On my way back to Nigeria, after spending a few days on the streets of various counties collectively referred to as the Bay area, I had the chance to ask myself some deep questions.
When all is said and done, can this fast-paced, highly capitalist, egalitarian model where failure is celebrated and support is outstanding work in a country like Nigeria?
Following last week’s piece titled ‘Digging into the Silicon Valley model,’ I received feedback from a number of people. Some believe that the model can be replicated anywhere; others are of the view that it will never work here because of a number of issues.
Consequently, I have decided that today’s piece would feature the feedback of an avid reader of this column who has spent a number of years in the United States both as an entrepreneur and investor.
The Founder, Web Asset Limited, Kayode Aladesuyi, sent the following feedback on why the Silicon Valley model may not work in Nigeria. Enjoy it.
“First, I must commend you for a very nice report on Silicon Valley and a close look at the Nigeria tech space. It truly is a breath of fresh air to see interest and conversation around technology and the tech space in Nigeria as it seems the entire leadership group in Nigeria sees nothing but agriculture as the end all, be all for the next wave of economic development.
“In fact, no nation has risen to global prominence in the last century except through industrialisation and technology. Until we recognise same, we are in a conundrum. Human capital development in the 21st century revolves around technology; period!
“Cultural and behavioural differences are two of the challenges I see facing the development of the tech space in Nigeria among many others.
“First, one must discern the difference between the two types of innovators that make up Silicon Valley. There are those who innovate to change the world and those who innovate to improve the way we do what we already do. The question is whether our culture, behaviour and environment can accommodate either?
“There is a cultural negative view of failure in our society which contradicts the characteristics of innovators who change the world. Silicon Valley breeds fearless warriors who dare to risk it all. They engage in death defying sacrifices; they are visionaries. They innovate to change the world, not to make money; making money is simply a by-product.
“For those who innovate to change the way we live, the way we do business and the way we interact with each other, the colonial mentality which drives the — Finish Reading on the Punch
