TEDGlobal Day 3: Inspiring!
Today’s been a little hectic, as I gave a talk today about AfriGadget and so couldn’t really concentrate at first… It seemed to go over well, so it was probably worth the lack of sleep. 
Many of the African bloggers here had lunch together, and that was enjoyable, just to see so many faces that I had only known virtually, sitting down all in one place together.
The “Tales of Invention” session, which I did my talk in, was really outstanding. The speakers were engaging and really reminded everyone of the great opportunities and innovation seen around Africa. Bola Olabisi, started off with a stirring talk of her work showcasing women inventors in Africa and around the world.
I was fortunate to be sitting next to the final speaker of the innovation session, Dr. Seyi Oyesola. Talk about a dynamic and talented individual! His talk about reaching back into Nigeria to do open heart surgery in abysmal conditions moved everyone. He then finished, showcasing CompactOR - which, by it’s name, you can tell is a very compact and complete operating room in a small trolley.
Though tales of invention was my favorite due to its focus on technology, the last session of the day was much more moving. “The Campfire” showcased story tellers. Franco Saachi gave a great overview of “Nollywood”, Nigeria’s movie empire, the third largest in the world with over 2000 films released each year. Look for the documentary soon.
Writers Chris Abani and Binyavanga Wainaina were the final speaker. Wow! These guys are storytellers for good reason. Chris Abani gave a soul stirring talk about
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Just went through your great collection…and there is only one shot of Erik…not good, my friend!
Rafiq, so that’s what he looks like, eh…and who is the blogger from Nigeria? I thought I got region nailed down…
And the picture of the villa… that is so good. Darn, I have to pull up my jaw.
More!!
Excellent - I would have to heard your’s, and the other speeches too. Innovation in Africa is clearly a crucial component in its development…
Sounds like the conference has been an intense (in the best possible way) experience. What do you feel you’ve gained/learned from it? Would be good to see a blog on that once it’s all done…
Hash:
I am grateful for the posts by you and Dave McQueen. The two of you have painted some wonderful pictures for us who couldnt attend.
Thanks Man!
[...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt Today’s been a little hectic, as I gave a talk today about AfriGadget and so couldn’t really concentrate at first… It seemed to go over well, so it was probably worth the lack of sleep. Many of the African bloggers here had lunch together, and that was enjoyable, just to see so many faces that I had only known virtually, sitting down all in one place together. The “Tales of Invention” session, which I did my talk in, was really outstanding. The speakers were engaging and really reminded evenn [...]
[...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt Today’s been a little hectic, as I gave a talk today about AfriGadget and so couldn’t really concentrate at first… It seemed to go over well, so it was probably worth the lack of sleep. Many of the African bloggers here had lunch together, and that was enjoyable, just to see so many faces that I had only known virtually, sitting down all in one place together. The “Tales of Invention” session, which I did my talk in, was really outstanding. The speakers were engaging and really reminded eve [...]
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