< PreviousH ere is one product that will definitely make millennials feel old. This vintage tech article features a gadget that we grew up playing with. One such gadget that was loved by almost all kids and had a love-hate relationship with their parents. The Famicom/ Family Computer, also known as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was a video game console that was released by Nintendo in Japan in 1983. As someone who grew up during the 90s, the Famicom holds a special place in my heart even though I grew up playing the knock-off version of it called the Terminator. The console was an important milestone in the history of video games, as it helped to revitalise the industry after the video game crash of 1983. It was known for its distinctive design, with a bright red and white colour scheme and a rectangular shape that stood out from other gaming consoles of its time. The console used cartridges that were smaller than VHS tapes and had a unique rectangular shape. The plastic part of the tape always used to break leaving us with a bunch of chips with no idea which game it is. What really made the Famicom special was its library of games. The console introduced some of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, including Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. These games had simple yet addictive gameplay, catchy music (I am writing this while humming the music to Super Mario), and bright, colourful graphics that made them a joy to play. While the Famicom/NES was not the first gaming console, it was a significant milestone in the history of video games and played a major role in shaping the industry as we know it today. 10 edge_ june 2023 A whiff of nostalgia vintage tech By Arya Devi12 edge_ june 2023 POWERING PROGRESS Exploring how renewable energy can pave the way for Africa to overcome energy challenges, embrace clean solutions, and achieve a sustainable future SUSTAINABILITY By Adelle Geronimo I n parts of Africa, the familiar sights and sounds of diesel generators have become a part of daily life. These noisy and polluting machines provide a lifeline for businesses, households, and vital institutions like health clinics and schools. However, the heavy reliance on diesel generators comes at a high cost, both economically and environmentally. As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition to clean energy sources, sustainable renewable energy, particularly solar power, offers the potential to revolutionise electrification and improve lives across the continent. feature The diesel dilemma For decades, the failure of state-owned power grids in parts of Africa – especially in rural areas, has forced communities to invest in expensive diesel generators. These machines provide a temporary solution but come with significant drawbacks. Rural businesses, households, and institutions spend billions of dollars each year on diesel and gasoline to keep their generators running. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), diesel and gasoline generators in sub-Saharan Africa consume an edge_ june 2023 13 feature estimated $50 billion worth of fuel every year. Additionally, more than 17 countries in the region have a greater capacity for distributed diesel generation compared to grid-connected power generation. This reliance on fossil fuels not only drains financial resources but also contributes to environmental pollution and climate change. Volatile oil prices make it even more challenging for diesel users to predict and afford the costs associated with operating generators. As prices continue to rise, many cities and communities struggle with energy poverty and hindering economic development. The renewable revolution Amidst these challenges, sustainable renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, offer a beacon of hope for Africa’s energy woes. By 2050, the continent will be the home of 2 billion people, and two in five of the world’s children will be born there, according to UNICEF. Meeting their needs with sustainable sources of modern energy will be essential to social welfare and economic development. $50B The worth of fuel spent on generators annually (Source: IFC)14 edge_ june 2023 feature In a recent report, Adnan Z. Amin, the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, emphasised Africa’s formidable energy challenge resulting from population growth and economic advancements, which have significantly increased energy demand. “This calls for a rapid increase in supply on the continent, to which all forms of energy must contribute in the decades ahead. Africa, therefore, has a unique opportunity to pursue sustainable energy development as a basis for long-term prosperity,” he said. Fortunately, the continent is blessed with abundant solar resources, and leveraging this potential can lead to a clean and affordable energy future. According to a recent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa is estimated to have a remarkable solar photovoltaic (PV) technical potential of 7,900 GW. Africa has the opportunity to leverage modern renewable energy sources to address power shortages, extend electricity access to rural villages that have long been deprived of such benefits, drive industrial growth, foster entrepreneurship, and promote overall prosperity across the continent. Furthermore, modern renewables can play a pivotal role in enabling a cost-effective transition to a cleaner and more secure power sector. The benefits of solar power The shift from diesel generators to solar power brings numerous advantages. Firstly, solar energy is clean and renewable, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Embracing sustainable solutions can mitigate the impacts of climate change and contribute to a healthier environment. Secondly, solar power offers a more stable and predictable source of energy compared to diesel. Once the initial infrastructure investment is made, solar energy becomes a cost-effective option, significantly reducing long-term energy expenses for households and businesses. Thirdly, solar microgrids and rooftop solar systems are emerging as viable alternatives to diesel generators. Community-led initiatives are bringing together local expertise, innovative financing models, and technology advancements to establish decentralised solar power networks. These microgrids can power homes, schools, health clinics, and small businesses, transforming the lives of Africans. Moreover, embracing solar power can unlock economic “Africa has a unique opportunity to pursue sustainable energy development as a basis for long-term prosperity” Healthier environment Adopting sustainable solutions can mitigate the impacts of climate changeedge_ june 2023 15 feature opportunities and job creation. The deployment and maintenance of solar infrastructure require local skills and expertise, providing employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship within African communities. Challenges and the way forward While the potential of solar power is evident, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate its widespread adoption. These include access to affordable financing, strengthening local capacity for installation and maintenance, and developing supportive policies and regulatory frameworks. Governments, international organisations, and the private sector need to collaborate to promote investments in renewable energy infrastructure and facilitate access to financing. