Introduction: Africa — the birthplace of mathematical wisdom
Before there were modern universities and digital classrooms, Africa was already a continent of mathematicians, architects, doctors, and innovators. From the legendary Egyptian polymath Imhotep, who designed the first stone pyramid and is considered the world’s first apothecary and physician, to the creators of the Giza pyramids, Nubia’s astronomical calendar, and the geometry of the Nile, mathematics has never been an alien science. It was an African way of understanding the world.
For early Africans, mathematics was not limited to numbers written on papyrus. It was embedded in everyday life, in the precise measurements used in the construction of temples and pyramids, in the astronomical observations that guided the planting seasons, in the proportions used in the preparation of herbal medicines, and in the symmetrical patterns woven into African art and architecture. Mathematics gave structure to knowledge, form to faith, and discipline to creativity.
As Africa currently stands on the threshold of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we need to reclaim the ancient genius of mathematics and reposition mathematics as the basis for transformation through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics).
1. African roots of mathematical civilization
The story of mathematics cannot be told without Africa. Found near the source of the Nile River and dated to more than 20,000 years ago, the Ishango bones are among humanity’s oldest mathematical artifacts, evidence that ancient Africans were already using arithmetic operations and base number systems long before Greek and Roman numerals were invented.
In ancient Egypt, mathematics was the basis of civilization. Imhotep’s design of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara required precise calculations of angles, load distribution, and geometry with celestial bodies. Egyptian scribes mastered algebra and geometry to calculate taxes, measure flood levels, manage food reserves, and create early forms of data-driven governance.
The Great Pyramid of Giza remains a marvel of unparalleled mathematical precision. Each side is almost perfectly aligned with the cardinal point of the compass, and its circumference-to-height ratio approximates the value of π (pi). This is an amazing mathematical feat in 2500 B.C.
Similarly, mathematics has shaped science and spirituality across Africa, from Timbuktu’s astronomical texts to Yoruba divination systems based on binary logic (a forerunner of computer science). Africans understood what the world is rediscovering today: that mathematics is not just a tool but a language of creation.
2. Mathematics as the DNA of science and technology
Science explains nature, but mathematics deciphers nature. The number script contains all the formulas, models, and discoveries. Mathematical thinking is essential for African scientists, whether in labs studying malaria resistance or research centers developing clean energy.
Mathematics is the DNA of technological progress in the era of artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and quantum computing. Algorithms, the invisible engines behind every search engine, e-commerce platform, and mobile application, are built on mathematical logic. In health sciences, mathematical models predict the occurrence of disease and optimize the delivery of treatment. In environmental science, mathematics helps manage Africa’s resources, predict climate impacts, and design sustainable energy solutions.
Without mathematics, science will be descriptive rather than predictive, and Africa’s progress will be reactive rather than transformative.
3. Mathematics in Engineering and Infrastructure Development
Every structure, from bridges and power grids to roads and satellites, is a physical expression of mathematical thinking. Engineers in ancient Egypt and Nubia understood this truth, and so do modern-day Africa.
Geometry, calculus and trigonometry form the core of design and construction. The same principles used to align the pyramids of Giza now underpin the construction of smart cities, hydroelectric dams, and digital infrastructure. Mathematical literacy ensures efficiency, safety and sustainability at a time when Africa is building roads, railways and renewable energy systems.
Mathematics turns raw ambition into durable architecture. This will ensure that Africa’s infrastructure boom builds sustainable systems, not just structures.
4. Mathematics revolution in agriculture
Africa’s future food security depends on a combination of traditional wisdom and mathematical precision. Today’s smart agriculture uses mathematics to model soil fertility, predict rainfall, and optimize irrigation. Through data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling, farmers can predict pest infestations, predict yields, and determine the best time to plant and harvest.
In essence, mathematics turns agriculture into data agriculture. Startups across Africa are already using mathematical models to connect smallholder farmers to markets, reduce post-harvest losses and increase profitability. These innovations demonstrate that mathematics is not an abstract classroom exercise, but a practical tool for nourishing the continent.
5. Mathematics and the new data-driven world
The 21st century is a data-driven era, where information is the new money and algorithms are the new constructors of power. Every digital footprint, from mobile transactions to health records, becomes data that needs to be analyzed, interpreted, and used for decision-making.
Mathematics is at the heart of this revolution. Data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptography are all essentially mathematics. African countries that invest in mathematics education will produce data scientists, AI engineers, and innovators who can shape industries and policies with intelligence rather than intuition.
Without mathematical capacity, Africa risks becoming a consumer rather than a creator in the global digital economy. But this will allow Africa to own its data, train its own algorithms, and define its own destiny.
6. Mathematics and the human mind: From calculation to creation
The most profound influence of mathematics is on the mind itself. Develops logical reasoning, patience, accuracy, and the ability to think abstractly. All of these are essential for leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Mathematics becomes the mother of invention and imagination when taught creatively through stories, experiments, and problem solving. The more modern STEAM model (STEM plus “art”) is powerful. It combines mathematical logic and artistic creativity to produce thinkers who can balance precision and passion.
Africa’s future innovators must code and create by seeing mathematics as a bridge between numbers and nature, logic and life, calculation and compassion.
7. Rebuilding Africa’s mathematical future
Systemic reforms are essential if mathematics is to drive transformation in Africa. The main actions are:
• Integrate the mathematical heritage of African indigenous peoples into the curriculum, connecting modern concepts to the achievements of our ancestors.
• Train teachers who can make mathematics engaging, relevant and empowering.
• Promote gender inclusion in mathematics education to utilize all talents.
• Investing in digital learning platforms that personalize math learning.
• Incorporating mathematical thinking as the basis for analytical decision-making in everything from business to governance.
Africa must teach mathematics not as an object to be feared, but as a superpower to be mastered.
Conclusion: Rediscovering our mathematical soul
Mathematics is not new to Africa. It’s something native to her. From Imhotep’s geometry to modern data analysis, the story of Africa’s greatness, past, present and future, is written in numbers, patterns and precision.
If Africa is to rise, it must once again become a continent of thinkers who can calculate, predict and create. Mathematics is not just a school subject, it is the language of change. It connects our ancient wisdom to modern innovation, our pyramids to digital platforms, and our past excellence to future prosperity.
Transforming Africa through STEAM requires reclaiming mathematics, not as a classroom relic, but as the rhythm of civilization, the compass of creativity, and the key to the continent’s recovery.
Professor Lele Barre, DBA, MBA, BPharm: Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy. CEO – Netherlands International Business School (Nigeria).
