Jon Gosier facts for kids

Jonathan D. Gosier (born in 1981 or 1982) is an American software developer, investor, and someone who helps others (a philanthropist). He is known for his work in technology and for supporting new ideas.

CNN once called him one of the "Ten African Tech Voices to Follow on Twitter." Business Insider also named him one of the "25 Most Influential African-Americans in Technology." Jon was given a TED Fellowship in 2009 and later became a TED Senior Fellow. He also won an award for Abayima, a project that helps people communicate during disasters. In 2013, he was nominated as an "Innovator of the Year" for his work with a data company called MetaLayer.

What is Ushahidi?

From 2009 to 2011, Jon Gosier worked as the Director of SwiftRiver at Ushahidi. Ushahidi is a special software platform that helps people collect and share information during crises or important events. It's often used to map out what's happening on the ground. After his time at Ushahidi, Jon started his own big data company called MetaLayer.

Discover Appfrica

Jon Gosier is the founder and CEO of Appfrica. He started this technology company in 2008 in Kampala, Uganda. Appfrica, sometimes called Appfrica Labs, has done many things to help grow the technology industry in Africa.

The company has supported projects like Apps4Africa and HiveColab. They also created QuestionBox, a system that helps people get answers to their questions. Appfrica even helped Google Africa translate its website for people in Uganda.

Learn About Apps4Africa

Jon Gosier was one of the people who helped create Apps4Africa. This program helps new technology ideas from Africa grow and succeed. Apps4Africa started with a series of challenges. These challenges were sponsored by Appfrica and the U.S. Department of State.

The main goal of Apps4Africa is to find "African solutions to African problems." It does this by giving awards to African technologists. These technologists create inventions that can help society. The competition asks people across Africa to share local community problems. These problems can be about things like good government, health, or education. The project began in late 2009. It was a partnership between Appfrica and the U.S. Department of State. This was part of President Barack Obama's plan to use modern tools in diplomacy.

Southbox Entertainment

Jon Gosier started Southbox Entertainment in 2017. In September 2019, Southbox Entertainment announced its official launch in Atlanta. This company aims to provide money and support for filmmakers and TV producers.