When he is not out on a community outreach calling out to young people through a megaphone or placard on how to take charge of their reproductive health, Emmanuel Kateregga 22, spends time in the UNFPA Innovations Cafe (i-Cafe) which has become a resourceful setting for young people to brainstorm on how to find innovative approaches to address their sexual and reproductive health needs.

“Almost every day, we meet young people, in and out of universities, coming up with innovations in areas like lifestyle, travel, e-learning and games. But rarely do they think of innovations in the area of reproductive health. It’s time we advocates start thinking the same way,” Kateregga explains.

An initiative of the UNFPA Uganda Country Office, the i-Cafe is dedicated to giving young people like Kateregga space to think and generate ideas on how to find solutions to their reproductive health needs. Through this approach, young people are more involved in the design, planning and implementation of programmes that target them.

Today, young people in Uganda today face a wide range of reproductive health challenges. This include lack of access to reproductive health and services which could inform them on how to make the right choices for their health. As a result,  teenage pregnancy stands at 24% with one in every four girls being pregnant or having had a first child by the age of 19 as reported by the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS, 2011). Still, less than 40% young people in Uganda have access to the right information on HIV/AIDS.

But young innovative minds are not sitting back. They have opted to use the accessible and available technology options to take charge of their health.

“Today, young people are the most virtually connected and computer-literate generation in history.   Leveraging on new technologies has the potential to significantly change young people’s lives by making SRHR communications easier than ever before,” Kateregga says.

To drive innovation in reproductive health for young people further, UNFPA has undertaken several interventions.  In partnership with Reach a Hand, Uganda (RAHU) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), UNFPA Uganda organized the Hack4Youth hackathon that brought together tech-savvy young people from different spheres of the globe who were tasked to develop mobile tech solutions to help specific target groups of young people solve key reproductive health issues that put young people at risk.

In August 2016, the CAMTech Uganda Global Surgery Hack-a-thon brought together Medtech innovators from Uganda and around the world to co-create surgical innovations for resource-limited settings in collaboration with UNFPA Uganda and  Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). These targeted innovations enabled better care of women’s reproductive health.

These two events have been instrumental in producing promising technological innovations in the area of reproductive health from young innovators. So far, GetIN brilliant team of 6 young people which was one of the winners of the UNFPA’s Hack4Youth Global challenge, developed the GetIN App which will be used by Village Health Workers (VHTs) and midwives to record pertinent data of pregnant teenage girls in remote areas and provide a follow-up mechanism through reminders in form of mobile text messages (SMS) to go for ANC (Antenatal Care) services. This mobile app is now being tested in Kanungu District.

Safe and Dry also emerged as one of the brilliant reproductive health innovations at the CAMTech Global Surgery Hack-a-thon. Safe and Dry idea is designed as wearable and reusable sanitary attire that eliminates smell and wetting among women with urinary incontinence such as obstetric fistula.

The CIF (Contraceptive Implant Finder) which was among the winners at the Global Surgery Hack-a-thon, is a medical device solution that is intended to ease the work of health care providers during the process of hormonal implant removal. It is designed to be portable, affordable and easy to use by the clinicians.

FISTApp developed at the Global Surgery Hack-a-thon, is a phone application that helps  predict the risk of pregnancy and obstructed labour. This depends on an unique in silico model equation developed based on risk factors.

SafePal is a mobile app that helps young people to confidentially report cases of sexual violence  and get referred to the nearest service providers for assistance.
These interventions demonstrate the innovative potential that young people in Uganda have in using appropriate technology to address challenges in reproductive health. With committed partners like UNFPA, and the scale up of these interventions, more young people will have the opportunity to access reproductive health cares services and information so as they are able to make informed decisions and choices in life.

Mwanga Robert was born in 1954 in a village called Budhabangula in Uganda. Robert and his ten siblings were raised on a 20-acre farm near Busota in Kamuli District where the family livelihood was derived from growing coffee and cotton as cash crops along with a variety of food crops, including sweet potato, maize, groundnuts, beans, sesame, ginger and various fruits and vegetables.

He attended Makerere University studying Botany, Zoology, and Geography on a government scholarship after which he graduated with honors in 1978. He was then hired as a root crop breeder at Kawanda Research Station.

