China, Africa & Beyond: A 2022 global tech reading list
Fostering a global understanding of the tech industry
Monotony - a different sunken place
There was a period during the rollercoaster that was 2021 where I didn’t write anything about tech for months. I was in a rut and I felt like I had nothing more to say. But that’s not possible…at any given moment there are millions of innovations being developed and repurposed…the problem was me.
The real issue was that I’d stopped doing deep-reading and I wasn’t pushing my mental limits. As a result, I’d pigeonholed myself into a vicious cycle of monotony…the worst place to be in as a journalist.
It was severely anxiety-inducing.
If you know my work you know that I’m obsessed with China, and East Africa's tech development. But what about everybody else? The world is big and I love tech so much…right? So why shouldn’t I be able to give a competent overview of the development of India’s tech industry alongside push factors from government-led initiatives and tech companies from the US, and compare that to Kenya’s tech partnerships with China?
I can’t answer my question right now. But, I promise you that by July 2022 I’ll be able to. And I hope you will too. Here’s how we’ll both get there.
Epiphanies - why deep reading is important
I spent this Christmas holiday in Naivasha, Kenya. My friend and I topped off the end of an amazing trip off with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. As we explored with an expert bird watcher in tow, we spotted a cormorant, an avian variety known for its ability to dive into the water and catch fish.
Years ago, on Lake Baiyangdian in Hebei, China, this very same friend and I watched a fisherman demonstrate a traditional fishing method where he fitted a rope loosely around the cormorant’s throat and trained the bird to return its catch to him. At the end of the day, the cormorant got a portion of what was gathered and the fisherman took the rest to the market. It’s an amazing thing to watch.
My friend asked the guide if a similar method existed among fishing communities on Lake Naivasha, to which he replied, “no”. Instead, the lake’s fishermen hoist floating nets in the water, leave them overnight, and gather their catch in the morning. Equally innovative, but different.
But, I began to wonder. What if long ago, these fishermen from two very different parts of the world had been able to communicate, share methods and learn from one another? What might have developed?
I rolled into 2022 with this on my mind.
You see, back during that moment in 2021, though I’d limited myself, I didn’t actually have limits. While in the past fishermen in Kenya and China faced barriers that prevented them from exchanging ideas in the past (I say in the past because there’s actually a bit of innovation happening between fishermen from the two countries now…more on this one day soon), I was well resourced and equipped with everything that I needed to do more.
I’m making a huge transition this year. I moved to Germany at the very end of 2021 to train with Deutsche Welle. Now I’m learning a new language (German) and committing to rigorously improving my skills as a journalist, content creator, and technologist.
To get myself started, and guide whoever else is interested in doing the same, I’ve developed a little booklist of all the books I’ve read, or plan to read this year to foster a global understanding of the tech industry.
How it Works - Reading is fundamental
Books are categorized by region.
The list includes works of fiction (sci-fi and fantasy) because I truly believe that art imitates life, and reading fiction is a great way to learn how to tell stories well. Storytelling is truly an art form.
This booklist is by no means extensive. It’s only meant for the first quarter of the year, so I certainly plan on making another one.
Last, this guide does not include newsletters. I love a good newsletter, but deep reading is important for fostering deep learning. And, my personal opinion is that books provide a foundation that can then be built upon with newsletters and articles.
Now enough explaining. 2022 is already underway and there’s little time to waste. Here we go…
The Reading List
China
AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order - By Kai-Fu Lee
Kai-Fu Lee is one of my favorite technologists. He’s experienced, practical, and extremely engaging as a writer. I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of China’s tech development.
Cashless: China's Digital Currency Revolution - By Richard Turrin
The rollout of China’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the e-CNY, was one of the hottest tech topics of 2021. It was the first CBDC rolled out by a major economy, and as the year went on, several other countries rolled out their own digital currencies as well. Richard Turrin was ahead of the curve when it came to explaining the e-CNY’s ins and outs.
