African mathematicians help drive innovation on the continent, but they don't always get the recognition they deserve.

This was one of the viewpoints of Prof Oluwole Makinde from the Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Military Science at Stellenbosch University on Thursday (23 August 2018). He delivered his inaugural lecture on the topic Applied mathematics makes innovation feasible.

Makinde said the work of African mathematicians, especially those in the field of applied mathematics, is not well acknowledged. Applied mathematics deals with the creation and study of mathematical and computational tools that will solve challenging and complex problems in science, engineering, business and industry. 

“Discrimination, xenophobia and racist stereotyping have not ended, even in the field of mathematics and applied mathematics in particular and in the academic circle in general; rather, they continue in subtler and covert forms."

“One of the forms they take is the false and demeaning notion – not necessarily articulated out loud – that African mathematical scientists do not have what it takes to be recognised and acknowledged for excellence in their career, or that African applied mathematicians' highly rated research outputs are not satisfactory."

Makinde said it's imperative for all stakeholders to put applied mathematics and research on a sound footing to propel Africa for a dynamic and technologically advanced economy in this 21st century.

“Every African who makes a successful career in mathematical sciences is contributing to the wellbeing of the community," he added.

Makinde pointed out that Africa has had a long history of mathematics.

“History tells us that for tens of thousands of years, Africa was in the centre of mathematics history. From the civilizations of Southern, Eastern, Central, Western and Northern Africa came contributions that would enrich both ancient and modern understanding of nature through the application of mathematics and science."

Makinde said the future of mathematical sciences and indeed applied mathematics in Africa is very bright and the lost glory of the past will be restored.

He encouraged African mathematical scientists to be steadfast, assertive and persistent, and to make their voices heard and their innovative work known.

• ​Main photo credit: Pixabay
• Photo 1: Profs Sam Tshehla, Dean of the Faculty of Military Science, Oluwole Makinde, and Eugene Cloete, Vice-Rector: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, at the inaugural lecture.