporting tech startups in Cameroon.
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Africanian News: That’s impressive. Can you share your perspective on the evolution of tech entrepreneurship in Cameroon and how initiatives like ActivSpaces are contributing to this growth?
Steve Tchoumba: Absolutely. Over the years, we’ve witnessed a significant evolution in the tech entrepreneurial landscape in Cameroon. There’s a growing recognition of the potential within our youth and a surge in innovative ideas. ActivSpaces plays a crucial role by providing a conducive environment for startups to ideate, collaborate, and grow. Our programs focus on mentorship, capacity building, and creating networks that empower entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of the industry.
Africanian News: How do you see AfriLabs contributing to the broader narrative of tech innovation in Africa, and what impact do you hope it will have in the coming years?
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Steve Tchoumba: AfriLabs serves as a unifying force for tech hubs and innovation centers across Africa. It provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective problem-solving. I envision AfriLabs playing a pivotal role in amplifying the continent’s innovation ecosystem, fostering partnerships, and positioning Africa as a global tech player. In the coming years, I hope to see increased synergy among hubs and a thriving environment for startups to scale and succeed.
Africanian News: Looking ahead, are there any exciting developments or initiatives in Cameroon’s tech scene that you would like to highlight?
Steve Tchoumba: Cameroon’s tech scene is buzzing with energy, and we have several exciting initiatives on the horizon. We’re witnessing a surge in local innovations, especially in sectors like fintech, agritech, and healthtech. Additionally, collaborative efforts between hubs, government bodies, and private sectors are creating a conducive ecosystem for tech-driven solutions to thrive.
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Africanian News: That’s fantastic to hear. Before we conclude, is there any message or advice you would like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in Cameroon and across the continent?
Steve Tchoumba: My message would be one of encouragement and resilience. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Seek mentorship, build strong networks, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. The future of African innovation is in our hands, and by working together, we can achieve remarkable feats.
Stay tuned for more engaging conversations with AfriLabs board members, where we delve into the dynamic landscape of tech innovation across Africa.