Africa's contributions to the world are often understated, but the continent has been a cradle of innovation and discovery since the dawn of humankind. Here are some incredible discoveries and inventions by Africans that have profoundly changed the world:  

Ancient Discoveries:

1. Mathematics: The earliest forms of counting and mathematical concepts emerged in Africa.

   • The Lebombo bone, dating back approximately 35,000 BCE in Swaziland, is considered the oldest known mathematical object, featuring 29 distinct notches.  
   • The Ishango bone from the Democratic Republic of Congo, around 18,000 to 20,000 BCE, displays sophisticated tally marks suggesting an understanding beyond simple counting, possibly related to multiplication, division, or even a lunar calendar.  
   • Ancient Egyptians, over 35,000 years ago, developed sophisticated mathematical knowledge, including division and multiplication of fractions and geometric formulas for calculating area and volume. They also charted the movement of celestial bodies and developed a 365 ¼ day calendar.  
   • The Yoruba people in present-day Nigeria developed a base-20 counting system requiring significant abstract reasoning.

2. Astronomy: Ancient African civilizations made remarkable astronomical observations.  

    

   • The Egyptians charted the movement of the sun, constellations, and lunar cycles and developed sophisticated timekeeping methods, including water clocks and sundials.  
   • The African Stonehenge in present-day Kenya (Namoratunga), constructed around 300 BCE, served as an remarkably accurate calendar aligned with stellar movements.
   • The Dogon people of Mali possessed detailed astronomical knowledge of Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, the spiral structure of the Milky Way, and the Sirius star system, including the existence of its binary companion Sirius B, centuries before its "official" Western discovery.

3. Metallurgy and Tools: Africans were pioneers in metallurgy and toolmaking.  

    

   • Evidence suggests that iron smelting was developed in Africa independently at least 2,500 years ago.
   • The Haya people of present-day Tanzania produced carbon steel as early as 100 AD, a technology that surpassed European capabilities for centuries.
   • Ancient Africans developed various metal tools and weapons made of copper, iron, and bronze, along with techniques like using glue.  

4. Art and Symbolic Expression: The earliest forms of artistic expression originated in Africa.

   • In the Blombos Cave in South Africa, archeologists discovered evidence of art and paint production dating back 73,000 years. This includes ochre processing toolkits and deliberately engraved ochre pieces with abstract designs, representing the earliest known abstract art.  
   • Marine shell beads found in the same cave, dating back approximately 75,000 years, indicate early use of ornamentation and symbolic communication.

5. Medicine: Ancient African societies had advanced medical knowledge and practices.  

    

   • The Edwin Smith Papyrus from ancient Egypt (around 1600 BCE but based on much older texts) documents detailed knowledge of anatomy, surgery, and treatments for various injuries and ailments.  
   • Ancient Egyptians are credited with performing early surgical procedures, including the earliest known surgery around 2750 BC.
   • Practices like autopsy, limb traction, bullet removal, brain surgery, dental care, and even rudimentary forms of anesthesia and Caesarean sections were known and practiced in ancient Africa long before they were common in other parts of the world.
   • Traditional African medicine has contributed knowledge of plants with medicinal properties, some of which have been validated by modern science (e.g., Aloe vera as a laxative and skin treatment, Devil's Claw for inflammation).  

6. Architecture and Engineering: Ancient African civilizations constructed monumental and sophisticated structures.  

    

   • The pyramids and obelisks of Egypt showcase remarkable engineering feats. The Great Pyramid of Giza remains one of the largest structures ever built.
   • Great Zimbabwe, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, features massive stone enclosures, towers, and walls demonstrating advanced architectural and engineering skills.
   • The empire of Mali boasted impressive urban centers like Timbuktu with grand palaces, mosques, and universities, showcasing sophisticated urban planning.

Modern Discoveries and Inventions:

While the contributions of ancient Africa are often overlooked, modern African innovators continue to make groundbreaking advancements:

1. CAT Scan Machine: The revolutionary Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scan technology was invented by South African physicist Allan Cormack, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1979 for his work.

2. Heart Transplant: The world's first successful human-to-human heart transplant was performed by South African surgeon Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town in 1967.  

    

3. CyberTracker: Developed by South African Louis Liebenberg, CyberTracker is software initially designed to preserve the traditional tracking skills of the San people. It's now used globally for wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, and ecological research.

4. Cardiopad: Cameroonian entrepreneur Arthur Zang invented the Cardiopad, the first touch-screen medical tablet made in Africa. It enables healthcare workers in remote areas to conduct heart examinations and transmit data to specialists.

5. Quiet Cellular Antenna Technology: South African inventors Paul van Jaarsveld and Gordon Mayhew developed technology to reduce noisy cellular emissions from base stations, improving signal quality while minimizing interference.

6. Charging Shoes: Kenyan inventor Anthony Mutua created shoes that generate electricity as the wearer walks, allowing for the charging of mobile phones in areas with limited access to electricity.

7. M-Pesa: While a technological implementation rather than a basic science discovery, M-Pesa, launched in Kenya, revolutionized mobile money transfer and financial inclusion, becoming a model for similar services worldwide.

8. Emergency Autotransfusion System (EATSET): Nigerian medical doctor Otu Oviemo Ovadje invented this device for emergency blood transfusions, allowing blood to be salvaged from internal bleeding and reinfused into the patient, particularly crucial for saving the lives of pregnant women.

9. Kreepy Krauly: This automatic pool cleaning device, which has simplified pool maintenance globally, was invented by Ferdinand Chauvier from South Africa (formerly Belgian Congo).

10. Hippo Water Roller: Invented by South Africans Pettie Petzer and Johan Jonker, this device significantly eases the burden of transporting water in areas with limited access to clean water sources.

This list is not exhaustive, and countless other African scientists, inventors, and thinkers have made and continue to make significant contributions across various fields. Recognizing and celebrating these incredible discoveries helps to build a more accurate and complete understanding of human history and the ongoing potential of African innovation.

Would you want us to add or know a discovery not mentioned above, please do it in the comments section