Editor’s Note: This is part 3 of the 3-part series pinpointing the reasons why the gap between technology (with a focus on ICT4Ag) and agriculture should be closed amidst adversities. Read part 1 and part 2 if you haven’t yet.
I am a great believer of microcosm — a heuristic where a small sample is used to draw observations about a bigger population.
Well, this time around, I am basing on a recently released computer game to draw observations which I will sum up to complete the jigsaw puzzle at the end of the article.
I am an not avid gamer but when I landed on this game, I immediately noticed something was a miss.
It is called the African Farmer game , a computer simulation of the “real” life of an African farmer, developed by the Department of Informatics at the University of Sussex funded by Futures Agriculture Consortium, UK Economic and Social Research centre and three other celebrity NGOs in the United Kingdom. Wow!
On the first impression, the graphics were somewhat wanting, a common characteristic of strategy games. One of my friends being extremely obsessed with this genre of computer games, especially FIFA Football Manager and Civilisation, my curiosity increased even more. These kind of games promote agile thinking and making of adrenaline throbbing decisions based on previously made strategies. It’s like playing Chess but in a different context — a fast paced setting.
The problem with the game in question is that the setting assumes some of the worst conditions an African farmer could possibly face, of course some of them are true. It re-echos the old rhetoric about Africa’s image on the international arena — an continent filled with disease, poverty, civil strife, famine and (insert many other ill-fated adjectives). It’s that bad. I struggled to figure out the correlation between HIV and agriculture, it seemed as if all farmers were just a phone call away from catching the deadly virus. In another ridiculous game I played — Third World Farmer — rebels would somehow, out of the blue attack my village and torch my crops. It was very frustrating.
I asked myself. So who are these games developed for? And what do they seek to achieve? The usual answer would be something like: We want to help African Farmers make better decisions in strategizing for their produce and also give non-Africans a chance to immerse themselves into a real experience of what African farmers actually go through. At the end of the short explanation, there is usually a big red embossed and beveled “Donate now!!” button.
It’s not science, it’s poverty porn
There are just a handful of Africans who would actually play such games (definitely not farmers), however, this doesn’t stop the diasporans from hopelessly getting hooked. And donating without resolve! In this information age, the resultant force of such games (and awareness campaigns alike) doesn’t help the affected but rather benefits the campaign perpetrators. They promise to simulate “realistic” ordeals of African farmers yet covertly misdirecting peoples’ emotions. The game psychology is well scripted and it works to the interest of its architects .
In the meme above, a person is being clobbered but instead of people running downstairs to help her, they instead tweet away in the comfort of their couches. I relate this to farmers facing all these vagaries but instead, the development partners send help and directives from the comfort of their bases without knowing what’s really happening on ground.
All I can envision are millions of streams of pounds disappearing into a black hole. Let me explain.
Once upon a time, development partners
Let’s clear the lingua franca we shall use before we dive deep. Development partners are also known as donors.
Development of Africa’s smallholder agriculture sector and the introduction and application of new technologies and practices are critical for reducing rural poverty, improving economic growth and enhancing human welfare across the region. But there is also a clear need for a new vision for agricultural development that can guide these efforts, while responding to the dynamics of agrarian change in Africa’s complex farming environments.
Apparently, development partners are at the forefront of making sure Africa successfully incorporates technology in Agriculture. The unfortunate bit is that they are not on ground, they don’t know what the locals really go through and above all, they have selfish interests to protect. The convolution of this is rather stagnating, it’s like moving a step forward and taking one backwards. It creates a state of buoyancy. A state were there is hope but outright lack of direction to follow.
Hacking growth in Agriculture
That is what experts would call growth hacking. Instead of burying such valuable info in fine academic print that nobody ever reads, why not create a game that anyone can play as well as learn about the unknown missives on agriculture.
This spins an interesting topic that borrows a lot from growth hacking– hackathons. A hackathon is a portmanteau of the words hacking and marathon. Basically, small teams rapidly prototype a product, of social or economic potential, in record time, usually less than 48 hours. They were popularized a couple of years ago following the increase of Innovation hubs on the continent. Many rookie techpreneurs were excited but since then the euphoria has diminished. The numbers of techies thronging hackathon and competitions have plummeted, as the serious developers continue to look for other platforms from where they’ll raise money.
In fact, one of my friends was amused, “How do you assemble a bunch of kids on a trip from Europe with locally based computer science grads to hack for agriculture!” They are often clueless about the bolts and axles of agriculture but yet they go ahead and develop shiny apps that will never be used by the public (or farmers).
Misdirection of funding
On average, the seed fund or prize fund for winning a hackathon is about $10,000. Honestly I don’t know why these folks zeroed on such a figure regardless of the kind of product that makes it to the top. By the way, $10k isn’t bad per se. Nonetheless, this isn’t another scenario of Oliver Twist asking for more but the need to practice funding flexibility should be a prerequisite. For instance, Ensibuuko , a Ugandan for-profit organization works with rural Ugandan farmers to provide them with access to farm inputs, market information, finance and solar products.
Through a mobile platform, they re-imagined the entire micro finance and small scale agriculture based on the extension of concessional loans, marketing for their produce and rural network advisory services. Figuratively, they need a minimum of a million dollars to successfully take off. But where will they get it when no stronghold doesn’t see the potential in their idea? Guess what they won late last year at the ICT for Agriculture hackathon in Rwanda — a paltry € 3000 and a Huawei smartphone.
This isn’t to discredit the event organisers or Western backed hackathons, but surely, there is a need to understand how systems work on ground and draw proper treatment to them. And of course apportion the adequate funds for their kickoff. For instance, there is an acute shortage of African youth participating in agriculture. What could be done to attract them? Perhaps gamifying the whole experience and subsequently educating them would come in handy. Maybe. But not with the kind of games such as the African Farmer, it’s outright ridiculous!
Renown veteran ICT consultant and agro-entrepreneur, James Wire Lunghabo, in a recent article published in the Daily Monitor, he assesses how technology can be successfully blended into agriculture. He talks about the ginormous possibilities an innovation hub dedicated to agriculture would mean.
If an Agro-ICT Innovation Hub existed, it would make it easier for one to blend the technologists with these subject matter specialists hence benefitting the industry in the long run. As we all know, Mobile is not the only form of delivery that can be used to extend ICTs to farmers. By borrowing from their rural lifestyles, one can use Community Centres to act as knowledge and technology access points using communal services and products. Advertisement - Continue reading below
In conclusion, the onus is unto locally based entrepreneurs to work in collaboration with techies to show the leaders and stakeholders what could possibly be achieved.
.
Daniel Mwesigwa is a curious mind at the intersection of technology, media, and politics. Passionate about emerging trends and critical thinking, he’s known for cutting through noise—calling out conspiracy theories when they don’t hold up. When he’s not writing or analyzing the digital world, Daniel enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.
Type your email…
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
