S1E6: Towards an African Technological & Scientific Imaginary

Decolonization in Action Podcast

In this episode, edna bonhomme and Professor Chakanetsa Mavhunga discuss the history of the African continent with relation to scientific, technological, and medical innovations. A center piece of this conversation is the role that philosophical traditions and space have in shaping the epistemology of knowledge. They also examine Africa's colonial history, the power of historical narrative, African women scientists, and the future of innovation on the African continent. Chakanetsa self-identifies as a critical thinker-doer, who deploys historical research in service of problem-solving. Chakanetsa is a tenured associate professor of science, technology, and society (STS) at MIT and the founder of Research || Design || Build, a village-based institute in rural Zimbabwe dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving, innovation, and entrepreneurship among Africa’s rural poor. MIT, Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) https://sts-program.mit.edu/people/sts-faculty/c-clapperton-mavhunga/ RECENT PUBLICATIONS The Mobile Workshop: The Tsetse Fly and African Knowledge Production (MIT Press, 2018) What Do Science, Technology, and Innovation Mean from Africa? (MIT Press, 2017) Transient Workspaces: Technologies of Everyday Innovation in Zimbabwe (MIT Press, 2014) Image: "Technician in biotech laboratory" by IITA Image Library is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0