In a world where data and information reign as the new gold, one young man is on a mission to harness the power of technology to transform South Sudan. Meet Dau Atem Garang, a young African leader, civil servant, and the Chief Technological Officer (CTO) of Savvy Gorilla Technologies, a groundbreaking startup. In a captivating conversation, he shared insights into his journey, the role of technology in mental health, and his vision for a tech-forward South Sudan.
“Why the name Gorilla?” I asked. Dau’s response was both symbolic and profound: “Because it is black and only found in Africa.” With that, he set the stage for our conversation about harnessing technology to drive change on the African continent.
Dau passionately discussed how gaming and technology can positively impact mental health, especially for young men. He believes that utilizing these tools can address pressing issues in Africa. In his view, self-actualization and self-awareness among Africans are the keys to a brighter future.
For those aspiring to thrive in the IT world, Dau emphasized the importance of security skills, a deep understanding of operating systems, and strong people skills as critical attributes for success in IT systems administration. When it comes to the biggest security threats facing businesses today, Dau placed hackers at the top of the list. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding digital assets in an increasingly interconnected world.
Dau’s optimism shone brightly as he discussed the future of technology in South Sudan. He pointed out that even three-year-olds are becoming tech-savvy, a promising sign for the nation’s technological progress. To young people interested in pursuing careers in IT, Dau encouraged them to join the ranks, emphasizing that South Sudan needs all the IT talent it can get.
Dau’s favorite game of all time is FIFA, but as the CTO, his role extends far beyond the virtual pitch. When asked about his favorite aspect of being a CTO, Dau humorously remarked, “I get to make the decisions? lol,” underscoring the authority and responsibility that come with the role. Reflecting on his journey, Dau highlighted the importance of patience as the most valuable lesson he’s learned in his career. For the future of Savvy Gorilla Technologies, Dau hopes it will become a pioneer in advancing technology throughout South Sudan, leading the charge in technological innovation.
Gaming holds tremendous potential in South Sudan. With the gradual spread of electricity across the nation, more and more individuals, young and old, are embracing gaming. From smartphones to consoles, gaming is making its mark, promising a vibrant future.
Dau acknowledges that challenges such as unreliable electricity and its high cost in South Sudan hinder gaming industry’s growth. However, as peace takes root and the nation flourishes, the influx of youth from the diaspora brings fresh opportunities and an increase in awareness of gaming among the youth.
Regarding technology in education, Dau recognized its cost but stressed its potential to advance education significantly. He pointed out that embracing technology could help South Sudan keep pace with the information age. For instance, in addressing the ongoing issue of cattle raiding, Dau proposes the use of tagging technology for cattle, enabling individuals to easily monitor the whereabouts of their livestock. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligent (AI) in automating numerous government eServices, thereby optimizing the allocation of government resources for alternative purposes. These are just a few examples of the transformative possibilities that technology can bring.
Dau’s aspiration for South Sudan is one of prosperity, characterized by peaceful coexistence among the population, freedom from hunger, and an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation. They envision a society where all citizens are empowered to make positive contributions to their communities.
Savvy Gorilla Technologies, with the tagline “Be bold, be creative, Be Savvy’ provides a comprehensive service in graphic design and web design and development for businesses of all sizes. Their mission is rooted in the belief that technology possess the capacity to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and they are deeply committed to leveraging technology to make a positive impact on the global stage. For further information please visit: www.savvygorilla.tech