Afrofuturism and tech innovation
A special edition on Afrofuturism – what is it and how can it influence tech innovation?
This week we have a special programme on Afrofuturism and tech innovation. It’s a subject often covered in science fiction, but what makes Afrofuturism different from standard science fiction is that ancient African traditions and black identity is steeped throughout the story. A text that has a black character in a futuristic world is not enough. But Afrofuturism is more than just Sci-fi. It’s the reimagining of a future filled with arts, science and technology seen through the perspective of black people.
We will be exploring Afrofuturism and technology with India Gary-Martin, formerly JPMorgan’s MD and COO for investment banking tech and operations, Dr. Mave Houston, Head of UXR Disney+ and Nana Baffour, a Ghanaian born venture capitalist and investor who is now CEO of one of Brazil’s largest tech companies join us on the programme. In addition, we have an extract of Afrofuturism Sci-Fi, Ale Santos’s new book “The Last Ancestral” and his view on Afrofuturism and its role in the development of technology.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Angelica Mari.
Studio Manager: Bob Nettles
Producer: Ania Lichtarowicz
(Image: Getty Images)
Last on
More episodes
Broadcasts
- Tue 4 Jan 202220:32GMTBBC World Service Online, Americas and the Caribbean, UK DAB/Freeview & Europe and the Middle East only
- Tue 4 Jan 202221:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia, South Asia, News Internet & East Asia only
- Wed 5 Jan 202202:32GMTBBC World Service
- Wed 5 Jan 202209:32GMTBBC World Service
- Wed 5 Jan 202213:32GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, East Asia, South Asia & West and Central Africa
- Wed 5 Jan 202218:32GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Sat 8 Jan 202217:32GMTBBC World Service News Internet
- Sun 9 Jan 202212:32GMTBBC World Service South Asia & East Asia only
Podcast
![]()
Digital Planet
Technological and digital news from around the world.

