You can still be the Maker you wanted to be!
I haven't been around as long as you might think, but I've met people, known people, and heard stories. Stories of individuals—some my age, some older, some younger—who, at some point, developed a deep interest in understanding the world around us, especially the world of technology.
There are also people who are content with simply knowing how to use technology. Take mobile phones, for example—the most common device today. Many are satisfied with just being able to make calls, take pictures, tweet a phrase for the world to see in seconds, and perform other everyday tasks.
Strangely, some of us aren't satisfied with just being consumers of technology. It’s not enough to simply know how to use it—we want to understand what goes on inside that brilliant little rectangle. We dream of building our own, of inventing and creating new technologies. From personal experience and the stories I've heard, this curiosity is either innate, shaped by external influences as we grow, or often both. Growing up, one of my favorite cartoon characters was Jimmy Neutron—I wanted to be as much of a genius as he was. Maybe you can relate.
In this article, I want to reach out to those who believe that achieving such dreams is impossible—especially in our so-called "unfortunate" African setting, where the idea of inventing something can feel almost abstract. Yes, it's true. Nurturing these ambitions can be incredibly challenging here, particularly due to the lack of resources for exploring fields like electronics and robotics. The story is changing, but unfortunately, we are only now realizing the need to join the technological revolution—at a time when countries like India, China, Turkey, and the USA are racing ahead with bullet trains and even venturing into space for luxury.
However, as the saying goes, "better late than never!" I consider myself one of the fortunate few in Ghana who have fought to survive in these tough conditions. My curiosity about machines has been relentless—I once destroyed my father’s radio, took apart televisions in an attempt to fix them (without success), and constantly wondered how electronic devices communicate. I've tried building robots and so much more. There have been many disappointments—both personal and from those who looked up to me. But I believe I’ve cracked the code. And I know there are others like me out there. I’d love to connect with you, to build a community where we inspire each other. Together, we can push forward, keep the passion alive, and ignite hope across Africa.
Aaenics started as nothing more than a hashtag on social media. Back then, I would experiment with electronics and robotics in my little space and post my creations on Instagram—just for fun. Today, the Aaenics community is bringing together like-minded individuals and providing a wealth of resources. Through articles, video and picture tutorials, and a vast catalog of electronics and robotics components, we’re making it easier than ever for beginners to step into the world of electronics, programming, and robotics—and for enthusiasts to explore advanced systems. This is a call to all of us: don’t give up on the dream. You can still be the maker, inventor, hobbyist, or innovator you’ve always wanted to be.
At Aaenics Labs, we are building technology—some projects are still in their early stages, while others are in the pipeline, set to reach the market as our company grows. But our vision goes beyond just building a company; we want to be a driving force in Africa’s technological revolution. Our goal is to grow alongside a thriving community of African makers. We want to see more Ghanaians and Africans become true innovators—going beyond just academic achievements to create real, impactful solutions that drive progress across the continent.
We have the power to change Africa’s narrative. We need more makers, inventors, and hobbyists to drive innovation and progress. Welcome to the Aaenics community—welcome to a growing technological movement in Africa!
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