OP here, happy to answer any questions peeps have on Nyaruka and our little journey.
You mention you have two young kids. What's the education system like in general for kids in Rwanda?
Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
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Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#22OP here, happy to answer any questions peeps have on Nyaruka and our little journey.
I asked this question the last time your little shop popped up on HN.
What are some other areas in Rwanda/East Africa that software is taking hold? It seems that many of the software projects are aiding NGO and the state, which is good, but in some respects it seems like the 'NGO' economy if you will is a bit artificial.
Could you give me examples of companies or ventures that are using software (or frameworks like yours) to build profitable software companies? What are the opportunities like?
This really interests me as I'm seriously considering moving to East Africa after I graduate (Tanzania most likely.)
Thanks and keep up the awesome work!
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#23What a super project this. It's braver than anything I'd ever attempt, I try to sweep my own street as much as possible but this is so far out of my comfort zone (starting with the climate) that I have nothing but sheer admiration for you.
For me, moving from Seattle to Kigali was all about just deciding to do it. After the decision was made it was far, far easier. I've got a wife and kids too. I think if this is something you want, just taking the plunge without thinking too hard about it is the only way it can really happen.
As for the climate, I can say that in Rwanda it is amazing. Pretty much beautiful weather every single day. It's near the equator, but at elevation. So it hovers around 80 degrees most days with a gentle breeze. It can get hot in the middle of the day, but not uncomfortably so. Rainy season brings torrential downpours for an hour or so twice a day -- which is always welcomed.
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#24I find it sad that a company based in Rwanda, primarily targeting East Africa, decided to use infrastructure owned by an American company and operating in the US. Did you look for an infrastructure provider that's more local? Maybe one of the European hosting providers, if there isn't a good one in Africa? (Note: I happen to be American. But that doesn't mean I automatically think that the whole world should use our…
What's the difference between an american provider and an european one from an african perspective? Neither is local. You seems to be putting all non-american countries in the same basket.
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#25What a super project this. It's braver than anything I'd ever attempt, I try to sweep my own street as much as possible but this is so far out of my comfort zone (starting with the climate) that I have nothing but sheer admiration for you.
For me, moving from Seattle to Kigali was all about just deciding to do it. After the decision was made it was far, far easier. I've got a wife and kids too. I think if this is something you want, just taking the plunge without thinking too hard about it is the only way it can really happen. As for the climate, I can say that in Rwanda it is amazing. Pretty much beautiful weather every single day. It's near the equat…
You've got me sold :) How old are your kids? (mine 1, 3 and 19...). If you want to make some quick money you should take out a life insurance on me just before I explain the plan to my s.o.
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#26What a super project this. It's braver than anything I'd ever attempt, I try to sweep my own street as much as possible but this is so far out of my comfort zone (starting with the climate) that I have nothing but sheer admiration for you.
No, no, that is the wrong takeaway! It is not a brave thing at all, that is the point I'm trying to get across. The end result may seem big, but it was from many small steps, no bigger than you are capable of. My advice, just take that first step, get involved in software taking place in the developing world, see what you can do to help. It's just a matter of small steps from there.
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#27What a super project this. It's braver than anything I'd ever attempt, I try to sweep my own street as much as possible but this is so far out of my comfort zone (starting with the climate) that I have nothing but sheer admiration for you.
No, no, that is the wrong takeaway! It is not a brave thing at all, that is the point I'm trying to get across. The end result may seem big, but it was from many small steps, no bigger than you are capable of. My advice, just take that first step, get involved in software taking place in the developing world, see what you can do to help. It's just a matter of small steps from there.
Right. But from where I'm sitting I see the end result of all your little steps and that end result blows me away. I know that you can do stuff like this (Emigrated to Canada, not exactly the developing world but you'd be surprised at the poverty there in some places, worked and lived there for 5 years to mixed effect).
The brave bit to me is to leave your comfort zone in such a decisive way. Feel free to disagree, I'll call you modest and brave ;)
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#28I went to Rwanda last year and it was by far one of the most beautiful countries I've visited.
Being a "Mzungu" ("rich" person- note I'm not really rich, but am compared to most Rwandans) was definitely something I didn't expect. For some reason, I had no expectations about class prior to going.
It's really cool that you started this company there and are looking to help Rwanda from the inside out. Good luck to you- if (when) I go back to Rwanda, I'll be sure to come check out kLab.
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#29Who needs cheese when you have an unlimited supply of matoke?[1]
Have you seen any positive changes in ICT ed from the Carnegie Mellon program[2] that started there?
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matoke [2] http://www.cmu.edu/rwanda/
Re: Building a Software Company in Rwanda, 3 Years Later
#30Earlier quoted context omitted.
For me, moving from Seattle to Kigali was all about just deciding to do it. After the decision was made it was far, far easier. I've got a wife and kids too. I think if this is something you want, just taking the plunge without thinking too hard about it is the only way it can really happen. As for the climate, I can say that in Rwanda it is amazing. Pretty much beautiful weather every single day. It's near the equat…
You've got me sold :) How old are your kids? (mine 1, 3 and 19...). If you want to make some quick money you should take out a life insurance on me just before I explain the plan to my s.o.
Kids are 7 and 9. But Nic is spot on above. It really is just a bunch of small steps except for maybe a biggish one to get started. Thankfully that's the only hard one. But ya, the other thing you can do is reach out to the folks in the region you are interested in and just see how you can get involved. Relocating may in the end just seem like a natural next step.
To be honest, Kigali is one of the easiest places to do this in Africa (if not the easiest) when looking at all factors, so we are bit spoiled in that regard. I was surprised, when talking this over with my wife she was on board right from the beginning and even moved here sight-unseen. So, I'm grateful for that. Having kids also adds the extra hurdles of finding schools and such, but nothing too difficult.