Written By Peter Akpejeluh
Despite all the stereotypical narratives flying around in the media about the black continent, Africa has continued to fly under the radar and has now become one of the technological frontrunners in the world. Sadly, many of the developments Africans pilot are widely unreported. If we do not tell our stories, foreigners will sell a half-story to us.
Some of the mind-boggling developments in Africa and by Africans over the last 3 years are highlighted below;
Drone deliveries
This is a new initiative for not just Africa, but the entire world – drone deliveries touched down officially in 2018. It has made medical supplies such as blood and vaccines readily available to somewhat inaccessible areas in record time. In fact, African Nations like Rwanda appears to be more visionary compared to parts of Europe and America where aviation regulations are very stringent. This initiative will spread to other parts of Africa in few years.
Solar Power in Communities
As at 2018, a South African startup company called The Sun Exchange put together a system that allows investments in solar panels to provide sustainable power for the people of the different communities. Epileptic power supply is now a thing of the past for many villages in South Africa.
Payments System
Africa has taken another giant stride in the direction of E-payments or virtual payment systems. With the introduction of Paystack, Karri and other payments systems, financial transactions are now easier and faster than ever.
Made-in-Africa Cars
Africa has always been a consumer and never a producer of many products, including automobiles. However, today the narrative is changing. There are over 10 cars manufactured in Africa and by Africans. The Kantanka (Made in Ghana), Innoson (Made in Nigeria), Kiira EV Smack (Made in Uganda), Mobius Motors (Made in Kenya), The Turtle (Made in Ghana), Wallyscar (Made in Tunisia), The Joule (Made in South Africa), Advanced Automotive Design SHAKA NYNA (Made in South Africa), Birkin Cars (Made in South Africa), Saroukh el-Jamahiriya (Made in Libya. It is said to be one of the safest cars on earth), Laraki (Made in Morocco).
Mobile Schools
In Kenya, due to the nomadic lifestyle of most families, there are now mobile schools where children can follow a well-structured academic calendar to fit into the schedule of the locals, who are mostly farmers and traders. This idea is unique because schools can be situated anywhere convenient. Camels (yes camels) are used to transport academic materials ranging from boards and books to other teaching aids. The impact of this initiative has been tremendous. Hundreds of children are been educated through this medium, and so they have a shot at greatness just like every other kids.
Rwanda – The Next Big Thing
Students of history should be well aware that in 1994, Rwanda experienced a genocide that left one-tenth of the population dead. Unlike most African countries, Rwanda does not possess a single natural resources. However, today that same nation is regarded as the technological hub of Africa. The 12 million populated nation boasts of smart city infrastructures and increased foreign investments. More than 96 percent of the nation has 4G/LTE coverage. Tech giants such as Google, Amazon and Facebook have sited regional headquarters in the land.
Africans Making Global Impact
A Nigerian-born, Adewale Adeyemo was announced as the first president of the Obama Foundation. He served as an ex deputy National Security Adviser for international economics. In fact, he was said to have helped USA tackle recession and also assisted in United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Furthermore, it may surprise you to know that Linux Ubuntu was developed by a South African named Mark Shuttleworth.
In 2018, 26-year-old Lagos Nigerian-born , Silas Adekunle was credited for constructing the first gaming robot in the world. He is also the highest paid robotics engineer in the world. Following the launch of the robot which garnered a whooping sum of $7.5 million, his startup Reach Robotics signed an exclusive deal with Apple Inc. to market the product throughout Britain and the United States.
You must have heard about the 5G revolution technology that is making waves in some parts of the world. Well, would you believe it if you are told an African is leading the groundbreaking initiative? A Nigerian by the name Yusuf Abdulrahman Sambo, an IT expert who hails from Kaduna added this feat to his sterling accomplishments. He also co-authored the first book in the world on 5G and Electromotive From Wireless Technology.
Did you know that one of the world’s deadliest disease, Ebola is now curable? Yes it is. This feat was achieved by a Congolese Doctor, Jean-Jacques Muyembe. Two drugs – Zmapp and Remdesivir, his team of medical researchers developed have been acknowledged by the World Health Organization and US National Institute of Allegy and Infectious Diseases to cure 90% of Ebola cases. The drugs were tested during the epidemic outbreak in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Please note that this article is just a tip of the iceberg as to the developments going on in Africa and by Africans. Development is a continuum.
While we do not deny that fact that Africa is bedeviled with enormous challenges, we as Africans must continue to write a positive narrative because if we do not, no one will do so for us.
Awesome as always sir…. I feel like an illiterate reading this things
Hahaha! No need to feel like that, good to know you learned a thing or two. 😀