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The disruptive potential of technology in Africa

The African continent is facing rapid changes, not least through the rise of new technologies. From telecommunications to renewable energy, the potential of technology to disrupt Africa’s challenges is clear to see.

The mobile landscape in Africa has particularly seen a revolution. By the end of 2017, there were 600 million mobile subscriptions active on the continent, more than double the number a decade ago. This has allowed digital technology to be used in ways that would have been unimaginable even a short time ago.

Money transfers and banking, something which is traditionally difficult in many African countries, have been revolutionised by mobile networks. This allows people to move money more easily and securely, with services like mobile money witnessing huge growth, particularly in countries like Kenya. These financial services often serve populations which banks and other official institutions miss, a development which has been hugely important for fostering economic growth and prosperity.

The development of renewable energy sources has also seen significant progress in Africa, where access to clean and reliable energy is often limited. Solar energy has been received particularly well, not least because of its affordability. An increasing number of homes are having solar panels installed to provide vital energy for cooking and lighting, something which is of special importance for rural areas without access to grid electricity.

Connectivity is another area of development. As more access to energy and mobile networks is established in Africa, online access is becoming more widespread. Projects such as Facebook’s Express Wifi allow Africans to access the internet on their devices with relative ease, meaning that more people can benefit from digital services.

The potential of technology to disrupt Africa’s challenges is clear to see. As our understanding of the continent’s technological landscape continues to evolve and develop, the possibilities continue to expand and become even more ambitious. There is regular talk of the ‘internet of things’ becoming commonplace, a development which could revolutionise the way people use and share technology.

It is clear that technology has the capacity to rapidly and effectively reshape Africa in a positive way. By increasing access to energy and online services, marginalised populations can be drawn into the global economy in a meaningful way.

Technology is reshaping Africa

The disruptive potential of technology in Africa
© 2018 Ground Picture/Shutterstock | Hand with transparent smartphone and earth hologram

The term “technology” has meant different things across the centuries, from the agricultural and mechanical advances of the industrial period, to the aviation and infrastructural development of contemporary times. In recent years, however, technology has taken on a new meaning within the African context, with digital and mobile innovations providing an opportunity to drive both economic and social change.

In stark contrast to the stereotype that still exists of a continent where technological advancements are often beyond reach, many African countries are now making significant strides: Rwanda, for example, leads the continent in mobile phone use and connectivity, while Ghana and Kenya are two of the most digitally savvy countries in Africa.

The digital revolution has enabled a wealth of new opportunities for the people of Africa. It has opened the doors to new markets and helped to create more competitive environments, while the number of digital jobs has grown exponentially over the past few years.

In addition, technological developments are also helping to raise standards of living across the continent: mobile payments, for instance, have enabled many to engage in financial activities which would otherwise have been impossible due to a lack of physical infrastructure. This has particularly benefited rural populations who have previously been excluded from the formal economy. Furthermore, digital healthcare, from vaccinations to telemedicine, is now providing easy access to medical care to many African citizens.

Yet, it is important to remember that technology is not a cure-all for Africa’s socio economic issues, and many still struggle to access basic services such as education and healthcare. Consequently, poverty and inequality remain significant problems.

One of the most pressing issues posed by technology in Africa is the threat of data privacy and security. With the lack of regulatory and legal frameworks, African countries run the risk of having sensitive data and information stolen or leaked. The negative impacts of this are already being felt across the continent and urgently need to be addressed if the full potential of the digital revolution is to be realised.

Technology is no doubt transforming Africa in a profound way, and the potential benefits are immense. But we must ensure that our focus remains on ensuring everyone can benefit equally and that the right protections are put in place to safeguard user data.

The potential of technology in Africa

The potential of technology in Africa is vast and offers many exciting opportunities, but currently, it is lagging behind the rest of the world. The continent has made tremendous strides, but there is still a lot of work to be done in order to reach its full potential.

As Africa rapidly becomes more connected through improved telecommunications, faster internet, and better mobile and banking services, more people are leveraging the internet and digital technology in their daily lives. This opens up significant economic, social, and educational opportunities, among other Things.

One key area of potential for technology in Africa is in job creation and economic growth. With a large and growing population, increased access to the internet, and lower-cost skills, Africa can create new and better jobs through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Technology helps African businesses become more competitive on the world stage by providing better access to information and global networking. For example, small businesses can take advantage of the internet to market their products, improve customer service, and expand their operations.

Additionally, Africans are increasingly taking advantage of the many educational opportunities that technology provides. With the rise of online-learning platforms, e-learning, and educational videos, African students have the chance to have access to high-quality education without the need to travel abroad. This opens up important opportunities that didn’t exist a few decades ago.