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Mwanga was able to obtain his Plant Breeding and Genetics Ph.D. at North Carolina State University (1996- 2001), with a grant from the McKnight Foundation. One of the main objectives of his graduate research was to breed for increased beta-carotene in sweet potato plants. In 2008, he became the International Potato Center’s lead OFSP breeder for East Africa, and by 2014, more than 30 percent of the farmers in Uganda were growing the OFSP varieties that he developed.

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From 1986 to 1990, he established and implemented the Roots and Tuber Crops Program at the Namulonge research facility in Uganda, receiving support from USAID. Eventually, sweet potato breeders and technicians from 10 Sub-Sarahan African countries came to his program for training to improve their breeding skills. His efforts in expanding and strengthening the work at the Namulonge facility made it the sweet potato breeding model for other countries in the region.

Robert Mwanga made sweet potato research a priority in Uganda starting in the mid-1980s, which resulted in the white sweet potato (with low or no Vitamin A content) largely being replaced by Vitamin A-rich OFSP in the diets of the rural poor. His breeding research, mentoring of scientists, and capacity-building resulted in the dissemination of new high-yielding, pest- and disease-resistant OFSP varieties in Uganda and throughout East and Central Africa and his fight against food insecurity and malnutrition in Uganda has finally paid off.

Together with Dr. Maria Andrade, Dr. Jan Low, the the orange-fleshed sweet potato was created. Through this and more biofortified crops, a potential of improving and enhancing the nutrition and health of several hundred million for many years is possible.

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The team will share the $250,000 prize equally and it will be awarded at a ceremony during World Food Prize week in Des Moines, Iowa, in October, when the prize will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

A breakthrough achievement in developing and implementing biofortification.– Kenneth M. Quinn, President of the World Food Prize Foundation.

Congratulations Dr. Robert Mwanga, congratulations to the team.

Ps. Article written with refference to The World Food Prize.

Innovation is a manifestation of creative strategic and tactical thought. That said, the novelty of a product, service, or business, alone, is fleeting, and isn’t a hallmark of ‘disruptive innovation’.

So, what is Disruptive Innovation?

In entrepreneurship, the term disruptive innovation tends to be almost automatically attributed to software startups, and/or the impact that their innovation has in the lives of people or in the ways that businesses operate.

Typically, the “appy clappy startups” as I call them, the Ubers of this world, are instantaneously considered to be disruptive innovators. However, the Harvard Professor, Clayton Christensen, who authored “The Innovator’s Dilemma” and invented the term “disruptive innovation”, recently weighed in with the view that Uber, despite its immense successes, is not technically a “disruptor” in the classical sense of the term, because it did not “create an entirely new market”, nor did it gain its “initial foothold in a low-end market ignored in favor of more profitable customers”. Commenting on the role of innovation in the prolific international expansion of Uber, at an FT Innovate conference in London, Michael Mandel, the chief economic strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington DC, suggested that “Uber’s real innovation has been in working with governments around the world”.

Steve Jobs and Henry Ford on the other hand, are names that are undeniably synonymous with disruptive innovation. With the introduction of affordable cars for the masses, Ford permanently transformed the automobile industry. Meanwhile Jobs created new markets with innovations that significantly disrupted the music, telecoms and technology industries at large, and he is said to have won a further 141 patents since his death in 2011.

Software Doesn’t Always Enable Innovation

In an article published in the Harvard Business Review, ‘IT doesn’t matter’ Nicholas Carr suggested that “What makes a resource truly strategic –what gives it the capacity to be the basis for a sustained competitive advantage –is not ubiquity but scarcity. You only gain an edge over rivals by having or doing something that they can’t have or do”. Along this vein of thinking, one could argue that by providing all businesses across industry, a single standardized way of doing things (i.e. testing candidates, training employees, revenue generation, or indeed any critical operational process etc.), the vendors of software that introduce ubiquity, to make ‘life easier in the short-term, also have the ultimate effect of stifling innovation and consequently diminishing differentiation within their customers’ businesses…

But Software is a Powerful Tool

More broadly, the technology industry is undoubtedly firmly at the forefront of innovation. However, its value creation strategy has notably shifted over time, from an initial focus on hardware in 1980s, to software in the 2000s, and the past decade has ushered an age, in which software is increasingly, no longer considered significant innovation in itself, but a tool to create value and impact. As we progress into an increasingly digitized world, with even more software developers, the current abundance of software that’s largely free to use, can only increase, as aptly demonstrated by the dominance of the likes of Facebook/Twitter (no pun intended), which are evidently disruptive innovators.

