We are the new generation of creators, leaders, and innovators.
Growing up deep in the rural areas, I used to picture myself as an inventor—someone like Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, or Garrett Morgan. Morgan, with only an elementary school education, invented the three-light traffic signal in 1923, revolutionizing how we navigate roads. That kind of impact, without formal credentials, lit my vision.
But let me fast forward.
In high school, I focused on Physics, Maths, and Chemistry, hoping to become an engineer who could build something that would change the world. My mental image was clear: inventing the next big thing. Yet, life had other lessons for me.
I wasn’t top of the class—just your average student with big dreams. And as time passed, I realized a deeper truth. Innovation is scarce, especially here in Africa. We’re stuck in systems that used to work but now hold us back. We hesitate to move beyond what’s familiar.
But here’s the thing:
To Invent Is To Innovate
Creating solutions today isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about taking what works and making it work better. Innovation is a mindset. It’s not about tearing down what functions; it’s about optimizing it.
The vehicle you drive? It gets you from point A to B. But what about the environmental impact? Efficiency? These are areas ripe for innovation.
Staying Relevant Through Innovation
Even when things work, they might not be at their full potential. This is where innovation becomes essential. Small improvements can lead to big results—both for businesses and individuals. It’s not about dramatic overhauls but consistent, forward-thinking tweaks that keep us growing.
We have a choice: adapt, evolve, and innovate, or get stuck in a loop of “good enough.”
If there’s one thing I’ve learned: Innovation isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process. A journey. One that allows us to remain relevant and thrive in a fast-changing world.
So, the next time you wonder if you should innovate, ask yourself this: Is “working fine” really enough?