Why African leaders reject local geniuses for foreign tech

By Kingsley Ikechukwu

African innovators continue to break new ground in technology.

Many struggle to receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that across the continent, young inventors have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity.

A lack of investment and government backing has hindered their progress.

Maxwell Chikumbutso, a Zimbabwean innovator, developed a hybrid vehicle.

His vehicle operates without gasoline and generates its own power.

His groundbreaking invention propels itself and produces energy for other electronic devices.

Unlike many African leaders, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa recognized Chikumbutso’s achievement.

He pledged government support to sustain the project.

This backing marks a rare instance of leadership nurturing African talent.

Another young innovator, Simon Petrus from Namibia, has gained global attention.

He created a revolutionary SIM-free mobile phone.

His invention enables free communication using advanced radio frequency technology.

This eliminates the need for airtime or traditional mobile networks.

Simon is a self-taught electronics enthusiast.

He spent two years constructing the device using spare parts.

His device includes components from televisions and mobile phones.

His remarkable creation earned him first place in a national technology competition.

His invention serves multiple functions beyond making calls.

The device functions as a television, radio, fan, and phone charger.

Despite his success, financial struggles limit his research.

Even after earning an electronics engineering degree, Simon searches for support.

His story highlights the immense potential among African youth.

There is an urgent need for institutional support.

A group of high school students in Anambra, Nigeria, has displayed outstanding creativity.

They have engineered impressive inventions with minimal resources.

They receive little to no government assistance.

Nigeria’s Innoson Motors manufactures and assembles vehicles locally.

The company operates in Anambra State.

It faces neglect from its own government.

Officials continue importing Toyota SUVs instead of supporting Innoson Motors.

This neglect sidelines an indigenous automobile company.

Supporting local manufacturers could significantly boost Nigeria’s economy.

Africa has a long history of innovation and technological advancements.

Ancient African civilizations developed engineering, medicine, and mathematics long before Western influence.

Modern African inventors continue to push boundaries in science and technology.

Despite their ingenuity, they often lack funding and exposure.

The neglect of African inventors exposes a critical gap in leadership.

Global markets recognize the talent emerging from the continent.

African governments must step up to nurture these innovations.

Investing in young innovators will create jobs and economic growth.

It will place Africa at the forefront of technological advancement.

Africans must rise above political negligence and support their innovators.

The continent holds immense potential to thrive again.

Progress requires unity, investment, and commitment to homegrown talent.

Prioritizing local inventions will make Africa a leader in technology.

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