A prevalent misconception among many Africans is that technology and innovation began with Western discoveries and inventions. Our own traditional tools and ingenious creations are often dismissed as primitive, despite their relevance and significance.
This perspective not only diminishes Africa’s rich technological heritage but also perpetuates a dependency on foreign solutions. In truth, technology is an ongoing process of evolution, where new advancements build upon existing discoveries to improve lives and meet daily needs.
However, by clinging to Western ideologies of technology, we risk losing faith in our innovations and eroding the relevance of local tools that once defined our societies.
Africa has long been a cradle of ingenuity. From ancient weapons and war strategies to awe-inspiring architectural feats, the continent has demonstrated remarkable technological prowess. Today, we revisit some of these forgotten or overlooked innovations, exploring their functions, historical significance, and the factors that led to their decline in usage or acceptance.
Nsibidi Writing System – Nigeria
Long before the advent of modern alphabets, the Nsibidi writing system flourished among the Ejagham people of southeastern Nigeria. This ideographic and pictographic script conveyed complex messages and was used for communication, storytelling, and record-keeping.
The symbols, often encoded with sacred or secretive meanings, were carved into objects, painted on walls, or tattooed onto the skin. Reflecting an advanced understanding of visual communication, Nsibidi could have evolved into a robust system of literacy had it not been suppressed during colonial rule.
The imposition of Western education sidelined indigenous knowledge, yet Nsibidi is being revived today as a symbol of African intellectual heritage and cultural pride.
Akwete Fabric – Nigeria
The Akwete weaving craft, originating from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, exemplifies a deep understanding of textile artistry and cultural identity. Akwete fabrics are celebrated for their intricate, colourful patterns, traditionally woven for special occasions or as expressions of community pride.
These handwoven textiles represent both artistry and functionality, serving as cultural heirlooms. However, the rise of industrialised textile production has diminished the demand for handmade fabrics.
Although still produced in Abia State and a few other areas, the craft faces a sharp decline as younger generations show little interest in learning it. Revitalising Akwete weaving requires targeted efforts, including education, incentives for artisans and integration into global fashion markets.
Zenvus Precision Agriculture – Nigeria
Zenvus, a Nigerian startup, has emerged as a trailblazer in precision agriculture, blending traditional farming practices with cutting-edge technology. By employing sensors to collect real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop health,
Zenvus enables farmers to make informed decisions that enhance productivity and minimise waste. Despite its transformative potential, widespread adoption remains slow, hindered by limited awareness, inadequate infrastructure and high implementation costs.
Addressing these challenges will be critical to unlocking the full potential of precision agriculture and ensuring food security in Nigeria.
Africa’s First Electric Car Prototype—South Africa
South Africa made strides toward sustainable innovation with the development of Africa’s first electric car prototype. This vehicle was designed to address environmental concerns, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and demonstrate the continent’s potential to compete in global technological advancements.
Despite its promise, the project faced significant obstacles, including limited funding, a lack of manufacturing infrastructure, and insufficient policy support for renewable energy. While the electric car prototype remains an unrealised dream, it serves as a reminder of Africa’s capacity for innovation and a call to invest in homegrown technological solutions.
Katanga Aerotrain – Congo
In the 1970s, the Katanga Aerotrain was conceived as an ambitious transportation project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Utilising air cushions for propulsion, the hovertrain promised speed, efficiency and futuristic travel.
However, the project succumbed to political instability, financial constraints, and a lack of sustained support. The Katanga Aerotrain remains a symbol of Africa’s unrealised potential and a reminder of the need for stability and investment to bring visionary projects to fruition.
William Kamkwamba’s Windmill – Malawi
At just 14 years old, William Kamkwamba demonstrated extraordinary ingenuity by constructing a windmill from salvaged materials to generate electricity for his village in Malawi. His innovation gained global acclaim, inspiring millions and showcasing the transformative power of grassroots solutions.
Kamkwamba’s story also highlights the systemic barriers faced by African inventors, such as limited access to resources, mentorship, and institutional support.
Traditional Water Management Systems – Ethiopia
For centuries, Ethiopian farmers have relied on ingenious water management systems like terracing and irrigation canals to sustain agriculture in arid regions. These practices, rooted in ecological wisdom, reduced soil erosion, conserved water, and ensured agricultural productivity.
However, modern agricultural policies increasingly favour industrialised approaches, often overlooking these sustainable methods. Preserving and promoting traditional water management systems is crucial for combating environmental degradation and achieving sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia.
Makoko Floating School – Nigeria
The Makoko Floating School in Lagos, designed by architect Kunlé Adeyemi, was an innovative response to climate-induced flooding in the waterlogged Makoko community. This self-sustaining structure, built on the lagoon, served as a school and a symbol of resilience in adapting to environmental challenges.
Despite its eventual collapse due to inadequate maintenance and funding, the project remains an iconic example of creative urban design. Efforts to learn from and replicate such innovations could address the unique challenges faced by other vulnerable communities.
These examples remind us that Africa’s contributions to technology and innovation are profound and enduring. From ancient scripts to modern engineering feats, the continent’s ingenuity has shaped civilisations and addressed pressing challenges.
By celebrating and investing in local tools and technologies, we can reclaim our rightful place as pioneers of innovation, ensuring that the next generation draws inspiration from our rich heritage. Recognising the value of our past is essential to confidently charting the course for our future.
Many Africans wrongly believe that technology originated with Western inventions, often overlooking Africa's rich history of innovation. Technology is an evolving field that builds upon past discoveries, and by ignoring African contributions, there's a risk of losing local knowledge and becoming reliant on foreign solutions. Africa has demonstrated technological creativity from ancient times to modern-day innovations, like the Nsibidi writing system of Nigeria, known for its complex communication methods and suppressed during colonial times. The revival of such indigenous knowledge is crucial for cultural pride.
Other examples include the Akwete fabric, demonstrating intricate textile artistry from the Igbo people, now facing challenges from industrial textile production. Contemporary innovations like Nigeria's Zenvus in precision agriculture and South Africa's electric car prototype show Africa's potential in technological advancements despite facing barriers like limited infrastructure and funding. Projects like Malawi's William Kamkwamba's grassroots windmill innovation highlight the value of resourcefulness in overcoming systemic challenges.
Traditional water management in Ethiopia and the Makoko Floating School in Nigeria point to sustainable and adaptive solutions for environmental challenges. These examples collectively emphasize the importance of recognizing Africa's extensive contributions to technology, advocating for investment and support in local innovations to inspire future generations and address pressing societal needs.
