By Idayat Sanni Busolami
For years Africa has imported goods from all over the world, including but not restricted to Europe, America and Asia, thereby undermining its own homegrown innovation.
The continent is developing at quite a rapid rate, yet is still heavily dependent upon imported technologies, ideas and solutions. While this system may have served the continent for decades, it is a solution that fails to meet the continent’s needs.
One major reason Africa needs to make use of homegrown innovations is that its challenges are unique. Different parts of the continent face different challenges such as unstable power supply, irregular internet access and poor infrastructure.
Innovations designed with local constraints in mind can provide better solutions for the continent and not merely imitate other continents.
Moreover, homegrown innovation builds self-reliance and economic empowerment.
The constant practice of depending on foreign inventions greatly drains foreign reserves and creates a cycle where Africans remain consumers rather than creators.
Promoting local innovation shifts this dynamic as it creates jobs, boosts local industries, and keeps wealth within the continent. When young Africans innovate they contribute directly to national development and reduce dependency on external aid.
Another important reason is that local innovation understands the African market.
Homegrown innovation not only integrates culture, language, and local wisdom into technology and design but also provides opportunities for Africans.
For instance, mobile money platforms like OPay in Nigeria succeeded because they were designed around how Africans actually live and transact.
In addition, homegrown innovation helps tackle unemployment and brain drain. Africa has millions of talented youths seeking opportunities to use their skills and facing extreme unemployment issues. When innovations are supported on a local scale, the youth are encouraged to develop and create products. This not only reduces migration but also transforms local communities into centers of creativity and progress.
Finally, homegrown innovation is key to Africa’s global competitiveness. The world is shifting toward a global circle where the countries with technology based economies and ideas hold power.
Africa’s continued dependency on external inventions only secures its place at the bottom of the global circle in international trade and governance.
By investing in education and local industries, African nations can move from being followers to becoming leaders in sectors like renewable energy, digital finance and agriculture.
In conclusion, Africa’s progress will not come from imitation but from innovation rooted in local realities. With the right support and investment Africa can redefine itself not as a continent of dependency, but as a hub of creativity, resilience, and self-sustaining growth.
The future of Africa lies in African innovation.
