Abstract

This chapter develops social constructivist perspectives as conceptual lenses to examine and cement African technology. In contrast to technological determinism, constructivism recognises technologies as socially shaped artefacts embedded within cultural contexts. The analysis traces constructivism’s intellectual foundations through history, philosophy, and science and technology studies. Thinkers like Mumford, Ellul, Marx, and Dewey surfaced technology’s cultural embeddedness. Feminist and postcolonial scholars revealed biases in dominant paradigms. Constructivism critiques problematic assumptions of technical rationalism, including technologies following scientific logic alone, being value-neutral, impacting societies unilaterally, and assuming universal applicability. The chapter argues that technologies in Africa should be socio-culturally shaped, exhibiting interpretive flexibility. Their design and integration trajectories should reflect empowered groups’ contested goals and assumptions. Thus, marginalised populations can help reshape technological pathways through localisation and participatory co-construction. The chapter further argues that technology should focus on highlighting interests and problematising neutrality guided by cultural philosophies. The goal of this framework is to establish foundations for situated, humanistic African innovation, recognising technology as a site of cultural meaning-making to be participatory steered, not just transferring technical solutions. This framework will see technologies guided by African epistemologies and plural participation to advance human development.

Original language	en
Pages (from-to)	105-128
Publication status	Published - 2024