'When Africans Lead, Solutions Tailored to Real Constraints': Inventor of Nanofilter
'When Africans Lead, Solutions Tailored to Real Constraints': Inventor of Nanofilter
Addressing real constraints, such as income, infrastructure, culture and climate, rather than imagined ones yields smarter, less wasteful solutions and gives young people relatable role models, Askwar Hilonga, a professor at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania, told Sputnik Africa.
He said the fight against childhood waterborne illnesses inspired his affordable nanofilter, developed to help end Africa’s water crisis.
According to government data the engineer cited, the nanofilter cut waterborne diseases by 43.9% in the Arusha region. It also improved quality of life:
🟠children miss fewer school days,
🟠women and girls spend less time collecting or boiling water,
🟠about 130 local jobs (kiosk operators, installers, technicians) were created, fostering community ownership.
Efforts are now underway to strengthen impact verification through digital tracking and independent evaluations, especially to meet rigorous standards required for carbon financing and long-term sustainability, Hilonga noted.
"The nanofilter challenges the old narrative of Africa as a passive consumer of imported rescue technology. It says we are producers of science patents and scalable innovations. It shows donors, investors, and global partners that collaboration with African innovators is not charity; it is smart strategy."
Watch the video to see how traditional wisdom and community-centered tech are turning villages into living labs.
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