Cameroonian Innovator Manfred Asah Agha Wins 10M FCFA for AI-Powered Glasses for the Blind
Northwest Cameroon’s Manfred Asah Agha wins 10M FCFA for “Intelligent Eye Glass” – Africa’s first AI navigation tech for the visually impaired. Discover his revolutionary p /manfred-asah-agha-intelligent-eye-glass-blind-cameroon
Cameroonian Innovator Manfred Asah Agha Wins 10M FCFA for AI-Powered Glasses for the Blind
Cameroonian Innovator Manfred Asah Agha Wins 10M FCFA for AI-Powered Glasses for the Blind
YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON – In a historic moment for African tech, Manfred Asah Agha, a visionary innovator from Cameroon’s Northwest Region, has claimed the top prize of 10 million FCFA (≈$16,300 USD) at the 2024 Digital Innovation Week. His groundbreaking invention – the “Intelligent Eye Glass for the Blind” – promises to transform mobility for visually impaired Africans, using AI to detect obstacles in real time. This marks the first time an African youth has developed assistive technology of this magnitude.
The Genesis: From Regional Challenge to National Triumph
Manfred’s journey began in Bamenda, where he witnessed the daily struggles of blind individuals navigating uneven terrain and infrastructure gaps. “In Cameroon, over 600,000 people live with visual impairments,” Manfred stated during his award acceptance speech. “Most assistive tech is imported and unaffordable. Our solution had to be local, scalable, and intelligent.”
The Digital Innovation Week, hosted by Cameroon’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, spotlighted 32 startups nationwide. Manfred’s prototype outperformed competitors through:
- Real-time ultrasonic & camera sensors detecting obstacles within 5-meter radius
- Voice-guided navigation in English/French via bone-conduction headphones
- Offline AI processing requiring no internet – critical for rural communities
How the “Intelligent Eye Glass” Works: A Technical Breakthrough
| Feature | Innovation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| AI Obstacle Mapping | Processes terrain data 20x/sec using TensorFlow Lite | Prevents collisions with moving objects |
| Haptic Feedback | Vibrating temple alerts for directional hazards | Intuitive navigation without sound overload |
| Solar Power Module | 8-hour battery + solar charging capability | Accessible for off-grid users |
| Affordable Design | 3D-printed frame using recycled plastics | Target cost: < 50,000 FCFA ($80) per unit |
The Road Ahead: Prototypes, AI Training & National Impact
Manfred’s 10M FCFA prize fuels an urgent mission: deploy 100 prototypes by December 2024 across 3 Cameroonian regions. His roadmap includes:
- Collaborating with Buea’s AI Hub to train machine learning models using 10,000+ local terrain images
- Partnering with the Cameroon National Association for the Blind for user testing
- Developing Swahili/pidgin voice support for wider African accessibility
“Our AI will learn Cameroon’s unique urban and rural landscapes first,” Manfred explained. “Within 3 years, we aim to assist 6,000 blind Cameroonians and expand to Nigeria and Ghana.”
Why This Win Reshapes Africa’s Tech Landscape
- Homegrown Solutions for African Challenges
Unlike imported devices costing $3,000+, Manfred’s glasses leverage locally-sourced materials and address terrain-specific barriers like open gutters and unpaved roads. - Youth Innovation Defying Infrastructure Gaps
“This proves Cameroonian talent can lead in deep tech despite limited resources,” noted Dr. Evelyne Ngoundi, event juror and AI researcher. - Investment Signal
The award – sponsored by Orange Cameroon and MTN – reflects growing corporate backing for disability-inclusive African tech.
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