Transcriber: Reiko Bovee Reviewer: Elisabeth Buffard
What does it mean to be developed
especially for African countries?
I suppose that many people consider development
as following the models of developed countries.
But wait a second.
Do you really think all countries should be like Japan, the United States
or European countries?
Of course this is actually what African people should decide,
not outsiders like me.
However, when people think about their future,
it is better to have more options.
In most countries in Africa, infrastructure is not that thing.
But if you look at it from another perspective,
Africa has a chance to create new society
by using new technologies.
Things are already changing in Africa.
Mobile money is a prime example.
It was born in Africa, and now it is the most useful
and the easiest way to transfer money in the world.
And my company provides prepaid solar charging system
named WASSHA to small shops in the rural villages
that are too far away from urban areas to install national power lines.
We have accomplished this
by combining remote power controlling system
developed right here at the University of Tokyo
and Africa's own mobile money.
Through this system, even low-income customers
can get lights when they have small money.
Like this,
or like this
And now we have 300,000 frequent users every day.
And by the end of this year
it is expected to have more than 1 million.
[1,000,000 Frequent users]
As you can see
people in Africa has already started changing their lifestyle.
through technologies.
New technologies match with African people and cultures.
This fusion gives a burst to a completely new society
that the world has never seen before.
I call what we are seeing now "Africannovation."
Africannovation can offer a variety of new enticing options to Africa.
Here are some of the examples that may happen in the future.
A small village in the middle of savannah,
but there Internet connection is everywhere.
There are no power cables, but you can use renewable energy
as much as you need.
Even when they get sick
they can reach other hospitals by the Internet
and get whatever supplies they need
within 30 minutes by drones.
Children can access educational materials from all over the world for free
while taking care of their livestock.
They can take online courses, then receive PhD degree
from the best universities around the globe.
Then they can start new business with friends from other countries
by working together online.
And what's more, they don't have to commute all the way to cities,
and they don't have to suffer from traffic jam and high living costs.
They can even spend their time
with people whom they love with no worries.
Do you think all this is impossible?
I believe it's possible.
Thank you.
(Applause)