Sygen Chronicles: From Classrooms to Code, Igniting Change

E mbark on a thrilling adventure with Tim Manguwo and Tony Chimzere, two visionary teachers from the vibrant city of Blantyre, Malawi, as they dive headfirst into an exhilarating tech journey that began in January 2020. While their days were dedicated to shaping young minds in the classrooms of a prestigious school, their nights were ablaze with the fervor of mobile app and software development freelancing as a side gig.

Within a few months, they began to notice not only the growing recognition of their side gig but also the significant technology gap present in Malawi. Fueled by the desire to make a tangible difference, Tim and Tony realized they were on the brink of something extraordinary. With each line of code, they weren't just building apps; they were constructing a brighter future for their community.

Motivated by the opportunity to make a broader impact, Tim and Tony decided to take their venture to the next level. In May-2021, they co-founded a firm called Sygen, with a mission to bridge the technology gap in Malawi. This new endeavor meant that Tony had to make a significant career shift; he chose to resign from his teaching position to fully concentrate on building and growing Sygen.

Tony's transition from the fast-paced university environments of Europe and Asia to the slower pace of life in Malawi caught him off guard. Despite his initial expectations, both he and Tim discovered that navigating the business landscape in Malawi required more time than they had anticipated.

The first project that they secured was from Rainbow Paints, while promising, the completion of the project faced unexpected delays due to the complexity of the project. Rainbow Paints had commissioned Sygen to develop a cutting-edge mobile app that would allow their customers to virtually paint building walls in real-time. Leveraging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, Sygen was able to successfully complete the mobile app. This project propelled Sygen to new heights and played a pivotal role in gaining traction for the company. Currently, the app boasts over 18,000+ downloads worldwide, a testament to its widespread popularity and the impact of Sygen's innovative solutions.

Sygen, founded by Tim and Tony, grew beyond just a firm, transforming into a lifestyle representing a passionate, youthful team committed to working ardently in the tech sector while actively seeking to make a positive impact in the community. Beyond the realms of business, Sygen became a holistic representation of the founders' values, merging a strong work ethic with a dedication to creating meaningful change. The company's identity seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of its founders, creating an environment where innovation, hard work, and a passion for positive transformation are not just business principles but integral aspects of a shared lifestyle. Sygen's influence extended beyond its operations, serving as an inspiration for like-minded individuals and contributing to the broader community's awareness of the potential for technology to bring about positive change in Malawi.

Sygen has made notable strides in its journey, currently boasting a team of seven outstanding staff members. Over the course of two years, the company has successfully delivered innovative tech solutions to prominent brands including Air Cargo Malawi, Amaryllis Hotels, Umodzi Park BICC, Rainbow Paints, among others. Additionally, Sygen has partnered with AppFarm, another tech firm, to develop cutting-edge technology for renowned companies such as FDH Bank and Standard Bank, among others.

In addition to their primary focus on developing apps for external companies, Sygen has diversified its portfolio by creating in-house applications. These include Sales265, a solution designed to assist with sales and taskforce management, and the Mitengo Tree donation app, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in Malawi. However, one standout initiative is the "Malawi School Guide," With over 5000+ downloads, the app streamlines the process of locating schools in Malawi and accessing information on available scholarships. This innovative approach not only highlights Sygen's technical expertise but also emphasizes the company's dedication to using technology for the advancement of Malawi, aligning with their broader mission to bridge the technology gap and make a positive impact in the community.

Looking ahead, Sygen envisions an exciting future filled with innovative app releases that will further solidify their presence in the tech sector and leave a lasting impact on the community. The company is poised to introduce cutting-edge innovative applications that reflect their commitment to addressing local needs and contributing to technological advancements in Malawi.

Additionally, Sygen is gearing up for a noteworthy event—their upcoming tech symposium titled ‘Tech Ignite: Building a Wakanda In Malawi’. This symposium will serve as a platform to showcase the burgeoning tech talent in Malawi, bringing together industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to celebrate and exchange ideas. By organizing such events, Sygen aims to not only foster a vibrant tech community but also contribute to the growth and recognition of Malawi's tech sector on a broader scale. The future looks promising for Sygen as they continue to push boundaries and make a lasting impact in the dynamic landscape of technology in Malawi.