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Changing the Game: by Providing a Human Touch in the Digital World

Changing The Game: By Providing A Human Touch In The Digital World &Raquo; Gamechanger Game

E-Bantaba’s mission is to reduce Gambian youth unemployment and vulnerability to economic migration by providing digital working and learning centers and AI and other software training.

As CEO/ReImaginator for 360° Nation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to get better acquainted with Chris Ward, Founder of E-Bantaba, geared to empower rural communities in the developing world through digital inclusion and leverage AI and Generative AI and other technologies for sustainable economic Growth. Learn more as you enjoy my recent interview with Chris below.

We’d like to hear about your professional journey before E-BANTABA  

My professional career began in information Technology in 1980 with Exxon in Canada, managing digital telephone systems. In the 1990s, I became a consultant. A notable project was implementing and operating inbound call centres for the Canadian Department of Justice and the Long Gun Registration program. After several US contracts in voice and data optimization, I joined a socio-economic project in The Gambia from 2002 to 2004, teaching free computer classes sponsored by the Bahai. These classes helped individuals secure Employment in various sectors. 

In 2004, I returned to Canada and re-entered the corporate world, working in Information Technology and later in SAP Managed Services, managing a global SAP Operations team. After early Retirement in 2019, I resumed consulting and became a serial entrepreneur, founding several businesses, including Good Origine, a maker of dry powder superfood mix. Good Origine continues to thrive, with my son as CEO. 

Tell us about E-BANTABA and the inspiration behind it.  

…According to Statista, in 2023, it was estimated that 3,105 migrants died while crossing the Mediterranean Sea. As of October 2024, 1620, casualties were recorded. However, the Changing The Game: By Providing A Human Touch In The Digital World &Raquo; Ebantaba 500X281 1accurate number of deaths recorded in the Mediterranean Sea cannot be ascertained. Between 2014 and 2018, for instance, about 12,000 people who drowned were never found. 

E-Bantaba was inspired by a conversation I had with my former karate sensei along with another student of my computer class they told me about the many people who were fleeing The Gambia as economic migrates who were paying human traffickers to bring them first to Libya and then on to a perilous journey across the Mediterranean.  

What is the purpose/point of it all?  

E-Bantaba was born with the purpose and intention to create electronic meeting places in the villages in rural and semi-rural regions in underdeveloped communities. Our first being in the Western Region of the Gambia. E-Bantabas will provide a shared internet infrastructure and software training for youth to study, work remotely, and create Small Businesses. This will enable youth to further their Education and or establish their place in the digital global Economy. 

When did you/will you launch and what’s been the biggest challenge?  

We are planning to launch our first E-Bantaba in February 2025 and our biggest start-up challenges are access to reliable high-speed internet and raising the start-up capital investment. 

Any noteworthy surprises or ‘A-ha’ Moments along the way?  

The biggest surprise was while we were in the planning stage the daughter of my Gambia partner unknown to him tried to make the “perilous journey” to Europe. Approximately nine hours at sea the boat’s main outboard engine broke down and they were able to make it back. This created the motivation to accelerate the start-up 

Describe your typical day presiding over E-BANTABA  

The typical day now is spinning up the website and social media as well as modifying the first foundation course called Ai Future Proofing Your Job. 

What about your impact/outcomes?  

  • Reduced youth migration 
  • Lives saved 
  • Economic empowerment 
  • Gender equality participation  
  • Enhanced digital literacy 
  • Community development 

What’s the next big thing/challenge for E-BANTABA?  

By establishing strategic partnerships, we can find job opportunities for our graduates. Additionally, they would create paid internships to help them expand their skills and gain valuable experience, enhancing their employability. 

As an entrepreneurial professional, what’s non-negotiable for you?  

The majority owners of all E-Bantabas will be local and that they are financially independent and sustainable   

How can our readers learn more about E-BANTABA?  

BONUS QUESTION: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you and each of your Founders? 

  • Muhammed Camara migrated to the US 14 years ago as a political refugee as the former government accused him the secretary general of the Gambia Karate Association of planning the overthrow of the government. 
  • Lamin Bayo is a father who was the first in his family to attend university and his eldest daughter graduated from Teachers College and his next oldest daughter has been admitted and is now studying at University of The Gambia. 
  • Chris Ward unretired after failing to train my dogs in Jamaica to run the cows and goats out of the yard, who were eating our plants and eating our mangoes directly from the trees.

Originally Published on https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/author/dennisjpitocco/

Dennis Pitocco Chief ReImaginator of 360° Nation

Dennis is the founder and CEO of 360° Nation, a multifaceted media enterprise promoting global positivity. In collaboration with his wife Ali, who serves as Chief Inspiration Officer, Dennis oversees several successful ventures; BizCatalyst 360°–an award-winning global media platform; 360° Nation Studios –producer of uplifting content and events, and; GoodWorks 360° –a pro bono consulting service for nonprofit organizations worldwide.

For over a decade, Dennis and Ali have pursued a mission to illuminate the finest aspects of humanity and leverage their resources to effect daily positive change worldwide. Their operational philosophy emphasizes presence, compassionate service, and the allocation of time, talents, and resources for societal benefit rather than solely for profit. As a contributing author to multiple best-selling books, Dennis is committed to fostering transformational change and promoting holistic wellness.

Dennis and Ali strive to exemplify responsible stewardship while influencing and showcasing humanity's highest potential. Their work reflects a dedication to ethical business practices, community engagement, and the belief that media can be a powerful force for good in the world.

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