Innovative Technological Devices From Africa, Making a Significant Impact on Human Needs
In the vibrant continent of Africa, innovation is blooming, with technologies making significant strides in sectors such as Fintech, Healthtech, and Cleantech. These advancements are not only revolutionary but also tailored to address local challenges, often driven by necessity and leveraging fast mobile adoption and growing startup ecosystems in major cities.
Fintech: Revolutionizing Payments Across Africa
Kenya's mobile money innovations are leading the charge, facilitating widespread financial inclusion. Transactions via mobile phones have revolutionized payments across the continent. Companies like Bizao simplify acceptance of local payment methods across Africa, integrating mobile money, cards, and airtime payments via APIs. This ease of access is evident in cities like Lagos, which boasts 503 fintech startups, and Cairo, noted for its strong fintech ecosystems [1][2][4].
One innovative Fintech solution is Moove, which provides vehicle financing using alternative credit scoring based on mobility entrepreneurs' revenue data, simplifying financial access and credit systems.
Healthtech: Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Access
In the Healthtech sector, Turaco leverages mobile technology to deliver affordable insurance and healthcare financing products, reducing barriers to healthcare access. AI is also being applied to expand healthcare delivery and personalized education, as seen in Ghana, where AI is piloted in schools to improve educational outcomes, indirectly supporting health education and capacity building [2][3].
An example of this is Intron Health, a Ghanaian company, which has developed an AI-powered speech-to-text software that transcribes medical notes in African accents and local languages.
Cleantech: A Green Future for African Cities
African cities such as Nairobi and Kigali are gaining reputations as hubs for renewable energy and clean technologies. These centers support startups advancing renewable and clean energy solutions, climate resilience, and sustainable development, enhanced by improved infrastructure and investment climates [4].
One such innovation is Salubata, a Nigerian cleantech fashion brand, which produces modular sneakers made from recycled plastic waste. These sneakers can be easily detached and replaced, allowing for customization without buying a whole new shoe. Salubata operates a production facility in Lagos, Nigeria, where their modular sneakers are assembled [1].
AI Technologies: Powering Innovation Across Sectors
AI innovations span educational tools, climate resilience (e.g., flood forecasting), and healthcare delivery. Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and others are investing heavily in AI ecosystems, projected to grow from a $4.5 billion industry to over $16 billion by 2030. This growth powers innovations across sectors, including healthtech and fintech [1][3].
The PAL Smart Bench, created in Zimbabwe, is a solar-powered bench that delivers climate education messages, charges phones, and provides information similar to an overly informed friend who just discovered TED Talks. Another AI innovation is the PAL Smart Bench's ability to analyse baby cries and tell parents what their baby is trying to say, similar to Google Translate but for baby noises [1].
These innovative technologies are not just changing the African landscape but are also gaining international recognition. Salubata's modular sneakers, for instance, have become popular with Nigerian wellness influencers and originate from the US and Turkey [1]. Similarly, the PAL Smart Bench is a prime example of African tech solutions that are real, human, and often humorous [1].
References: [1] TechCabal [2] Quartz Africa [3] Ventures Africa [4] African Business Magazine
- The growing adoption of smart-home devices and Fintech gadgets in major African cities like Lagos and Cairo is being driven by startups and APIs, simplifying transactions via mobile phones.
- AI technologies are being leveraged across various sectors in Africa, such as healthtech and fintech, and are noted for their potential growth, with the industry projected to reach over $16 billion by 2030.
- In the renewable-energy industry, African cities like Nairobi and Kigali are becoming hubs for cleantech startups, focusing on renewable and clean energy solutions, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
- Innovative technologies in Africa, such as the PAL Smart Bench and Salubata's modular sneakers, are gaining international recognition not only for their groundbreaking designs but also for their impact on addressing local challenges, such as climate education, phone charging, and waste management.
