Africa needs a Facebook for its entrepreneurs to be inspired.

There are lots of positive technology stories that are emanating from Africa. Mobile money transfer is perhaps the biggest of them all. However, there are lots of African start-ups that are doing lots of amazing things. They are creating apps that are helping to solve everyday local problems. However, for Africa to grow its technology space rapidly, it needs one or two hugely successful entrepreneurs that will make their mark in the global scene. This is why Africa needs a Facebook, Google, or Twitter.

First, it will assure Africans that they don't have to travel outside the continent in order to succeed. The continent has many budding entrepreneurs, and what's needed is to make these entrepreneurs realise that they have all the ingredients to succeed in their home countries rather than travelling abroad. A Facebook from Africa will attract many potential investors, who will back businesses which are still in the idea stage. A Facebook from Africa will also tell the rest of the world that there are exciting opportunities that are in Africa, and this will create a self sustaining ecosystem, much like Silicon Valley was able to grow fast simply because of the success of the first few companies.

Secondly, a Facebook from Africa will force African governments to take the appropriate steps and ensure that they avail the right ingredients for the tech scene in Africa to succeed. The continent does not have the
necessary framework like intellectual property laws, access to investors and funding, and opening up of markets.

Thirdly, once a Facebook emanates from Africa, the innovative young Africans will see that it is possible to become rich through the entrepreneurship route, and one doesn't need to be employed in a blue chip company in order to succeed. This will create more room for the 'go getter' entrepreneurs who will want to ensure that they succeed in every way possible, and make their mark in Africa.