The U.S. Consulate General has urged African technology start-ups to develop innovations that would ensure good governance in the continent.

The U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Russell Brooks, gave the advise on Wednesday in Lagos, during the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) TechCamp Reconnect Workshop.

The YALI TechCamp Reconnect Workshop is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for International Information Programmes (IIP) and organised in partnership with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and the Co-Creation Hub (CCHub).

Brooks said that everyday there were evidence of the critical need for greater efforts in good governance in the African continent.

He said that there was the need for real solutions to some of the most vexing issues facing government in Nigeria and elsewhere.

“’I am speaking of the need for better healthcare, more efficient transportation, better schools, improved sanitation and a healthier environment.

“’In other words, a better quality of life and a more prosperous lifestyle for the citizens of Lagos or cities like Lagos throughout the continent.

“’Unfortunately, finding lasting, sustainable solutions to these problems is hampered by corruption, the absence or misallocation of resources and simple mismanagement.

“I am sure that your commitment and passion will lead you and your colleagues to share some best practices or identify technological innovations that will help in our quest to improve governance at all levels and ensure greater transparency and accountability.

“We are counting on you! The task is huge but every journey must begin with that first step. Perhaps sometime in the future, someone will cite this TechCamp as one of those first steps toward finding solutions to today’s problems,” Brooks said.

He said the American Consulate was pleased to host the YALI TechCamp Reconnect Workshop, which aimed to accelerate the development of innovative technology solutions.

The Public Affairs Officer said that workshop was to accelerate digital strategies for strengthening democratic governance, transparency and citizen engagement.

He said that the TechCamp had brought together 46 participants from 15 countries.

According to him, when former U.S. President, Barack Obama, established the Young African Leaders Initiative in 2014, he did so out of the conviction that the future of Africa is largely in the hands of its youth.

“In providing support to this initiative, the U.S. government has demonstrated its belief that real solutions to African problems can best be developed by Africans.

“To assist you, the State Department through IIP, has assembled a team of highly qualified trainers and experts who will help to bring out the best in you.

“These trainers have extensive experience from previous TechCamps held in Europe, Asia and in Africa.

“I understand that among these trainers and experts are some very accomplished Nigerians. That is fantastic!,” he said.

The Director of Incubation Unit, Co-creation Hub, Mrs Damilola Teidi-Ayoola said that the use of technology to solve problems in Africa could not be overemphasised.

Teidi-Ayoola said that there was the need for startups to understand the importance of empowering others, as it would help to build the ecosystem.

She said that the hub was glad to partner with the U.S. government to see ways that startups would transfer solutions that would promote governance.

(NAN)