Disruptive Innovation in Uganda’s Energy Access Market

Based on Christensen’s definition, one example of a truly disruptive innovator in the energy access market, is Mandulis Energy, an enterprise developing software-enabled renewable energy microgrids. The company is working in partnership with the French NGO, ACTED, to deliver affordable, reliable, and productive rural electrification to off-grid rural farming communities in Uganda.

1.3 billion people in the world lack access to electricity, including 80% of Uganda’s population of 39 million. “We use biomass power to deliver an integrated solution to the perennial global challenges: energy security, food security, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation,” said Elizabeth Nyeko, Co-Founder of Mandulis Energy. The company couples its proprietary software with an innovative business model that delivers a ‘triple bottom line’ –of economic, social and environmental returns, and has the potential to transform the world’s approach to rural economic development. At COP21, Emilie Poisson, the ACTED Director for Africa, referred to the venture, as an exemplar model of “how governments, private sector, and NGOs, can join forces and work effectively to deliver climate resilience and poverty alleviation”.

Launched in Northern Uganda, where a pilot project is operational, the social enterprise is currently developing an 8MW (500kW x 16 sites) prototype for the Practitioners Dialogue Climate Initiative program supported by the German government’s international development entity, GIZ GmBH, which consumes biomass supplied by 15,000 farmers. The startup has ambitions to scale across Uganda and internationally, in countries with similar fundamentals. “We go wherever rural communities lack access to electricity. As long as there are farmers to provide a sustainable and renewable source of biomass, which in our case is simply agricultural waste”, said Peter Nyeko, Co-Founder of Mandulis Energy. A study by Uganda’s Ministry of Energy, found that agricultural waste aggregated at agro-processing centers across Uganda can power 1650MW –nearly double the country’s current power generation capacity.

Guided by her love for Africa, this young woman has set out to empower, elevate, encourage people that are working hard to make Africa a better place. This is Uganda met Nelly Matte to share with us the  Africa Elevation story

Who is Nelly Matte?

To be frank, I am not quite sure who Nelly Matte is yet, I’m still figuring her out. I suppose that’s the essence of life, using your various encounters and experiences as a learning tool to finally attain self-mastery. What I do know for sure is that my life will always be guided by love and compassion because I really believe that’s what makes our existence worthwhile.

What Inspired you to start Africa Elevation?

Africa has innumerable success stories that need to be told and even though quite a lot has been done to shed more light on our growth as a continent there is still so much more we can do to expose African achievement, this I believe will harness a hope and a stern belief that anything really is possible in Africa by Africans. Secondly, I was inspired by the tenacity of the African people, we are such a colourful people right from the way we dress to the way we speak in our dialects, i don’t know what it is exactly I cannot pinpoint it, but there is something very magical and beautiful about us.

So then what is Africa Elevation all about?

Africa elevation is all about being part of a movement that is charging towards African prosperity. We are in the business of elevating, exposing and empowering anyone regardless of ethnicity whose main aim is to elevate Africa’s stature. Africa elevation will always be an upward journey. one that hopes to one day enhance the value of the African dream and making these dreams regardless of how grand they are; valid in Africa.

Why empowerment of women?

There isn’t an economy in the world that can boast of the irrelevance of the woman. In fact, almost all developed economies will emphasize on their undeniable relevance yet this demographic in many parts of Africa most especially in rural areas are still being marginalized and for the most part disregarded. empowerment of women definitely takes eminence in our list of objectives because we believe firmly in gender equality and that the rights and privileges rendered to a man must also be rendered to a woman without discretion. I could point out the obvious reasons as to why a woman is crucial in various settings from a home to a board room but all that will not take away from the fact that we are first human then woman or man, why then should there be any restriction on what a human being deserves on the bais of their gender?

Africa Elevation is based in Uganda, do you have any plans to go regional or continental

Haha I have plans to go global. I’m not one for placing caps on dreams, for Africa elevation the sky isn’t the limit its our starting point.

Where do you see Africa Elevation six years from now?

why six? ha-ha. well six years from now I see Africa Elevation expanding into other countries and relentlessly tackling issues around poverty as that in essence sums up our focus and that is to gradually design and establish platforms and projects that will provide and make room for African affluence.