Technology has also enabled significant advances in healthcare in Africa. The internet has revolutionised healthcare information and delivery, leading to improved diagnostics, treatments and overall healthcare outcomes. New mobile apps and systems are increasing access to healthcare and providing essential support to nurses and doctors. With improvements in digital technology, Africans are able to have better health outcomes without a huge amount of resources needed.

Finally, technology has the potential to help increase security and improve governance in Africa. From fighting corruption to preventing crime and saving lives, with the correct usage of technology, African governments can improve their effectiveness and reduce the reliance on traditional approaches.

Overall, the potential of technology in Africa is huge and has greatly impacted the way Africans live, learn, and work. It has also created opportunities for economic growth, job creation, healthcare, and education. Technology has also helped to connect people across the continent and has played a role in Africa’s political and social development.

The challenges of technology in Africa

The African continent is lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of technological innovation, with only 3% of the global expenditure on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) going to Africa. This is a major challenge for Africa’s economic growth, and many believe that the country must address this challenge in order to compete in a global economy.

The first challenge of technology in Africa is access. Although most African countries now have access to internet connections and some citizens own mobile phones, the digital divide still persists, with rural areas being left behind and deprived of access to technology. For instance, only 20 percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa has access to broadband internet, compared to 64 percent in the developed world. In addition, broadband speeds in Africa are some of the slowest in the world, slowing down the development of tech-led services and businesses.

The second challenge is financial cost. Despite the advancements in technology, the cost of technology in Africa remains vastly higher than other regions, making it difficult for the developed continent to keep up with innovation. For example, the cost of a smartphone in Africa could be as much as four times more expensive than it is in the United States. This is due to high import tariffs and taxes, limited competition, and the prevalence of counterfeit hardware.

The third challenge is the lack of tech talent. In order to innovate and develop, African countries need a large pool of properly trained and skilled developers. However, the lack of high-quality education and resources dedicated towards technology training leads to an overwhelming shortage of skilled tech workers in Africa. This limits the development of African startups, and stunts the growth of the technology industry as a whole.

The fourth challenge is infrastructure. To benefit from technology, African countries need to be able to access and utilise modern digital services, which requires both direct and indirect infrastructure investments. This includes support for expansive telecommunications networks, electrical grids, and digital payment systems. Unfortunately, most African countries struggle to maintain basic infrastructure, let alone digital services, and lack the financial capabilities to invest in these networks.

The fifth and final challenge facing African countries is the digital divide. Although some countries have taken steps to increase access to technology, many Africans still lack the skills and resources necessary to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital age. This divide limits Africans’ ability to participate fully in the global economy and keep pace with the rest of the world.

To close the digital divide, African countries need to invest in infrastructure and education. They also need to create an environment that encourages innovation and supports the growth of the digital economy. With the right policies and investments in place, Africa can harness the power of technology to transform its economies and improve the lives of its people.

The future of technology in Africa

The technological revolution that has swept across the globe in the twenty-first century has revolutionised the way many African countries conduct business and interact with the rest of the world. Despite the tremendous hills African countries are still climbing in order to achieve equitable levels of access and development, technological advances have opened new horizons for improving quality of life, health, and education in African communities.

The African continent has come a long way in bridging the digital divide that has been the norm for the past several decades. Mobile phones are now the primary mode of communication for many Africans, and the investment in mobile data networks has driven more broadband access in more remote areas. This increased access is proving to be a great benefit for the African population, allowing them to access vital information as well as giving them the opportunity to build their own start-up businesses.

Investment in tech-enabled innovation is surging in Africa. A number of technology hubs have been set up in different African countries, many of which have proven successful. In addition, coding schools, incubators, and accelerators are booming, providing entrepreneurs the innovations and incubation space to turn Africa’s dreams into realities. This is helping the continent to climb up the ladder in both human capital development and strides taken towards economic prosperity.

Another major development that is set to take African tech to the next level is the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI provides an excellent opportunity to develop value-added services and create more innovative products that can increase the continent’s economic growth. AI is also expected to provide an idea-sharing platform for African tech entrepreneurs so that new innovations are developed, identified and distributed quickly and cheaply.

In addition, AI is also set to boost healthcare, agriculture and education in a big way. For instance, AI is aiding in the early detection of diseases and pests, as well as providing intelligent farming techniques in agriculture. Furthermore, AI-enabled technology is providing personalised, adaptive teaching and learning programs in many African universities, allowing students to learn the material at their own pace and more effectively.

In conclusion, the disruptive potential of technology in Africa is huge. With the right policies and investments in place, Africa can leapfrog over developed countries and become a leading player in the global economy. To realise this potential, Africa must embrace new technologies and use them to drive economic growth and development.


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