Africa should not be framed as a graveyard for aspirations, whether individual or collective. The collaboration of both private and public investors is essential in creating an environment conducive to the flourishing of innovators, particularly in the rapidly advancing era of artificial intelligence, where the internet plays a pivotal role. Falling behind in every competition is a luxury Africa cannot afford.
Zimbabwe has borne witness to remarkable innovations over the years. For instance, a young individual from Chinhoyi developed an irrigation system. Unfortunately, Daniel Chingoma’s inventive contributions faced derision, and numerous groundbreaking ideas met premature demises due to insufficient support. This challenge is not unique to Zimbabwe but extends across Africa, with only a select few innovations advancing to the production stage, let alone attaining patents and commercial viability. The establishment of ecosystems fostering innovation, with a primary emphasis on nurturing and sustaining talent, is crucial.
The story of Maxwell Chikumbutso, a visionary Zimbabwean innovator, is as a unique example that should not be replicated due to the lack of support from government institutions. The lack of interest from universities ostensibly dedicated to teaching science highlights a societal disconnect, favouring foreign achievements over indigenous talents.
Chikumbutso, a pioneering genius from Zimbabwe and CEO of Seith Technologies, specialises in designing advanced electrical power products such as hydro-powered cars, electric vehicle systems, multi-fuel helicopters, and radio frequency switchgear systems. His innovations, predating Tesla’s, showcase unparalleled foresight. Inventions like a battery-powered vehicle and a micro sonic energy-powered television demonstrated at ZBC studios in Zimbabwe, preceded similar technologies by Tesla. The television operated without an electric cable, powered solely by a micro sonic device he created, drawing global attention.
Despite these remarkable achievements, inventions from Africa often face skepticism on the global stage, lacking the seriousness they deserve. Africa possesses significant technological talent, but the lack of protection and support from governments poses a considerable challenge. Ensuring the success of groundbreaking technologies involves patenting and rigorous testing, with collaboration from relevant ministries and recognition of individuals like Chikumbutso, deserving of a serious and supportive innovation environment.
Tragically, the trend persists where gifted Africans, lacking sufficient support, seek opportunities abroad. Chikumbutso’s relocation to the United States, particularly Silicon Valley, mirrors this pattern, where support for inventors is more readily available. This migration puts patents and blueprints under foreign jurisdictions, often without due credit to the originator. Chikumbutso’s invaluable contributions risk being overshadowed, with little acknowledgement or recognition of his pioneering work in his home country.
Chikumbutso’s innovations are gaining recognition elsewhere, even amidst controversies raised by those in power. His legacy, whether successful or met with challenges, will be etched in history as a reflection of missed opportunities by his homeland. Should he succeed, Zimbabwe stands to lose, emphasising the failure to fully grasp and support the potential within its borders.
While Zimbabwe boasts finite resources like gold and lithium, the true potential lies in investing in knowledge. A shift in mindset from reliance on natural resources to dependence on science and innovations is imperative, offering resilience beyond finite minerals and positioning the nation to excel in a global landscape defined by knowledge and innovation.
