Silicon Mountain: The Rise of Buea as Cameroon's Tech Hub

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Cameroon, Buea, a town about an hour from Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, has earned the moniker "Silicon Mountain" for its burgeoning startup ecosystem. This transformation is largely attributed to the presence of the University of Buea, the first anglophone university in Cameroon, which has become the bedrock of the town's tech evolution.

The Origins of Silicon Mountain

The story of Silicon Mountain began in 2006 when a group of young innovators, including Churchill Nanje Mambe (founder of Njorku), Fua Tse (founder of Zinger Systems), and Tata Cyril, created PassGCE. This website served as a community for students and examiners to share resources for passing GCE exams. Despite its initial success, government opposition led to its shutdown. Undeterred, these pioneers went on to form the Afrovision Group, led by Mambe, to offer web development services to local businesses. Sama Tanya, founder of Bequadi, noted, "Before Silicon Mountain, Cameroon never had a thriving group of young tech innovators."

Growth and Challenges

The term "Silicon Mountain" gained popularity after Rebecca Enonchong mentioned it at a Barcamp Conference in 2013, although community members had been using it informally for years. Despite facing significant challenges, including two internet shutdowns and regional conflicts, the community has remained resilient.

Early Development

Between 2006 and 2008, the University of Buea attracted some of the brightest minds in Cameroon, fostering an environment ripe for innovation. Key figures like Mambe, Colong Valery, Tse Fua, and Otto Akama moved to Buea during this period, establishing tech incubators like LimbeLabs and ActivSpaces, which were crucial in nurturing the burgeoning tech ecosystem.

The Influence of University of Buea

The University of Buea played a pivotal role in inspiring many students to pursue careers in programming and software development. For instance, Nyah Check, co-founder of GDG Buea, shifted from biochemistry to coding, later enrolling in computer engineering. Students often used cyber cafes to learn coding, exchanging free services for internet time. Otto Akama, MD of Makonjo Media, recalled, "In 2007, I enrolled at the University of Buea to study Mathematics and Computer Science. We mostly did Computer Science on paper, but I heard some students were writing real code. I wanted to be like them."

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The internet shutdowns of 2017 had severe impacts, forcing many startups to relocate temporarily. However, the community's resilience shone through. "We love Buea," said Akama. "I realized I loved Buea more than the internet. So we brainstormed ways to solve the internet problem rather than escaping from it." This resilience led to innovations like Zuo Bruno's SMS-based car tracking technology.

Why Buea Attracts Startups

Buea's appeal lies in its academic environment, proximity to Douala, and conducive climate for coding. The town's small size fosters easy connections and light traffic, while its location near Mount Cameroon offers a cool, pleasant atmosphere.

Future Prospects

Despite ongoing regional conflicts and political instability, the future of Silicon Mountain holds promise. Ecosystem players emphasize the need for venture capital to further develop human capital and businesses. Otto Isong, founder of AkwaJobs, remains optimistic: "Every ecosystem needs market, capital, and talent. At Silicon Mountain, we start locally but aim to expand across Africa. With more capital, 2019 will bring good news for us."

Silicon Mountain's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and community. Despite numerous challenges, its spirit of resilience and passion for technology ensure a bright future for Buea as Cameroon's tech hub