When it comes to innovation, Africans must believe in their own knowledge

Abstract

Africans should believe in their own knowledge. This was the advice of researcher Hilary Nwokeabia at the 9th edition of the African Economic Conference on Sunday, November 2 in Addis Ababa. A presenter on the theme “Knowledge generation for structural transformation,” Nwokeabia said, “Knowledge plays an important role in vital areas as food security, local agriculture, construction, entertainment and medical treatment for up to 80% of Africa’s economy.” Nevertheless, activities related to realization/implementation of local agriculture, food security, construction, entertainment and medical treatment have been misunderstood for various reasons. “Africans have to believe in their own knowledge,” he said. The main thing in Africa, in the author’s belief, is that “we are going through technology pluralism, resulting to an average African being confronted with two types of knowledge – imported knowledge and the one we use to sustain our livelihood – traditional knowledge.” The majority of Africans have unique knowledge through which they have sustained their societies. As a result, innovation in the local system cannot be pursued as a business and would not contribute optimally to industrial growth. “If allowed proper institutional protection, today’s innovators may proceed to the next stage of innovation without fear of encroachment,” he added.