By Tina Caroline Matlhake
Reclaiming Innovation: The Western Imperial Lens and Its Influence on African Technological Development
The landscape of technological development has been profoundly shaped by the ideologies, priorities, and perspectives of dominant global powers. This raises a critical philosophical question: How do we know what to create, and how do we create the surrounding knowledge? At the heart of this inquiry lies the undeniable influence of Western imperialism, which has not only shaped what humanity values and prioritizes but has also dictated the course of knowledge creation and technological evolution.
Western Hegemony: Shaping Knowledge and Innovation
The Western imperial lens has defined how societies understand the world, prioritise progress, and innovate. It has entrenched Western values as universal, leaving little room for alternative ways of thinking or knowing. As Steve Biko famously said, “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.” The question then becomes: What are we missing by viewing the world through this hegemonic lens?
Historically, during the colonial and industrial eras, technological advancement was not a neutral endeavour but one deeply imbued with imperialist under and overtones. Innovations such as railroads and steamships were not just milestones of industrial progress; they were tools for colonial expansion, with the designed to extract resources and with the end goal of consolidate power. These technologies were developed to serve the interests of the colonial powers, not the needs of colonised populations.
The prioritisation of technologies by imperial powers created a narrative that dismissed or devalued the capabilities and contributions of societies in the Global South. This is wherefrom a common misconception proceeded: perhaps these societies did not develop such technologies because they lacked the capability. However, this view fails to consider that the conditions necessitating these inventions were often absent in the Global South, where local innovations were developed to meet different needs.
Even today, the Western hegemonic lens continues to dictate the technological imagination. It not only overemphasises developments aligned with Western priorities but also stifles non-Western ingenuity. A simple example can be found in African fashion design, where creating “African trousers” often involves adding a localised print to a Western style of clothing. This is a simple example to exemplify how deeply ingrained Western templates are in shaping what is considered innovative or valuable, while alternative possibilities remain unexplored.
Post-Colonial Legacies in Technological Development
The claim that colonisation “ended ages ago” often accompanies questions about why the Global South has not spearheaded technological innovation today or at least kept up with the pace of technological advancement. While the West’s head start in technological development due to its imperial past is a valid response to this question, there is something to be said about our collective inability to veer off the delineated path, epistemologically speaking. Not to mention the fact that the Global South remains heavily reliant on Western technology and expertise, perpetuating a cycle of dependency.
Developing nations frequently import technologies that are not perfectly suited to their local contexts and lack the capacity to modify them to address unique needs. More significantly, the epistemological framework that shapes knowledge creation and technological development in these nations is fundamentally Westernised. This framework leaves little room for alternative approaches or the cultivation of local innovation ecosystems.
Institutions in the Global South are often constructed in ways that replicate Western models, leaving no space for post-colonial divergence or innovation. As noted in the SARChI Industrial Development Working Paper Series WP 2021-08, “In some cases, regulation has been found to inhibit innovation.” This reflects a systemic issue where the very structures meant to foster growth instead stifle creativity and adaptability.
Toward a Post-Colonial Technological Future
To overcome the enduring influence of the Western imperial lens, a post-colonial approach to technological development is essential. This begins with recognising and uplifting non-Western knowledge systems and fostering local innovation ecosystems. The goal should be to create technologies that serve the unique needs of local communities and exist in harmony with their geographical, cultural, and social contexts.
A post-colonial technological future also requires a fundamental shift in global governance structures. Institutions in the Global South must prioritise fostering a culture of creation and innovation within their localities rather than perpetually adopting technologies from outside. By doing so, these nations can redefine progress on their own terms and address challenges that are specific to their contexts.
To ground this discussion, consider South Africa’s engagement with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As the global landscape shifts toward advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and big data, the key question arises: Will South Africa remain a passive adopter, or can it cultivate an environment for homegrown innovations that address African realities?
This question forces us to confront the structural and cultural factors that inhibit the development of African-centred solutions. How can South Africa, and the broader Global South, create technologies that solve African problems when their innovation ecosystems are modelled after Western priorities? The answer lies in building institutions and systems that empower communities to innovate in ways that reflect their lived realities and aspirations.
The journey to reclaim knowledge and innovation from the shadow of Western imperialism is not just about justice—it is about unlocking the full potential of human creativity across all cultures and geographies. It is therefore up to all of us to try to imagine a new colour that isn’t in the rainbow.
By Tina Caroline Matlhake – Economics & Information Systems
