Africa, the World Leader in Sustainable Tech
by Mark Ontkush, Boston, Massachusetts, USA 
on 08.19.07
From the eco-tech perspective, the most interesting continent is Africa. Ill-equipped for the profligate consumption of nearly every resource, Africa is a study in efficiency, where leadership and ingenuity seem to naturally spring forth; witness, et. al., the solar and pedal-powered phones for Uganda, the South African phase out of incandescent bulbs started over a year ago, the Design for Africa movement.
In a society where the work being done by every electron is compared carefully to the sweat-of-brow alternative, it's interesting to review what tech gadgetry is accepted. And, what is not. This is particularly so when one realizes that there are a billion Africans to support, with only 4 percent of the world's electricity supply. So, what is appropriate; cell phones seem to be, as nearly every African that wants one has one. And with the exception of South Africa, used computers seem to be accepted as well. This seems strange, as these are typically power guzzlers; could be just a good idea, but perhaps some basic human needs are involved.
Unlike more developed counties, where one finds justification for a new 3D operating system or shortened hardware/upgrade cycle under every rock, it's refreshing to explore a model where the rubber on road translates directly into real world solutions in short order. Watch for more bright lights from the dark continent. :: All Africa :: Economist
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Another great example of African ingenuity being used to solve electricity problems can be found with William Kamkwamba (http://williamkamkwamba.typepad.com/), a student who build a windmill for his family out of recycled materials.
Necessity is the mother of all innovators and motivators.
God bless you innovators of Africa you will be head of America when the last drop of oil has been squeezed out of the earth!
D~W
I was fascinated by the sustainable practices in Tunisia, which expedited their acceptance into an Association Agreement with the European Union.
Many times, though, the sustainable option was by choice - not by necessity, so that's a factor to look into as well. And I did - it was my thesis topic!