New Tech-Focused Programme, Innovate Africa, To Debut on Al Jazeera

“Innovate Africa” is the new tech-centric show that Al Jazeera English will be debuting on November 18, 2014.

The show which will be aired on over 270 million TV screens in more than 140 countries, will be anchored by South African, Ndoni Khanyile who coincidentally – or not – will also be making her debut as a presenter. Ndoni will be presenting alongside well-known radio personality, Tapfuma Makina, who is a Biotechnology graduate.

The six-part series travels across Africa to meet the entrepreneurs and innovators who are using technology to change their lives and the futures of those around them.

Produced from Cape Town, Innovate Africa has already taken Ndoni to France, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda where she has met children learning to build robots in Ghana from age five and she has seen children in Kenya learning to code from age six. Her research has taught her about the advances in space satellite technology, 3D printers made from recycled waste; and solar-powered classrooms.

“The internet is a really democratic medium,” says Ndoni, “Because of the access the web gives you, whether you are a student or a multinational, anyone with an idea can have an impact. Innovate Africa isn’t just about the tech; it’s about innovative thinking that uses technology as a tool for problem-solving on a young continent that is on the move.”

Ndoni was the host of ENCA’s premier technology show, Tech Report, from 2011-2013. She studied Theater and Performance at the University of Cape Town, before receiving a Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University, which she attended as the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship and the William and Ceil Africa Pulitzer Fellowship. She’s also a columnist and editor-at-large for Essence of Africa, a new women’s magazine that launched in November 2014.

Innovate Africa premieres on Al Jazeera English on Tuesday, 18 November 2014 at 10:30pm WAT.