By Dr. Mfon C. Utin

The recent training session on the implications of new and emerging technologies in Africa, organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), was an eye-opening experience. It provided valuable insights and highlighted the potential impact of these advancements on the continent. Esteemed facilitators covered a broad range of topics, including technofixes by Stephen Oduware, geoengineering by Chukwumerije Okereke, eco-colonialism, persistent coloniality, and Africa’s future with new technologies by Nnimmo Bassey, the fourth industrial revolution and new techno-grabs in Africa by Jim Thomas, regulating new and emerging technologies: pitfalls and opportunities by Mariann-Bassey Orovwuje, sustainable innovative solutions as alternatives to harmful technologies by Babawale Obayanju, and the implications of new and emerging technologies for Africa by Barbara Ntambirweki.

Human activities, particularly extractive practices by international companies in African countries, have led to significant pollution, contributing to global warming and climate change. While these issues are global, they disproportionately affect Africa due to its environmental deterioration, economic instability, rapid population growth, and varying levels of development. Despite the challenges faced by many developing countries, Africa is the most affected by these harmful effects. Nonetheless, the proposed new and emerging technologies appear to offer solutions to these pressing issues.

Africa’s rich biodiversity, including its vegetables, leaves, and trees, has traditionally provided essential medicinal values and nutrients crucial for human health and the ecosystem. However, the introduction of technologies such as genetically modified (GMO) foods and products has disrupted this balance, posing risks to both human health and the environment. The nutritional value of these GMO products is notably lower, offering little more than empty calories and causing more issues in the ecosystem. Other technologies introduce radiation and pollutants that harm the ecosystem, leading to health challenges and premature deaths. Although technologies like geoengineering are proposed for pollution management and climate change mitigation, their long-term disadvantages and future consequences are concerning. These technofixes often represent flawed science driven by profit motives.

Scientific discovery should aim to illuminate and improve our world, not contribute to its destruction. Emerging technologies should liberate rather than cause pain. Therefore, these technologies must be rigorously tested and proven safe before being introduced to the public. Africa must no longer serve as a testing ground for new technologies. Most of Africa’s natural resources and ecosystems have already been extensively exploited due to extractive activities without proper compensation and environmental cleanup, causing significant environmental and societal harm under colonial rule. This modern form of colonialism brought into Africa, disguised as aid, perpetuates these injustices.

We must address the root causes of pollution and climate change in Africa, which inflict severe damage and suffering, particularly on marginalized and vulnerable communities like those in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The future of our generations is at stake. Global accords like the Paris Agreement should not be used by our African leaders to betray their people for personal gain. Effective regulation and implementation of policies surrounding new and emerging technologies are urgently needed in African countries.

Where are the African associations that represent and advocate for the citizens’ interests? We must reject GMO foods and products, technofixes, geoengineering, and any new technologies that are not thoroughly tested and proven safe. African leaders and communities, from the grassroots to the highest levels of governance, must reject and advocate against these potentially harmful technologies and raise awareness about their risks. African leaders need to support and promote research on these technologies rather than accepting them blindly. The approach to our environmental remediation, reparation, and restoration should involve natural processes and the cessation of all polluting activities. Instead of consuming more land and properties under the guise of establishing new technologies, which often displace people and erode cultural norms and unity, we call on the Nigerian government to be more proactive in passing policies that promote a better environment and healthier living conditions.

We extend our gratitude to the Executive Director of HOMEF, environmental advocate Rev. Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, for his unwavering commitment to educating younger generations and fostering a safer environment for both people and the ecosystem.

As we move forward, it is essential that Africa embraces new technologies with caution, ensuring they bring about positive change and genuine progress. We must champion policies and practices that prioritize the health and well-being of our people and our planet. Only through collective effort and vigilant advocacy can we ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Together we can! Teamwork! Let’s advocate and create awareness.