As the world faces a global pandemic crisis, we are more than ever faced with basic hygiene precautions that have been disregarded. With over 200,000 cases, over 8,000 deaths and the recovery of over 82,000 people worldwide, the rapid spread of the virus is not only affecting the health sector but also the economic sector. Today, Nigeria recorded 8 confirmed cases after previous test results by suspected cases showed negative. This is not to cause any fear, rather it points to the fact that beyond the health sector, there is more that can be done to stop the spread of the virus.
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Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes while this may have been reduced to programming, coding or software development, technology usually involves a combination of skill(s), collaboration between stakeholders and professionals so as to apply such knowledge in practical ways.
One of the Nigerian organizations largely in support of the growth of startups in the country is Ventures Platform. Since its launch in 2016, it has actively found, funded and supported innovative companies to solve the myriad of Africa’s problems. In four years, it has invested in over 25 startups in the field of financial services, healthcare, agricultural services, education, big data and Internet infrastructure.
Thus far, it has made 28+ investments, sponsored 50+ programmes, supported 2000+ entrepreneurs, and created 17,000+ jobs across Africa. Some of its portfolio companies include Paystack, Tizeti, PiggyVest, Migo, Printivo, Kudi, ThriveAgric, ThankU Cash, Seamless HR, Reliance HMO, Kudi, Trove and several others.
Initially starting as a startup accelerator program, Venture Platform has grown to be one of the top Venture Capital investor in Nigeria and Africa, providing capital via VP-Fund, supporting communities of innovators via Venture Spark, and building capacity through VP-Impact
In a tweet by Kola Aina of Ventures Platform, he announced a financial intervention aimed at providing technology support for the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control). He announced a call for Nigerian hackers, developers, enthusiast and founders to collaborate together with the Director General of NCDC.
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This support is in the form of workspace, mentorship and a $1000 grant for the first 5 projects that receive approval from NCDC to launch.
The apps or projects will be around reporting, tracing, tracking or anything else that helps the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) fight against COVID-19.
How to Apply
- Send your ideas to Ventures Platform mail at hello@venturesplatform.com or
- Reply to the tweet on Kola Aina’s twitter page and tag @mo_felata on the same channel.
Now is not the time to panic, rather it is the time to rethink healthy precautions that are necessary to sustain health while also thinking strategically of ways you can be a part of the change you want to see through your tech skills.
I will leave you with this quote by Margaret J.
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.“
-Margaret J.
Featured Image Source: TVC News
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