Evariste Akoumian, a 37-year-old Ivorian, invented the “Solarpak”, a schoolbag with a solar panel and a lamp, to improve the education of young schoolchildren from rural, non-electrified areas. Using the lamp, children can now comfortably study after dark.
Africans rising
Africans rising Women in positions of power could mark a turning point for Ethiopia’s girls
The appointment of women into positions of power can break stereotypes and inspire girls.
Africans rising Meet Olivette Otele, the United Kingdom’s first black female history professor
Cameroon-born academic Dr Olivette Otele became the first black woman professor of history in the UK, at Bath Spa University. She specialises in collective memory and geopolitics, particularly as related to the colonial histories of Britain and France.
Africans rising Pierre Kompany, a Congolese ex refugee elected Belgium’s first Black Mayor
In a historic moment, Belgium has elected its first black mayor, Congolese politician, Pierre Kompany, the father of Vincent Kompany, Manchester City’s Captain. Pierre (71), a Mechanical Engineer who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and came to Belgium in 1975 as a refugee.
Africans rising Meet Betelhem Dessie, Ethiopia’s leading tech queen
In Ethiopia,19 year-old Betelhem Dessie has quickly risen from a young pioneer to a leading figure in the tech community. She handles five projects and has seven patents to her name.
Africans rising The Future Is African: An Interview with Gerald Chirinda
Future Africa Forum founder and Zimbabwean entrepreneur Gerald Chirinda says the future is African. As Africa’s story changes, young people from the continent have the responsibility to get involved in changing the narrative.
Africans rising Rudo Mazhande, a trailblazer in Zimbabwe’s soap-making industry
Despite being a trained chemical engineer, Rudo Mazhande struggled for years to use her skills. Now her soap-making business is creating jobs and serving the needs of her community and beyond.
Africans rising Denis Mukwege deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in Congo
The Congolese physician has treated over 20,000 victims of traumatic rape in a conflict fueled in part by ‘conflict minerals’ used to make cellphones.
Africans rising DR Congo surgeon Denis Mukwege wins 2018 Nobel Peace Prize
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Dr. Denis Mukwege has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2018. Dr Mukwege was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Nadia Murad, a Yazidi-Kurdish human rights activist for “their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict”.