In 2022, other nations will (undoubtedly) premiere their own CBDCs. Reading from Turrin is a great starting point to better understand how and why CBDCs are being developed and what to expect as they gain popularity.
The West
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future - By Ashlee Vance
I’ve wanted to read this one for a while. When Ashlee Vance ( a career journalist) started writing this book, he approached Musk about an interview and Musk refused. So Vance decided to interview 200 people who knew Musk instead. When he was done he approached Musk again, at which point he finally agreed to an interview.
This is a life lesson in and of itself about what it takes to pursue a story – no actually – pursue anything, well.
No Rules Rules - Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention - By Erin Meyer and Reed Hastings
We’re in the era of content creation. Netflix dominates long-form content and is expanding its offerings on a global scale. On a personal level, I’d like to know how they did it and a bit of the story behind the magic.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep - By Philip K. Dick
I’m a sucker for dystopian sci-fi. This short story is the basis for The Bladerunner, another sci-fi essential. Any true fan of the genre has read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep at least once. It’s also great for those interested in theorizing about the potential benefits and pitfalls of the metaverse and space colonization. Additionally, Dick’s writing style is deep but detached. It's mesmerizing.
Ready Player One - By Ernest Cline
Ready Player One is a young adult novel, but many of the problems and questions brought up by this book are ahead of their time. It’s often referenced by those who are skeptical of the metaverse. It’s a tad bit cheesy, but a very entertaining read all the same.
India
Midnight’s Machines: A Political History of Technology in India - By Arun Mohan Sukumar
A mentor once told me that I should be writing and reading more about India. As a rule, I always heed the advice of people who inspire me. This book was recommended to me, so I’m going to start here. I also believe that tech development, politics, and government are intrinsically connected. I’m excited to see where this one goes.
East Africa
Failing To Win: Hard-earned lessons from a purpose-driven start-up - By: Mike Quinn
Failing to Win was all over my Linkedin Feed a few months ago. It was written by a Canadian founder about his experience in Lusaka, Zambia. I think some of life’s greatest lessons come from failure. I also don’t think that the failures and pitfalls experienced by entrepreneurs in Africa’s tech industry are written about enough. To my knowledge, Failing to Win is the first of its kind, and I’m looking forward to what I gain from it.
The Old Drift - By Namwali Serpell
My friend gave me a copy of the Old Drift as a gift, and it’s awesome. Set in Zambia, Serpell combines magical realism, sci-fi, and historical fiction and makes critical commentaries about Africa’s tech-enabled future, if left unchecked.
Africa - wide
AFRICA FIRST!: Igniting a Growth Revolution - By Jakkie Cilliers
Another book recommended by a mentor. I have a digital copy and started reading it last year, but didn’t finish it. Though it doesn’t cover tech specifically, it does offer a great deep dive into Africa’s development thus far, and what’s needed to get to the next stage. The author also has a deep knowledge and a lot of experience with Ethiopia. Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about Ethiopia and have high hopes for Ethiopia’s tech industry, growth, and development. From what I’ve read so far, Africa First! is a fantastic, knowledge-packed read.
Who Fears Death - By Nnedi Okorafor
I’ve read Who Fears Death before, and WOW. Amazing. Highly afro-futuristic, creative, and dystopian. It’s a page-turner and you won’t regret picking it up. Also, the title…come on! That alone should make you want to read.
The Book of Phoenix - By Nnedi Okorafor
I would recommend reading this one alone, but this is the prequel to Who Fears Death, so you’ll need to read it after. The Book Of Phoenix is much heavier on the tech end of things and is just as engaging.
Global
AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future - By Chen Qiufan and Kai-Fu Lee
Another Kai-fu Lee production. This book is a combination of short stories (fiction) from around the world about AI. Each chapter is followed by a follow-up section that explains the real-world context behind the short story. It’s a fantastic read and a great introduction to the foundations of AI in an accessible way.
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There it is. The booklist. Let me know if you read or plan to read one, or all of them. And, tell me what you learn. I’m always curious. Happy 2022 and auf Wiedersehen (until we see each other again).