Africa innovates Magazine -AI4DEV - Flipbook - Page 5
At the start of 2020, many would have bet their gold
that sub-Saharan Africa was not the likely home for
inventions in test kits, surgical masks, and ventilators
resourcefulness.
In the inaugural Africa Innovates
Magazine, we start a journey of
telling an African story of promise
and influence. We have sought,
and found, 50 of some of Africa’s
innovators who see in COVID-19, the
opportunity to solve the challenges
it imposes, thereby lending credence to possibility and hope, rather
than despair. We see each of these
innovators as an important part of
the web of hands rebuilding Africa
forward and delivering solutions for a
new Africa.
LIMITLESS INGENUITY
However, the innovators we have
featured in this maiden edition are
not the only ones making positive
contributions against the pandemic
on the continent. There are many
more. This, therefore, is by no means
an exhaustive list, and also importantly, it is not a ranking.
For this initial compilation, we
selected the 50 innovators based on
criteria, which took into account at
least the following: The projects had
to be made in Africa, scalable, problem-solvers, impactful, inspirational,
applicable, safe and encompass a
disruptor factor.
Africa is teeming with more of the
featured talent. Innovative ideas, especially by its youth, are limitless. We
will, therefore, endeavor to continue
showcasing what the continent offers
and tell their stories to the world.
I hope that you will be as inspired
as I am – and that you will join us in
investing in Africa’s promise.
Choose to believe in Africa – it is
the future of development
FACTS & FIGURES
Economies have contracted to
growth of only 1.8 per cent – taking with them millions of jobs in
goods and services.
1.8%
YOUTHFUL POPULATION
Africa is the world’s most youthful continent, with projections putting Africa’s
youth population at 460 million by 2050,
up from 250 million at present. UNDP
programs will work with African countries
and institutions to turn these demographic
transitions into a driving force for economic, social and political change
460MILLION
We desire to bequeath two things to our children; the
first one is roots, the other one is wings. —
Sudanese proverb
PEOPLE. PRODUCTS.
PA R T N E R S H I P S
In keeping with the “Decade of Action”, and adhering to the core tenant of the
“Next Generation UNDP” The UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa has developed the
African Influencers for Development l(AI4Dev) a unique partnership with Influencers, which reimagines UNDP’s relationships in Africa, premised on 3 principles:
People. Products. Partnerships.
SHOWCASING AFRICAN INNOVATION
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