Editorial
10 AFRICA EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES YOU MUST KNOW [ 2024 List]
Africa is experiencing a remarkable transformation, fueled by a surge in innovation and a youthful, tech-savvy population. This article delves into 10 emerging technologies that are making significant strides across various sectors on the continent. From Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered writing assistants to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, these advancements are not only addressing local challenges but also fostering economic growth and development.
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1. LexiGenius: Empowering African Voices through AI-powered Writing
Launched in September 2023, LexiGenius is an AI-powered web tool designed with user-friendliness in mind. Catering to the needs of writers, students, and professionals, it offers a comprehensive suite of features. Real-time grammar and style suggestions ensure clarity and professionalism in writing. Creative assistance empowers users to explore different writing styles, fostering a unique voice. Additionally, LexiGenius streamlines the writing process, allowing users to complete tasks more efficiently.
The multilingual capabilities of LexiGenius hold immense potential for education, communication, and inclusivity across Africa. With support for languages like Arabic, French, and Chinese, it caters to the continent’s diverse linguistic landscape. Students in regions with limited access to quality education can leverage LexiGenius to enhance their writing skills and understanding of complex concepts. Furthermore, for non-native speakers, LexiGenius can bridge the language gap, promoting greater access to information and opportunities. However, maximizing its impact requires addressing challenges like limited mobile network coverage, unstable electricity supply, and potential reading illiteracy.
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2. BasiGo: Electrifying Kenya’s Transportation Landscape
In May 2023, BasiGo marked a significant milestone with the introduction of Kenya’s inaugural public fast-charging station for electric buses. This initiative directly addresses concerns about charging infrastructure, a crucial barrier to electric vehicle adoption. BasiGo leverages Kenya’s abundant renewable energy resources to provide cost-effective charging solutions, promoting a sustainable shift in the transportation sector. By making electric vehicles a more viable option, BasiGo not only contributes to environmental protection but also fosters the growth of Kenya’s electric vehicle industry. The planned expansion of the charging station’s capacity by the end of 2024, enabling it to charge up to 25 vehicles simultaneously, signifies a commitment to large-scale adoption of electric vehicles. This development has the potential to serve as a model for similar e-mobility projects in other African countries, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future across the continent.
3. Max iT: A Super-App Revolutionizing Digital Inclusion
Max iT, launched in November 2023, is a super-app designed to simplify daily life and bridge the digital divide in Africa. Developed by Orange specifically for the African market, it integrates telecommunications, financial technology (fintech), and e-commerce into a single, user-friendly platform. Max iT aims to provide accessible financial services and e-commerce opportunities, while simultaneously bolstering local digital economies.
Initially available in five African nations (Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, and Senegal), the app offers features like managing mobile and fixed lines, facilitating payments, and enabling mobile money transfers. Positioned as a one-stop shop, Max iT prioritizes user-friendliness, inclusivity, and customization. This comprehensive approach has the potential to revolutionize Africa’s digital landscape, streamlining daily routines and empowering users. The platform’s scalability is expected to foster further innovation within the tech sector, promote partnerships between established businesses and local entrepreneurs, and catalyze additional economic growth. However, overcoming challenges related to affordability, data security, local adaptation to diverse needs across the continent, mobile network coverage, and overcoming issues like electricity instability and potential governmental corruption will be crucial to unlocking its full potential.
4. FlexiGyn: Transforming Women’s Healthcare in Underserved Communities
FlexiGyn is a portable gynecological device designed to transform women’s healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities across Africa. Co-created by Edmund Wessel, FlexiGyn was recognized as a winner of the prestigious 2023 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. This innovative device is battery-powered, making it ideal for use in remote areas with limited access to electricity. Equipped with a built-in light, camera, and flexible scope, FlexiGyn offers a more comfortable and efficient experience for both patients and healthcare providers. Its portability and ease of use empower gynecologists and clinicians to conduct examinations and procedures in resource-constrained settings. This reduces reliance on specialized facilities and expensive procedures, ultimately enhancing accessibility to critical healthcare services for women throughout Africa.
