For as long as I can remember, I’ve had big ideas. For the longest time, I lacked the means and skills to bring them to life — but now I do, and I will.
This is why I learned to code: I’ve always wanted to build. Not just another time-management app or a knockoff of some super app, but original ideas that create value.
However, I’ve come to realize that building (in terms of time and effort) is a luxury many, especially here in Africa, can’t afford. Since 2020, I’ve held demanding full-time jobs that left little room to upskill or pursue personal interests. Resigning and finally having time to focus on my own path has reignited my passion for my true purpose: creating value by building things.
Many others are trapped in situations that stifle their creative drive. As a society, this means the number and quality of startups and projects often don’t reflect the immense talent of the skilled developers and creative people around us.
This is why I built weAlign. It’s a platform designed to help African developers and creatives build and launch more projects by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to turn ideas into real businesses and scale.
More to come. 🚀
Sharing the Journey
The heart of this article is a reminder to myself: embrace building in public. I want to talk openly about what I’m working on and my preoccupations. Because community is access, and access is power.
I’m particularly inspired by an ex-partner from years ago who has gone on to achieve remarkable things in public, along with all the incredible people who build and launch things. Being visible about what we’re building might be the push someone needs to power through a blocker or tackle their next big idea.
Let’s share our journeys. Let’s build in public. Because you never know who might be watching, learning, and finding the courage to build alongside you.
Why It Matters
When we build in public, we’re not just sharing our progress; we’re creating a ripple effect. Each update, each insight, and each challenge we overcome becomes part of a larger narrative that others can draw strength from. It’s not just about showcasing wins but being honest about struggles.
There’s power in vulnerability. Imagine a developer, stuck on a problem late at night, stumbling upon your post about a similar challenge you faced and conquered. That moment of connection — realizing someone else has been there too — can be the difference between giving up and pushing through.
Building in public also holds us accountable. It’s easy to get lost in our own heads, doubting our ideas or getting stuck in endless cycles of perfectionism. But when we share our journey, we invite feedback, collaboration, and support. It’s no longer just about us; it’s about the collective energy of the community rallying behind a vision.
Looking Ahead
My journey with weAlign is just beginning, but I know I’m not alone. There’s a wave of talented developers and creatives across Africa with ideas that could change the world — if only they had the right support.
So, this is my commitment: I’ll build in public, not just for myself, but for everyone who’s ever felt their creativity stifled. I’ll share the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Because in the end, it’s not just about what we build; it’s about who we inspire to build alongside us.
If you like this article, want to learn more about weAlign or want to say please email me at nwangumat @ gmail dot com.
