It's time we took pride in frugal innovations

A traditionally preserved fish being sold. [File, Standard]

Data from the world intellectual property office (WIPO) shows that Africa registers very few innovations, going by the number of patents granted. That data could be misleading, giving the impression that there are no innovations in Africa.

Visiting rural and urban areas in Africa suggests the continent is overflowing with innovations, but they are not registered or protected. But they are innovations.