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Toby Shapshak: You don't need an app for that
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Toby Shapshak: You don't need an app for that

Innovation in Africa: Solving Real Problems

The speaker discusses innovation in Africa, emphasizing problem-solving as a core driver of innovation on the continent.

African Innovation Out of Necessity

  • Innovation in Africa is born out of necessity, with examples like pay-as-you-go technology and dolosse inventions showcasing practical problem-solving.
  • Eric Merrifield's invention of dolosse, used globally as breakwaters, highlights African innovation's impact on the shipping economy.

Real Innovation in Problem-Solving

  • True innovation lies in solving real problems, not just launching new products; Africa excels at this due to facing significant challenges.
  • M-Pesa in Kenya exemplifies innovative solutions using basic phones for transactions, demonstrating practical problem-solving capabilities.

Mobile Technology Driving Innovation

  • M-Pesa's success illustrates how mobile technology enables diverse functionalities beyond traditional banking services.
  • Mobile technology acts as today's gold, empowering various innovations like medication verification systems and agricultural support services.

Empowering Communities Through Innovation

The speaker explores how innovative solutions empower communities across Africa by addressing critical needs effectively.

Transformative Innovations for Community Development

  • Bright Simons' medication verification system and iCow service in Kenya showcase simple yet impactful innovations improving healthcare and agriculture.
Channel: TED
Video description

Are the simplest phones the smartest? While the rest of the world is updating statuses and playing games on smartphones, Africa is developing useful SMS-based solutions to everyday needs, says journalist Toby Shapshak. In this eye-opening talk, Shapshak explores the frontiers of mobile invention in Africa as he asks us to reconsider our preconceived notions of innovation. TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more. Find closed captions and translated subtitles in many languages at http://www.ted.com/translate Follow TED news on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tednews Like TED on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TED Subscribe to our channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TEDtalksDirector