The official launch of FlexiGyn is scheduled for 2025, accompanied by the development of integrated software by Wessel and his team. This software aims to facilitate collaborations among doctors, enabling timely referrals and consultations, ensuring a more holistic approach to patient care. FlexiGyn has the potential to revolutionize women’s healthcare access, transforming lives across Africa. Bypassing the need for expensive equipment and enabling faster diagnosis can significantly lower healthcare costs and democratize access to quality care, particularly for women in underserved regions. While the initial rollout is slated for 2025, 2024 plays a pivotal role in establishing efficient distribution and support networks in remote areas. This is crucial for ensuring equitable access to FlexiGyn’s life-changing technology and avoiding potential disparities in benefiting from this innovation.
5. Flood Risk Insurance Product: Building Resilience Against Climate Change
In June 2023, the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group introduced a groundbreaking initiative: the first-ever parametric flood insurance product designed specifically for Africa. This innovative mechanism aims to provide reliable and swift financial assistance in the aftermath of flood-related disasters. The ARC’s solution is both practical and adaptable, as it takes into account the diverse risk profiles of various countries and regions. JBA Risk Management, a leading expert in flood risk modeling, was enlisted to enhance flood anticipation and management models, minimizing the devastating impact of floods on vulnerable populations.
Currently available in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Togo, the ARC flood insurance product is poised for expansion to other African nations in 2024. This initiative has the potential to revolutionize disaster management strategies across the continent. By mitigating financial vulnerability through parametric insurance, communities will be better equipped to recover from floods and rebuild their lives. This solution serves as a critical step towards enhanced resilience, particularly for nations grappling with heightened flood risks due to climate change. The benefits of the ARC’s product could extend continent-wide, potentially reducing casualties and displacements during floods. Additionally, safeguarding vulnerable communities can help lower the occurrence of post-disaster health hazards stemming from waterborne illnesses.
6. Shepherd V1: Taking Flight with Local Innovation
The collaborative partnership between Aeronautical Solutions BW, the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub, and the Botswana Innovation Fund serves as a powerful example of fostering technological progress within Africa. Through this successful collaboration, Botswana’s first-ever Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the Shepherd V1, was launched in 2023. Shepherd V1 not only demonstrates Botswana’s growing capabilities in local technological innovation but also aligns with the Botswana Innovation Fund’s mission of supporting early-stage innovation and promoting skill development within the country.
This multi-purpose UAV is designed to address critical needs in various sectors. Combating rhino poaching is a primary objective, with Shepherd V1 offering a sophisticated tool for wildlife conservation efforts. Additionally, the UAV can be used for enhancing security measures and fulfilling surveillance requirements in diverse contexts. By localizing some of the drone’s technology, Aeronautical Solutions BW has gone beyond a simple “cut and paste” approach, customizing the UAV to meet the specific needs of Botswana’s environment and challenges. This focus on local adaptation ensures its effectiveness and avoids limitations of generic solutions. Furthermore, Aeronautical Solutions BW is committed to expanding its horizons beyond national boundaries. They seek to collaborate and share expertise, maximizing opportunities for further technological advancement in various applications of drone technology. By prioritizing local skill development throughout the design and operation of Shepherd V1, the project goes beyond being just a drone. It fosters a sustainable, efficient, and adaptable technological ecosystem within Botswana, potentially serving as a model for other African countries to cultivate their own domestic UAV industries. Aeronautical Solutions BW’s collaborative approach and emphasis on localization establish a framework for developing innovative solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges and requirements, shaped by diverse social contexts.
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7. Discovery Green: Cultivating a Sustainable Energy Future
In 2023, Discovery, a leading financial services group in South Africa, announced plans to launch a new platform by September 2024. This innovative platform, backed by Discovery’s investment banking partner, Rand Merchant Bank, aims to connect businesses across South Africa with affordable, renewable energy generated from utility-scale power plants. By 2026, participating companies will be able to access this renewable energy, enabling them to offset their carbon emissions and contribute to addressing the national electricity generation gap.
Discovery Green is committed to not only environmental sustainability but also fostering a sense of community involvement. The platform actively promotes green spaces, biodiversity initiatives, and eco-friendly practices. By diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on the national energy provider, Eskom, Discovery Green has the potential to bolster South Africa’s energy security and mitigate power shortages that have plagued the nation. However, navigating the complex regulatory environment within the energy sector presents a significant challenge. Additionally, limitations in grid capacity to accommodate the increased integration of renewable energy sources need to be addressed. Despite these hurdles, Discovery Green remains dedicated to contributing to a healthier energy landscape in South Africa. By promoting a shift towards renewable energy, Discovery Green fosters a sense of collective responsibility for a sustainable future in Africa, setting a precedent for other nations on the continent.
