Five years ago, Hannington Mambo entered a bustling business networking conference armed with a revolutionary idea poised to reshape software development in Africa. Standing before an audience of investors, he detailed the architecture, features, and long-term potential of his innovative platform, FasterDev, designed to simplify software creation. Despite the ambition of his vision, many struggled to grasp its significance amidst the technical jargon, leading to a disappointing outcome for Mambo.
However, as he gathered his materials post-presentation, an investor approached him. While others overlooked the complexity of his proposal, this investor recognized its potential. This interaction marked the inception of a pivotal partnership that would help transform FasterDev into a thriving software enterprise catering to businesses across the continent.
Today, FasterDev stands as a testament to the capacity of African tech firms to develop solutions that resonate with local needs—streamlining software development to make it more efficient, affordable, and accessible for businesses throughout Africa.
Local Solutions for African Businesses
As digital transformation becomes a priority for businesses across Africa, many encounter persistent challenges, particularly in finding software that addresses their specific requirements without exceeding budgetary constraints. Custom-built systems can be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming to develop, while off-the-shelf solutions often cater to different market conditions, leaving local businesses underserved.
This is a dilemma Hannington Mambo understands intimately. Before venturing into software development, he cultivated a career in accounting, grants management, and humanitarian efforts, including tenure at Save the Children. As a self-taught programmer, he combined operational expertise with technical know-how, understanding that the difficulty in African software projects does not stem from a lack of talent but rather from an unnecessarily complex development process.
Motivated by this insight, Mambo teamed up with his brother and co-founder, Ramek Mambo, to create a solution that simplifies software development.
Transforming Software Development with FasterDev
Initially created as an internal development tool under the Mambo Software brand, FasterDev was designed to automate repetitive tasks that often lead to errors in software engineering. As the platform has evolved, its far-reaching potential has become increasingly evident. What began as a proprietary tool now functions as a standalone Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, open to developers, technology companies, and small to medium-sized enterprises throughout Africa.
FasterDev streamlines the software creation and deployment process, significantly reducing both costs and delivery timelines. The platform supports a range of applications, including accounting and financial reporting systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions tailored for institutions like schools and cooperatives (SACCOs), and business management software specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises across the continent.
By minimizing technical complexities, FasterDev empowers developers to focus on innovation, enabling businesses to access locally relevant software without the burden of high-priced imported systems.
Support from the Tony Elumelu Foundation Bolsters Mambo’s Vision
Creating groundbreaking technology requires more than technical skill—it necessitates access to capital, business guidance, and a nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2018, Hannington Mambo was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Program, receiving $5,000 in seed funding along with mentorship and access to a pan-African entrepreneurial network.
This vital support bolstered FasterDev’s organizational structure, heightened its visibility, and positioned the company for sustainable growth as it transitioned from an in-house tool to a commercially viable platform serving businesses throughout Africa. For Mambo, the program reinforced a belief central to FasterDev’s mission: that Africa’s challenges should be addressed by entrepreneurs crafting solutions specifically for the continent.
Addressing Barriers to Africa’s Digital Economy
While Africa’s digital economy burgeons, software development remains a significant hurdle for numerous companies striving to modernize. FasterDev aims to dismantle this barrier by accelerating software development and making it more accessible. The company has played a pivotal role in nurturing Kenya’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, creating skilled employment opportunities for software developers, technology leaders, and executives while fostering ongoing product innovation via a Software-as-a-Service recurring revenue model.
The advantages extend beyond job creation. Businesses across Africa can now access software solutions designed with local operational conditions in mind, sidestepping the high costs and lengthy implementation phases that come with imported enterprise systems. Through affiliations within the Small Business Network, Developer Community, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation Alumni Network, FasterDev has strengthened collaboration across Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Currently led by angel investor and CEO Amadou Chico Sissoko, the company embodies a partnership built on trust, shared purpose, and long-term commitment. Hannington Mambo continues to guide the strategic direction of FasterDev alongside his brother, whose technical leadership has been instrumental in the platform’s development.
Empowering Africa’s Digital Future from Within
For Hannington, FasterDev represents more than just a software platform; it epitomizes a broader vision to enable African companies to create world-class technology without reliance on imported systems or costly development methodologies. As FasterDev continues to expand, it seeks to establish itself as the premier platform for developers and businesses looking to create software efficiently and economically across the continent.
The future of Africa’s digital landscape hinges not solely on the number of technology enterprises it produces but also on the quality of tools available to these companies for innovation. Hannington Mambo is convinced that such tools should be built in Africa, for Africa. Through FasterDev, he is proving that simplifying software development can reveal new opportunities for businesses, bolster regional innovation, and empower the next generation of African technology entrepreneurs.
