Hoping to reap the economic rewards of a digital revolution, several African countries aim to build their own versions of Silicon Valley. Is this a task better left to governments or to industry? Some nations believe they can grow their technology sectors by investing billions of dollars to erect cities complete with universities, laboratories and offices for start-ups and tech freelancers. Kenya's planned 5,000-acre Konza Techno City near Nairobi is projected to accommodate 200,000 people, create 100,000 jobs and generate $1 billion in economic activity each year when it's completed in 2030. Meanwhile, private players are setting up incubators and givingtech entrepreneurs workspaces where they can collaborate with one another and connect with investors.
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