Telling Africa’s good story . . .

HEN you think of Africa today, you think Ebola, collapsing churches, corrupt governments etc. Nothing positive is reported by the international media, leaving us depressed and dependent on the First World.

Yet Al Jazeera’s Innovate Africa tells of a continent that’s full of amazing inventions that have put it on the world map. Hosted by Ndoni Khanyile, Innovate Africa visits Ghana, Kenya and South Africa to explore how technology is transforming education across the continent.

“I hosted a technology show before and I think what attracted me to this show is the chance to travel to the countries where there are several innovations,” she said.

“I was an anchor before and did a lot of studio work, but the opportunity to travel and meet the people was interesting for me. It’s kind of a new challenge. I am also enjoying the opportunity to work with an organisation like Al Jazeera. I love the reach that they have and the documentaries they make are superb so it was a perfect place for me to work.”

Yet we think Africa is not capable when comes to technology. We rarely hear stories about African scientists doing amazing things, but Khanyile has a different perspective.

“As Africans we are incredibly innovative people. Generally, when you come from a situation where you wish your community had all the resources a community should have, but they don’t, you innovate. People are forced to find alternatives because life goes on. This is why as Africans we are problem-solving orientated,” she said.

Using cellphone technology, as an example, Khanyile spoke about how Africa is in touch with what is happening in the world.

“It’s intriguing to see how we have embraced the use of mobile technology across generational divides. Cellphones are used for a whole lot more than just making calls.”

Coming to the show, Khanyile spoke about what to expect.

There are six episodes and each has a different theme. Everything from money and business to space and science are covered.

“Often it was a challenge to fit in everything that we discovered because it was so much,” she said.

“I have been limited because of time so I can only show so much. This goes to show how much is happening on this

Wcontinent as we solve our own home-grown challenges,” she said. But does Africa really have any interest in space science? Khanyile thinks so and Innovate Africa will support her. “There are many African countries that have seen the importance of turning our eyes upwards and trying to find ways of harnessing knowledge and the technology to take our society further in the space science arena. That is the future and other countries are ahead of us in that regard, but we are on our way. We should not be dependent on other people’s infrastructure. We should be building our own and it should not be something like a far away Star Trek kind of thought. It should be a real-world practical thing.

“When we have natural disasters, satellite technology helps us deal with that. It is commendable that countries like Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa have invested in space science. They are encouraging African scientists to do more space research so we can contribute to the world. We have a lot to offer,” she said.

Innovate Africa’s content makes you wonder why we never hear these feel-good stories.

“The reason we do not see more of these stories is because of the platforms that currently tell the African story. I think the agenda of the big news agencies that tell the African story is not to tell success stories. It almost seems like there is more benefit in telling the challenges on the continent. They prefer to talk about the spread of diseases, corruption and famine because that is in line with their agenda. Seeing an Africa that is in need is beneficial to them as a lot of people make money off the ‘save Africa’ idea. It’s only when we take control, and start telling our own stories, that we will see the mindsets change,” she said.

Al Jazeera English (406) Tuesdays, 11.30pm.