So I’m finally in a position where I can make the trip to Africa I’ve been wanting to make for most of my life, to write a book about technology in sub-Saharan Africa — the technology industry, but also how technology is evolving there and how Western governments and companies can help Africa develop its own technology ecosystem.
My loose plan is to orbit around two cities: Lagos, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya. Both are relative hubs of technology in SSA, but culturally and economically they are very different. Ideally, I would travel to rural areas near these cities as well, to see how technology could be introduced to make life easier for rural Africans.
My goal is to ask for USD$10,000. That might seem like a lot, but it’s a realistic number based on my financial calculations. Airfare from Las Vegas to Africa, even economy class, is very expensive, as are the necessary travel immunizations. I also need to be able to pay my bills while I’m gone, which are modest, and be able to afford to take time to compile and put the book together post-trip.
I’ve compiled an initial list of flex goals and perks below.
Flex Goals
- $12K — I will purchase a DSLR to do better photos (assuming nobody will let me borrow one).
- $15K — I will expand the trip to include Ghana and possibly Senegal.
- $20K — I will take a professional photographer with me.
- $25K — I will take a camera crew with me and film a documentary.
Perks
- $5 – Thanks in the book.
- $10 – Digital copy of the book (ePub, lit, pdf) + thanks.
- $20 – Limited edition digital copy with scanned notes, pics, etc. + thanks.
- $100 – Signed print-on-demand copy of the book + limited edition digital + thanks.
- $1000 – I will deliver a talk or consult with your organization or with you, either via phone/Skype, or in person (travel expenses to be paid by you) + limited edition digital + thanks.
My time limit for this is two months, which will give me enough time to prepare for the trip.
So what do you think?