27/02/2024
African technology has a long and diverse history, dating back to the earliest human civilizations and spanning various fields such as mathematics, metallurgy, architecture, astronomy, medicine, and more.
In recent years, African technology has also witnessed a rapid growth and development, especially in the areas of information and communication technology, renewable energy, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Some of the examples of African technology in the 21st century are:
M-Pesa
M-Pesa: A mobile money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and access loans using their phones. M-Pesa was launched in Kenya in 2007 and has since expanded to other African countries and beyond. M-Pesa has revolutionized the financial inclusion and empowerment of millions of Africans, especially those who lack access to formal banking services2
Zipline
Zipline: A drone delivery service that delivers medical supplies such as blood, vaccines, and medicines to remote and rural areas in Africa. Zipline was founded in 2014 and started its operations in Rwanda in 2016 and Ghana in 2019. Zipline has improved the access and availability of health care for millions of Africans, especially those who face challenges such as poor infrastructure, long distances, and lack of transportation3
Andela
Andela: A software engineering company that trains and connects talented African developers with global companies. Andela was founded in 2014 and operates in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Egypt. Andela has created opportunities and careers for thousands of African developers, who work on projects for companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Facebook, and Google.
These are just some of the examples of African technology that demonstrate the creativity, innovation, and potential of the continent and its people. African technology is not only solving local problems, but also contributing to the global advancement of science and technology.