8. SmartUni: Bridging the Digital Divide in Education
SmartUni is a revolutionary mobile application launched in Tanzania in July 2022. This user-friendly app enables students to access subject content and learning materials directly on their smartphones. Additionally, students can view their timetables digitally, eliminating the need for paper-based schedules and handouts, promoting eco-friendly practices within the educational system. SmartUni offers a comprehensive digital approach to higher education, revitalizing academic practices in Tanzania and introducing new avenues for growth within the educational sector across Africa.
By facilitating increased access to higher educational resources, SmartUni has the potential to bridge information disparities and promote collaboration among students. This innovative platform can enhance learner engagement and improve educational outcomes. SmartUni’s introduction marks a significant step towards digitalizing education in Tanzania and presents a valuable model for other African nations seeking to adopt technology-driven learning methods. However, realizing substantial impact necessitates addressing the existing disparities in digital literacy and access to technology across the continent. Efforts to expand internet connectivity and bridge the digital divide are crucial for ensuring equitable access to the educational opportunities that SmartUni offers.
9. KongaTV: A Marketplace Revolution for Nigerian Commerce
Launched in October 2023, KongaTV seeks to transform Nigeria’s online broadcasting and e-commerce sectors. This innovative platform offers a 24/7 online marketplace encompassing a wide array of products and services. From consumer goods and electronics to fashion items and automobiles, KongaTV caters to both buyers and sellers across various categories. This includes essential home and kitchenware, mobile devices, renewable energy products, real estate listings, and even travel arrangements such as hotel bookings and flight tickets.
Having undergone successful internal testing, KongaTV is set to leverage its innovative streaming services to showcase African narratives, entertainment, and knowledge-sharing on a global scale, fostering cultural exchange and promoting greater connectivity. Positioned as a game-changer in Africa’s e-commerce landscape, KongaTV aims to disrupt the market by fostering competition and promoting fair pricing, ultimately creating a more equitable and accessible marketplace for all participants. By facilitating direct interaction between sellers and buyers, KongaTV could enhance price transparency and expand product accessibility, particularly in remote areas with limited internet connectivity. However, overcoming challenges such as ensuring internet accessibility throughout Nigeria and guaranteeing product authenticity will require inventive solutions to ensure KongaTV’s sustained success.
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10. Kraken: Revolutionizing Palm Oil Production and Food Security
Kraken, developed by Releaf, is an advanced nut desheller designed to revolutionize palm oil production in Africa. This efficient machine processes palm nuts, generating high-quality inputs for food manufacturing in a sustainable manner. Releaf’s holistic approach to palm nut farming aims to address inefficiencies within the food value chain. Through the use of geospatial software known as SITE, Releaf plans to identify potential farmlands with greater yield potential. Additionally, they aim to integrate SALT’s inventorying, pricing, and connectivity capabilities, streamlining processes for farmers and enhancing overall efficiency. By bringing these modern technologies directly to farmers, Releaf is working to streamline the palm oil value chain, empowering smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Kraken’s ability to optimize palm oil production has the potential to unlock Africa’s agricultural capacity. By increasing efficiency and minimizing waste, Kraken can contribute to stabilizing palm oil prices, increasing accessibility, and ultimately enhancing food security, particularly in regions heavily reliant on palm oil. Furthermore, Releaf recognizes the importance of sustainable farming practices. Kraken goes beyond simply increasing yields; it aims to promote innovative solutions for soil analysis, crop monitoring, and irrigation management. By empowering farmers with data-driven insights, Releaf is working to improve yields and address food security concerns in a sustainable manner.
Conclusion
Africa’s embrace of emerging technologies is fostering a wave of innovation that is addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and creating a brighter future. From AI-powered writing assistants to locally-manufactured drones and mobile learning platforms, these advancements are transforming sectors, empowering communities, and laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. As these technologies continue to develop and expand their reach, they have the potential to close the digital divide,
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