EDITORIAL
SOCIAL JUSTICE IN TECH
Remember M-Pesa? It’s a mobile payment platform that captured the attention of the world when it was launched in 2007. It placed Africa as a leading region when it comes to mobile money. Since then, it has expanded to many countries in Africa, Arabia and Eastern Europe. However, Wikipedia page for mobile money does not have any mention of M-Pesa. Check if for yourself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_payment.
Why is M-Pesa, a pioneer in mobile payments not at all mentioned? M-Pesa literally means Mobile (M) Money (Pesa). Because we have the same implicit biases within us that gives more credit to innovations from the west than those from Africa. For years, we have been programmed to believe that a new innovation is only valid if it either comes from a western source or is backed by one.
“Just like black live matters, black innovations matters”
Words from our editor in chief
It’s time that we start trusting our African innovators. Just like black live matters, black innovations matter. We are launching this magazine to give those black tech and business innovators voice. We want to bring them together so that together they can show the world what Africans can do. Join us in this movement by subscribing, contributing or just reading. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and spread the news: #blackInnovationsMatter