Introduction

What if a tiny fly could help explain why some regions innovate less than others today? The idea may seem almost impossible. Yet, a study published in 2025 in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization establishes a surprising link between the historical presence of the tsetse fly in Africa and the innovation capacity of modern firms. The researchers studied 6,579 firms across 81 African ethnic areas.

A Fly That Transmits More Than Just a Disease

The tsetse fly is known for transmitting trypanosomiasis, a disease affecting both humans and livestock. Its historical impact was therefore both health-related and agricultural. However, the researchers asked a different question: could the consequences of this disease also have left a lasting imprint on economic behavior? According to their findings, firms located in regions historically more exposed to the tsetse fly are today less likely to introduce new products or production processes.

When Disease Influences Behavior

In regions that were historically and heavily affected, populations may have developed, over time, attitudes that were less favorable toward technology. The study shows, in particular, that people living in these areas are less likely to agree with the idea that “the world is better because of technology.” The researchers estimate that a one standard deviation increase in the historical tsetse fly presence index is associated with an approximately 9.4 percentage point decrease in the probability that a firm introduces a new product, and about a 10 percentage point decrease for a new process. This discovery obviously does not mean that a fly directly determines the economic future of a population. The authors themselves acknowledge that other historical factors may play a role and that the study has methodological limitations. Rather, their work demonstrates how an ancient health environment can leave economic and cultural traces long after the initial problem has disappeared.

What This Story Teaches Us

The economic performance of a region does not depend solely on its infrastructure, natural resources, or investments. The history of diseases, environmental conditions, and collective behaviors can also leave a lasting imprint. This also means that historical difficulties are not inevitable destinies. The researchers highlight the potential role of education, vocational training, access to finance, and policies that promote innovation in reducing these historical legacies.

Conclusion

The story of the tsetse fly reminds us of a fascinating truth: small things can sometimes produce major consequences and profound transformations. A fly does not build a company, pass laws, or invent technology. Yet, by influencing health, livestock, behaviors, and economic and sanitary conditions over generations, it may have helped shape some of the environments in which African firms still operate today. Understanding contemporary Africa sometimes requires looking far back into its past. And sometimes, understanding innovation in the present may begin with something as simple as the impact of a fly.

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