In the heart of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, a young innovator named Junior, a student at a technical school, has dedicated long hours to building a humanoid robot named “Mama Africa”, with the goal of honoring Africa’s cultural wealth and promoting environmental awareness. His project is not only a tribute to African traditions but also an urgent call for a change in habits in the face of climate change. Inspired by ambitious ideas since childhood, Junior decided to assemble each piece of his creation using recycled materials.
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This breakthrough was driven by the arrival of a fiber optic network in 2023, funded by the African Development Bank and the European Union. The 900-kilometer infrastructure, which connects the Central African Republic with Cameroon and Congo, has facilitated high-speed connectivity that once seemed unreachable. Now, Junior can connect “Mama Africa” to the world, allowing anyone to interact online with the robot and learn about the African cultural legacy and the importance of protecting the environment. “Before, the connection would fail with the rain; today, we can keep ‘Mama Africa’ online, even under adverse conditions”, says Junior.
The new digital infrastructure has also enabled the establishment of a training center at the University of Bangui, where Junior is preparing to continue his academic journey. This center offers access to computers, 3D printers, and workshops that have transformed learning, giving young people the opportunity to carry out technological projects. “Thanks to the fiber optic network, students now have a unique opportunity to connect to the Internet affordably”, mentions Arc-ange Geoffroy, a university professor and leader at the Central African Agency for Digital Development.
With the fiber optic network tripling the country’s internet speed from 3 Gbps to 10 Gbps, the digital future of the Central African Republic looks full of possibilities. Mamady Souare, manager of the African Development Bank in the country, emphasizes the importance of the initiative: “We are facilitating the connection between Central Africa and its neighbors, creating a true digital transformation that empowers young innovators”.