African Innovation | Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga | Talks at Google

TL;DR

This video explores the history, theory, and practice of science, technology, and innovation in Africa, highlighting the need to take African knowledge and voices seriously.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga's professional interests lie in the history, theory, and practice of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the international context, with a focus on Africa. He joined MIT as an assistant professor in 2008 after completing his PhD at the University of Michigan. He is the aut... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Africa has been historically excluded from the history of technology, science, and innovation, and this book aims to challenge and change that narrative.
• 🥡 African knowledge and voices should be taken seriously and incorporated into the definition and understanding of science, technology, and innovation.
• 🫵 Indigenous knowledge and innovation in Africa, such as ancient Egyptian practices and indigenous ironworking and pottery techniques, challenge Western-centric views of technology and innovation.
• 🖐️ Africa's informal sector plays a significant role in the economy and should be considered in policy development.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the speaker to write the book "What Do Science, Technology, and Innovation Mean from Africa?"

The speaker was motivated by the lack of representation of Africa in the history of technology, science, and innovation. He wanted to challenge the notion that Africa lacks technology and innovation by exploring African voices and knowledge seriously.

Q: How does the book aim to challenge Western-centric definitions of science, technology, and innovation?

The book brings together scholars from various disciplines to have a multidisciplinary conversation and go beyond the traditional definitions of science, technology, and innovation. It aims to give equal importance to African knowledge and challenge reductionist views.

Q: What are some examples of indigenous knowledge and innovation discussed in the book?

The book explores examples such as ancient Egyptian mummification techniques that were driven by beliefs in the afterlife, how African communities adapted and innovated in response to slavery, and the creative resilience and problem-solving in Africa's informal sector.

Q: What are the implications of the book's findings for policy and education in Africa?

The book highlights the need to shape policy in Africa based on the understanding that 70% of Africa's economy is generated in the informal sector. It also discusses innovative educational models that focus on problem-solving and mission-driven education, such as the African Leadership University in Mauritius.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker discusses the motivation behind his book, which aims to question the historical exclusion of Africa in the context of technology, science, and innovation.

• The book focuses on bringing together scholars from different disciplines to have a conversation about science, technology, and innovation in Africa and challenge traditional Western-centric definitions.

• The speaker highlights examples from the book, such as ancient Egyptian mummification techniques, indigenous knowledge in pottery and ironworking, and the innovation and resilience seen in Africa's informal sector.