Last week one of the largest technology centred summits took place. Vivatech, an annual French technology summit, VivaTech, ran from the 16th to 18th of May 2019. With 9,000 start-ups from 125 countries and an overall turnout of over 100 000 people, VivaTech is the world’s rendezvous for some of the world’s brightest tech minds, talents and products and a celebration ground for innovative technology leaders and start-ups. 

While some of the globes largest and most competitive technology leaders like Google and Facebook VivaTech is a space where the technology community can highlight how tech innovation can help in solving the world’s biggest problems.

As the continent with the most innovation potential Africa was represented by a delegation of 10 African tech start-ups selected by AfricaArena believed to have the most potential to gain international traction. AfricaArena is an annual showcase conference that accelerates the growth of Africa’s best tech start-ups as well as the ecosystems that they operate in by providing start-ups a platform where they can share their business model in front of an audience of local and international investors looking for world-class talent, gain valuable networks and attain funding. 

However, other African delegation made it to the expo. Countries like Algeria, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda were able to showcase to the international communities what they had to offer. With an increase of women joining technology firms the increase of women representing African countries at the international affair indicate that Africa’s innovation is being done by women, for women. 

With projects and start-ups ranging from aero robotics, finance, personal safety, agriculture and entertainment. 

One of Africa’s fastest-growing industries is that of virtual and mobile finances. With fluctuating economies and at times severely strained or under-developed banking sectors, mobile money projects if done right not only take root rather quickly but also offer African the ability and fast and safely bank.  

DataProphet (South Africa) uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology to actively prescribe optimal control parameter settings in order to refine production performance. The applications for this are almost endless. 

Globally, personal safety and wellbeing remain a huge issue, with people living more interconnected lives people feel less secure. Guardian Gabriel coming from South Africa has developed a wearable panic button that works with no connection to a smartphone. In terms of wellbeing, Kenya’s MedBit provides a means to search for, book and pay for various healthcare services online

Agriculture is a massive point of interest throughout the continent. Mainly because of the vast agricultural capacity Africa has coupled with the fact that most African countries and their communities rely heavily on Agriculture as a form of income and sustenance. In this regard, any tool that assists in optimizing the farming process is a leap. Homefarm (South Africa) has developed an Internet-Of-Things (IoT) product that along with its Homefarm app allows users to effortlessly grow a variety of micro-greens from the comfort of their home, all year round. OniriQ, By Senegal, designs and manufactures Solar Home Systems (SHS) for African populations living off-grid. 

Aerobatics (South Africa) shouldn’t be boxed into the sector of agriculture it has great agricultural applications.  Aerobatics uses aerial imagery from drones, satellites in conjunction with machine learning algorithms for early problem detection on tree and wine farms to optimise crop performance for farmers. 

Displaying an almost rounded focus of technology continentally by targeting people who want a good time SeaMonster is a South African brand that creates custom virtual reality (VR) games that allow players to compete for rewards. While for those who have a knack for going places Mauritius gives you TravelBudds, a social network for young, connected travelers looking for the best ways to travel the world and share their experiences with their friends.

While Africa is still in need of technology innovations that supplement a smooth-running government and effective service deliver the participants at VivaTech has given the continent tech innovations that could indeed change lives.

-JP