You have an event My Crown My Pride happening a few days from now, what is it about and why shouldn’t anyone miss out?

my crown my pride is about celebrating the African woman. as a women-led and youth-led organisation, we are very excited about this event. essentially we shall be conducting a one-hour dialogue that addresses concerns around perceptions beauty for women of colour and how this has affected our pride in our ethnicity. we shall be asking a number of questions such as; why we are buying more weaves and more skin lightening creams as women of colour? must our hair be straight and our skin lighter to feel more beautiful? is Africa evident in how we adorn ourselves? Are men placing pressure on what is considered attractive in a woman of colour or is this pressure elusive? all this and more by key note speakers we have identified as experts in the aforementioned areas of discussion these include Charlyn Kentaro, who was recently featured on CNN start-up; a lawyer by profession and founder of the good hair collective, a Ugandan based hair care line, Humphrey Nabimanya, founder and team leader of Reach a Hand Uganda, an established social enterprise that has dedicated all their efforts to empowering youth to make informed decisions in regards to sexual and reproductive health, Monalisa Umutoni; a self-taught makeup artist who has made waves in the beauty industry in uganda, with a track record of making up celebrities such as Anne Kansiime, Sylvia Owori, Juliana Kanyomozi etc she has definitely garnered ample experience to let us in on beauty.

In addition, we shall also have a pop-up shop that showcases and exhibits hair and skin care products as well as other complimenting products made in Uganda. This will be a great platform for small to medium entrepreneurs to gain publicity. As part of the dialogue, representatives from DFCU BANK will also be providing financial literacy skills and tools for potential young entrepreneurs which is a great learning opportunity for anyone interested in knowing what it takes to start up a business.

Aside from all that we shall also have a networking and mingling session with entertainment by Dj Karo and Ugandan poets who will infuse art to the African woman. it’s a great chance to get contacts and exchange ideas around the beauty industry in Uganda. missing this would not be wise. This event will be held on 12 Feb at the Goethe Zentrum or the German cultural society on bukoto street, plot 52 and it starts at 7pm till late. we hope to see you there. for further details on the event please contact us via email: info@africa-elevation.org

So besides that upcoming event, what other events should we expect from Africa Elevation this year?

Well, we will be hosting our very first Africa elevation awards ceremony this year where we shall acknowledge Ugandan achievement in various disciplines both individually and on an organizational basis so please keep an eye out for that. we are also in the process of designing a series of seminars and workshops under our Africa Elevation Talks platform, My crown My pride being a first; which we hope will engage various interested parties in conversations that will question the status quo and spark change where needs be.

Let’s talk about personal inspiration. Which people inspire you in everything you do?

undoubtedly my parents. I cannot even begin to explain just how invaluable their guidance has been in all that i pursue. my mom for teaching me compassion and instilling the love of God in my life and my dad for teaching me to never give up on my ambitions and also to always step out looking fly ha-ha

Again at your age, most girls are after personal happiness and caring less. What makes you different?

I am definitely after personal happiness though am not sure exactly in what context your question was directed. i think our happiness is a personal mission and one that we all must work on daily. in regards to what makes me different, that’s simple, no two people are the same. my passion, my ambitions, my hopes and dreams are not likely to be the same as the next girl but am not saying that makes me any better. my aim is simply to extend as much love as i can and to promote individuality because I believe once you are yourself you have no competitor

If someone wants to contribute to Africa Elevation where and how do they go?

our website www.africaelevation.org will be up and running before the end of this month as we make upgrades and update information about our campaigns and upcoming activities soI ask that you please be patient with us. our online market space, Kupandisha is going to be a stand-alone site that will sell African sourced and made products online, this we hope will provide global access to the African product.

If you were given an opportunity to change Uganda, what would be that one thing you can change?

I have a long list but at the top of my list would be the education system.I would alter it to allow for learning that challenges the mind to think for itself as opposed to simply cramming and reinterpreting information. i would endeavor as much as possible to create an education system that allows for innovation and creativity.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be like you?

Don’t! be yourself, take time to discover who you are as a person, explore your genuine interests and follow that. the biggest mistake we make is we are often in awe of our role models and wish to model our lives after theirs but i find that incredibly dishonest. if I am by some miracle someone that anyone admires, I would hope that my character inspires them but not necessarily directs them.