Start-Ups will develop not only in Silicon Valley: In Nairobi have settled in the past few years, countless young companies that are driving the digitization of Africa.
A normal residential area in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Hedges, Fences, And Clotheslines. The cry of the children from the day care penetrates into the small Garage.
However, here is not usual, but high-tech firms: From old computer parts, metal and plastic Roy Ombatti 3D printer builds. “A small Motor in a printer has a service life of 20 to 30 years,” he says. “The printer holds, but only for four years, then he will be brought here to Africa, repaired, and again for five years. Then I can use it still for many years in my 3D printer. So, he creates new value and helps people.”
spare parts from the 3D printer
the idea came to The 29-Year-old, when he studied at the University of mechanical engineering. He founded the company “AB3D”, which builds 3D printer for schools and hospitals, but also private companies, such as, for example, an office for architecture, prints: new products or spare parts in Kenya difficult.
The 3D printer is printing the products or spare parts that are get into Kenya otherwise hard to come by.
On this day, Ombatti is working on a medical device that looks like a small tube. What exactly the prototype is, he must not betray. Only so much: It will be used in a hospital. The 29-Year-old created the model on the Computer and prints it with one of his self-built devices. For the black tube of the printer is in need of a couple of hours, as a Material for recycled plastic is used.
Countless Start-Ups in Nairobi
How to build a 3D printer yourself, Ombatti searched from the Internet. The first printer he has to get help donated. “I like technology effectively in order to influence the lives of the people positively. And we make enough money,” he says.
Countless Start-Ups have settled in Nairobi. In residential areas, but also in so-called Hubs. In these centres, the new company will be offered technological support. Kenya’s capital is therefore also called the “Silicon Savannah”.
Digital progress “Made in Africa”
issues of the day at 22:15, 13.12.2018, Caroline Hoffmann, ARD, Nairobi
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