Did you know you don’t need a smartphone in Africa?

These days, smart phones run our lives! We can see where we have been and plan where we are going. We can shop on them, track our fitness,discover new music, watch movies, communicate across continents, control out money and even control the lights and heating in our houses. In Africa smart phone prices are coming … Continue reading Did you know you don’t need a smartphone in Africa?

Did you know you should go to Africa to experience African innovation?

When you tell people you have been to Africa, or a particular country in Africa, often the first question you receive is, “was it safe?” This suspicion over the continents somewhat negative stereotypes is not only inhibiting people from holidaying in Africa, it is also stopping investors taking time to travel down and understand first hand … Continue reading Did you know you should go to Africa to experience African innovation?

Did you know innovation is making African agriculture cool again?

Last week the Africa Food Prize awarded Dr. Kanayo F.Nwanze, President of the Rome-based International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in its inaugural event, for his "passionate advocacy in putting Africa's smallholder farmers at the centre of the global agricultural agenda." The African Food Prize  recognises an outstanding individual or institution that is leading the effort … Continue reading Did you know innovation is making African agriculture cool again?

Did you know in Namibia you can make free phone calls?

Africa has become the number one tech hacking continent, in my opinion. Innovation is not just about coming up with new technology, it is about reinventing old technology. We have seen it with William Kamkwamba, the boy that harnessed the wind in Malawi with his electricity providing windmill. As I have written many times before, … Continue reading Did you know in Namibia you can make free phone calls?

Did you know why Mark Zuckerberg went to Africa?

This week Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg has been visiting Nigeria and Kenya. As you would have seen throughout my writing, some of the most innovative ideas in Africa come out of these countries. It is surprising that this is the first time that Zuckerberg has been to 'sub-Saharan Africa' (I have learnt today that this phrase … Continue reading Did you know why Mark Zuckerberg went to Africa?

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?

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 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?