Michael Asante-Afrifa
A textbook-sized science lab for children has made it into the finals of the prestigious 2018 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Ghanaian mechanical engineer Michael Asante-Afrifa developed Science Set, a mini science lab that contains specially developed materials needed for science activities and experiments.
Science Set is the size of a textbook and fits easily into a school bag and on a school desk.
Science Set contains 45 different parts, ranging from circuit boards and wires to an electromagnet and mini lightbox.
With these, students can perform 26 experiments that are already part of Ghana’s primary and junior high school syllabus.
The kit is affordable, easy to use, quick to set up and designed to integrate seamlessly into the classroom.
Asante-Afrifa’s team can produce 1,000 units a month and they have already sold more than 4,000 sets in Ghana.
Other inventions in the finals include a device that detects malaria without drawing blood, a cheap and sustainable recycling method to recover precious metals and an innovative smart meter that gives consumers more control over energy use.
The finalists come from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe, with the latter working in South Africa.
They were chosen for engineering innovations that provide new solutions.
“All four of our finalists have found novel ways to address critical challenges in their home countries – in fact, problems that are faced all over the world,” said Africa Prize judge, Rebecca Enonchong.
“We’re proud to be part of the development of world-class African technologies and to support emerging African entrepreneurs.”
The finalists were selected from a pool of 16 shortlisted candidates from seven countries, spanning sub-Saharan Africa.
For the first time, Zimbabwe and Ghana are represented by Africa Prize finalists.
“All 16 candidates have received tailored business mentorship, developing skills that last a lifetime. Engineers are among the best problem solvers in the world – and it’s imperative that we support those who embark on business ventures that advance technology in all fields,” added Enonchong.