Did you know technology is changing African education?

When attending conferences or reading papers on Africa, one of the key points in determining the future of the continent is education. Many organisations, charities and volunteer organisations focus on education in Africa as a way of developing the continent. Whilst there is a strong focus, there is still a lot of work to be … Continue reading Did you know technology is changing African education?

Did you know Africa is hacking technology to create new solutions?

As technology rapidly advances worldwide, Africa finds new uses for it. From the more illicit uses, such as internet scams that entwine themselves into African stereotypes, to the more positive innovations such as using mobile phones to support the health care system. I read this article about Africa's most innovative tech hacks, on the Guardian … Continue reading Did you know Africa is hacking technology to create new solutions?

Rat on a lead

Did you know rats are saving Africans from landmines and TB?

Rats! Deliverers of disease and scaring people on to chairs and tables for eternity. But now, we are beginning to realise their full potential to enhance our lives. Most of the headlines we see about rats are scary and provocative, aimed to enhance our fear. More recently, they have been found a useful in the … Continue reading Did you know rats are saving Africans from landmines and TB?

Did you know empowering African women helps prevent HIV?

HIV/Aids is a major global public health issue. So far it has claimed over 35 million lives and in 2015 around a million died globally from HIV related causes. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most  affected region, with around 25 million people living with the virus in 2015.  Although there is no HIV cure, anti retroviral drugs … Continue reading Did you know empowering African women helps prevent HIV?

Did you know South African Cows can be purchased through crowdfunding?

This morning, I read about a new crowdfunding scheme in South Africa on the BBC website. Instead of the next tech or innovation, using Live Stock Wealth, you can buy a cow! Technology meets tradition and becomes innovation! (I wonder why they didn't call it Cowfunding!) The system was born out of frustration. Ntuthuko Shezi, a … Continue reading Did you know South African Cows can be purchased through crowdfunding?

Did you know Uber created competition in Africa?

Getting around Africa is an interesting experience, to say the least! You have a few options including the private mini bus, the taxi and the motor bike taxi. If you are lucky, there will be a train, or a local airline. The mini busses are, in my opinion, by far the most fun. Although, sometimes, … Continue reading Did you know Uber created competition in Africa?

Did you know cooperatives could save Africa Agriculture

cooperatives in Africa are not a new phenomena. I came across quite a few cooperatives/collectives for various uses. There were teachers cooperatives, and civil servant cooperatives, and at first glance I thought that they were a great idea. These cooperatives enabled members to pool their money together and save for a rainy day. I have seen … Continue reading Did you know cooperatives could save Africa Agriculture

Did you know about MTN’s App of the Year?

It has been an interesting month in South Africa. MTN posted its first loss ever, with minus $357 billion appearing on the balance sheets, and the country voted for the ANC with less than the usual enthusiasm leading to them having their worst election results since the end of Apartheid. There has been some good news … Continue reading Did you know about MTN’s App of the Year?

Did you know about the AppsAfrica.com Innovation Awards

As you will have realised from reading past articles, I am a supporter of technology and innovation competitions in Africa. Not only do they encourage individuals to develop their ideas, they promote innovation and enable the rest of the world to discover the potential of the African tech sector. The Appsafrica.com Innovation Awards are once again open … Continue reading Did you know about the AppsAfrica.com Innovation Awards

Solar Lawn mower

Did you know about the Solar Lawn mower?

I am not sure how I missed this, but last week, the 2nd Nairobi Innovation Week took place at the University of Nairobi. The event showcases innovations in Kenya, creates a platform for innovation to be promoted and also encourages innovation policy discussion. The event was also attended by President Kenyatta, who has increased funding … Continue reading Did you know about the Solar Lawn mower?