Making ‘big ideas' for Africa happen

The Planet Earth Institute (PEI), an international NGO and charity, will launch the ​PEI exchange during its ​#ScienceAfrica UnConference on 20 July​, 2017 in London. The PEI exChange is the first online matching platform for all individuals working and interested in Africa.

While Africa has long been the subject of fascination, there are few specialised websites for the sheer range of professionals working on the continent. The PEI exChange is a new website that aims to connect all people working in and passionate about Africa.

Based on user-identified criteria, including countries and regions of focus, industries, skills and experience, the PEI exChange provides personalised matches to help users make their ‘Big Ideas for Africa’ happen. These could include charitable projects, a new technology, a business plan, an academic collaboration or more.

Users will be matched with like-minded people who have the skills, expertise, and experience to support their projects on and for the continent. Once connected, the PEI exChange real-time chat function facilitates collaboration, allowing users to share contacts and expertise, build networks, and create interest-focused groups.

‘Big Ideas Map’

The PEI exChange also features a ‘Big Ideas Map’, which displays projects, initiatives, businesses, and collaborations happening in and for Africa. Users can post their own projects, follow and support others, and stay up-to-date with challenges and opportunities on the ground.

The PEI exChange will be unveiled during the PEI’s fifth #ScienceAfrica UnConference. Held under the banner of Big Ideas For Africa: Celebrating the Continent’s Science and Technology Pioneers, the UnConference aims to recognise the individuals and groups creating scientific and technological innovations that not only benefit  the continent, but also the world. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, including business, academia, policy and civil society. The UnConference will also be live streamed and people are encouraged to use the #BigIdeasforAfrica hashtag on Twitter to engage in discussion about science, technology and innovation in Africa.

Lord Paul Boateng, PEI chairman and trustee, commented, “The latest digital technologies are a powerful way of fostering collaboration among the many talented individuals working to further sustainable and inclusive development in Africa. As such, I believe that the PEI exChange will be an invaluable resource and community for people who are passionate about the continent. This online matching platform and project portal has the potential to revolutionise the way people do business and good in Africa.”