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns can empower communities to understand the benefits of renewable energy and drive demand for clean power solutions. The energy transition in Africa also requires a holistic approach, involving the strengthening of institutional capacity, the execution of well-curated policies, and significant support from the international community in terms of technology and financial resources. This shift from conventional energy sources also needs inclusive planning and the establishment of consensus, taking into account the diverse interests of all stakeholders involved. Many of Africa’s communities have long relied on costly and polluting diesel generators for their energy needs. The impact of renewable energy goes beyond economics and the environment; it has the power to transform lives. Reliable electricity unlocks a myriad of opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. By embracing the potential offered by renewable energy and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the energy transition, Africa can move away from antiquated energy systems and pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. Untapped potential The African continent is rich in renewable energy sources, but many of them remain underutilised today Jobs The deployment and maintenance of solar infrastructure require local skills and expertiseCONNECTING AFRICA As Africa emerges as a formidable force in the global tech landscape, the lack of reliable and affordable internet access poses a significant hurdle. With vast untapped potential waiting to be unleashed, the continent faces the urgent need to bridge the connectivity gap CONNECTIVITY By Adelle Geronimo edge_ june 2023 17 cover story18 edge_ june 2023 I n today’s digitally driven world, meaningful connectivity is the key that unlocks a world of opportunities for individuals. It’s the difference between having access to education, banking, and healthcare – or none of them. It also has a profound impact on the entire society as it can determine the success and impact of digitalisation programmes, shaping the future of our communities. But here’s the harsh reality: many current and upcoming innovations will remain distant dreams for the vast majority of people in countries where connectivity is limited or non-existent. With a growing tech market that has been hailed as a game-changer for the economy, Africa is a continent on the rise. According to a report by Google and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa’s digital economy has the potential to contribute nearly $180 billion, a 5.2 percent of the continent’s GDP, by 2025. It’s a staggering figure that speaks volumes about the untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. Moreover, Africa’s technology ecosystem is teeming with life, with capital investments hitting all-time highs. In 2022 alone, venture capital deals on the continent experienced a remarkable 8 percent surge, surpassing the previous year’s record and amassing a total of $6.5 billion, according to renowned global investment platform, Partech. These numbers tell a riveting tale of growing confidence and mounting interest in Africa’s vibrant and promising tech sector. Despite this remarkable progress, a colossal challenge looms large - the issue of connectivity. Africa’s connectivity challenges The continent’s connectivity challenges are a major “Innovation can also help address digital literacy challenges and make connectivity more affordable by developing new business models and payment systems that are accessible to more people” - Todd Ashton, Ericsson Young tech talents Africa’s tech-savvy youth are looking to harness the potential of the digital economyedge_ june 2023 19 cover story hurdle on the path to technological advancement. The lack of reliable and affordable internet access has served as a major bottleneck for the continent’s tech industry. It’s not just a problem limited to remote rural areas. Even in the bustling urban centres, internet access is often unreliable, frustratingly slow, and prohibitively expensive. Less than one-third of the African population has the privilege of accessing broadband connectivity. Shockingly, 21 out of the 25 countries with the least connectivity in the world find their home within the borders of Africa. With a poor internet penetration rate of a mere 36 percent, Africa lags significantly behind the global average of 62.5 percent. Moreover, the region’s vibrant and burgeoning young population is eagerly seeking to harness the vast potential of the digital economy. They yearn to tap into the immense it offers, yet their ambitions are stifled by the persistent challenges of sluggish and costly internet access. As the spotlight intensifies on Africa’s tech industry, it has become imperative to address and resolve this pressing issue. However, things are looking up. Presently, 473 million Africans have managed to establish an online presence, and by 2025, an additional 300 million are projected to join them. This anticipated surge in internet adoption holds immense significance, as it is the key to unlocking Africa’s future growth and development. To bridge the connectivity gap, significant investment is required. The World Bank estimates that achieving universal and high-quality internet access throughout Africa demands a staggering $100 billion investment. A substantial portion of this amount, precisely 80 percent should be allocated to core infrastructure development, including the deployment of 250,000 new 4G base stations, laying at least 250,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables, and transitioning to 5G technology. These investments will pave the way for the dramatic amplification of data centres’ demand. Then there’s the energy crisis. In many parts of Africa, especially in rural and remote areas, a shortage of reliable electricity hampers the establishment and maintenance of essential communication infrastructure. Without a stable and accessible source of power, it becomes challenging to fuel and sustain the necessary infrastructure for connectivity. Todd Ashton, Vice President and Head of South and East Africa, Ericsson 10 countries in Africa with high number of internet users Number of internet users in selected countries in Africa as of January 2022, by country (in millions) (Source: Statista) 21 out of the 25 countries with the least connectivity in the world are in AfricaNext >