Africa has not also been left out in this new wind of change. From devices to sophisticated add-ons to technology, The African Exponent presents to you 10 African inventors you did not know. Some of these inventions have also made life more comfortable especially for people in rural areas.
1. Arthur Zang
In
a country where access to healthcare is a great worry especially in
rural areas, Cameroonian engineer, Arthur Zang developed Africa’s first
handheld medical computer (Cardiopad) tablet that helps diagnose people
with heart disease. The 25 centimeter touch-screen medical tablet
enables health workers to perform cardiac tests such as
electrocardiograms at far away remote areas and beyond. The reports are
then sent wirelessly to doctors via the Internet for interpretation.
Arthurs’ Cardiopad has been validated by the Cameroonian scientific
community as extremely effective and it is currently undergoing trials
in a number of medical hospitals in Cameroon.
2. Verone Mankou
In
today’s contemporary Africa, daily life activity is gradually moving
towards technology. It is with this regard that Verone Mankou of the
Republic of Congo invented the Way-C tablet, the first African iPad
rival. The Way-C Tablet is affordable and available in Congo. According
to Mankou, his invention is to bring Internet access to as many people
as possible. Additionally, he is also known for creating the Elikia
smartphones.
3. Morris Mbetsa
Development
and urbanization come with all sort of challenges, especially security.
Morris Mbetsa of Kenya, in fighting this challenge, invented an
anti-theft device known as the Block and Track. Although similar to
existing technology, the SMS-based vehicle security system allows car
owners to monitor their vehicles from a distance. With the Block and
Track technology, car owners can lock their car doors or stop their car
when it is stolen via an sms.
4. Richard Turere
Tired
of Lions attacking his family’s cattle, Kenyan Richard Turere, invented
the Lion Light, an automated lighting system of five torch bulbs around
a cattle stockade. The bulbs were wired to a box with switches and to
an old car battery charged with a solar panel that operated his family’s
television set. Turere had observed lions and found out that they are
naturally afraid of people. The lights which flashed in sequence, gave
the impression that someone was walking around the stockade. Since then,
no lions have attacked again. Following the success, Turere installed
the same Lion Lights for his neighbors.
5. William Kamkwamba
Malawian
innovator, William Kamkwamba, built an electricity-producing windmill
from spare parts and scrap parts after he dropped out of school aged 14.
His windmill did not only provide electricity, but also provided water
to his home in rural Malawi. Since then, he has built a solar-powered
water pump that supplies the first drinking water in his village and two
other windmills. His autobiography, “The boy who harnessed the wind,”
was selected as a required book for all incoming students at the Auburn
University.
6. Chakroun Abdellah
Chakroun
Abdellah of Morocco is the youngest and most symbolic innovator in his
country. He accomplished his first invention at the age of 18 and by the
age of 25, he had made about 35 different inventions, and obtained
patent for at least two of his inventions.
His
inventions vary from private mechanics of vehicles, military and medical
devices. Chakroun has gained credence in the military field where he
succeeded in inventing some sophisticated technology weapons. Some of
his other inventions include the Square Rotor Rotary Engine which can
increase power and speed, (compared to the engines available in the
market) and also reduce fuel consumption.
7. Kelvin Doe
Kelvin Doe
of Sierra Leon is a self-taught engineer. He searches trash cans for
broken electronic devices and uses them to create something special. He
made his own battery to power the light in people's houses and he has
even made his own FM radio transmitter and generator to power it. Kevin
emerged as one of the finalist of GMin’s Innovate Salone idea
competition and is today, the youngest person to participate in the
“Visiting Practitioner’s Program” at MIT.
8. Ludwick Marishane
Ludwick
Marishane of South Africa is known for the Dry Bath, the world’s first
and only bath-substituting antibacterial and biodegradable skin gel. His
invention is particularly useful for rural communities where clean
water is hard to come by. Prior to inventing Dry Bath, Ludwick invented a
healthy cigarette in 10th grade and authored a mobile dictionary.
9. Adebola, Abiola, Toyin and Eniola
Four
high school teenage students; Adebola, Abiola, Toyin and Eniola, in
2012, showcased a thoughtful and practical innovation that warmed the
heart of Africans and the international community. Their invention was a
urine power generator which could provide safer, affordable and more
access to electricity. According to these geniuses 1 Liter of urine
could create 6 hours of electricity.
10. Makerere University Kiira Team
While
some Africans are heading for universities in the west, and in an era
when the world is fighting global warming; 25 Students of the Makerere
University in Uganda, after nearly three years of development, unveiled
an electric car known as the Kiira EV. The Kiira can gain speed of
100km/h and cover 80km before it needs re-charging. Following their
success, the team is currently working on an electric bus.
While
this list is by no means a ranking of any sort, these innovators have
brought positive impact to their local communities and pride to Africa’s
realm of technology and scientific inventions.
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