The African technology landscape is speedily evolving pertinently defying history in its swift adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies (4IR), given that the continent was marginalized during the previous three industrial revolutions. Several countries in the continent have already established their Centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), with the most recent being Rwanda in mid-2022; as it pursues an economic model founded on technology akin to the the Asian Tigers’ pertinently Singapore.
Some technology trends that will shape Africa in 2023 include:
-
Metaverse
The Metaverse will be among the key technologies that will continue to shape Africa’s tech scene. The Metaverse refers to a virtual-reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment, together with other users. Businesses and individuals are predicted to continue exploring this digital environment and consider how they can leverage on its opportunities, to create immersive and efficient experiences to consumers. This will create new ways for African brands to tell unique authentic stories and so much more. In 2023, the enhanced reality platform is set to become more accessible through mobile devices such as smart glasses and headsets.
-
Green Technology/Clean Technology/Sustainability Tech
Being cognizant of Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, government and industry leaders will be keen on scaling existing green technologies and developing new ones in 2023, especially to avert drastic climate induced natural disasters. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energies will help economies save $12 trillion globally by 2050. Technological advancements have resulted in making renewables such as solar and wind power more affordable as opposed to fossil fuels.
One of the most promising technologies we can expect progress is in green hydrogen. This is a new clean-burning source of power, allows energy from renewables to be captured and transported long distances. A new report by the European Investment Bank (EIB) indicates that harnessing Africa’s solar potential to produce 50 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2035; can help secure global energy supply, create jobs, decarbonize heavy industry, and transform access to clean water and sustainable energy sources. Into the bargain, Africa could make $1.1 trillion from the sale and use of green hydrogen, in conjunction with the International Solar Alliance and the African Union. This underlines the benefits of harnessing solar power to create green hydrogen in four African hubs which include Morocco, Mauritania, South Africa and Egypt.
Also Read:The Sahara Still Remembers…a Haunted Past Versus Africa’s Nuclear Future
To boot, nuclear fusion is another green technology to watch in 2023. This with perspective that it can generate more power than is required to kick start the fusion process. With further advancements, this could bring the world closer to a future in which nuclear fusion could provide near-limitless, safe and clean energy.
Photo/Ventureburn
-
Internet of Things (IoT) and Cybersecurity
2023 will record heightened connectivity, with an estimated 15B devices forecast to be connected to the IoT, with the number expected to double by 2030.The African and Middle East IoT market is second only to Asia-Pacific in its rate of IoT growth, and is set to unleash a myriad of economic benefits. According to Global Data, the IoT revenue in the region is set to double in 2023. A key driver of this trend will be rapid expansion of 5G coverage, which will allows devices to communicate faster and improve their overall performance. Hence, this will enhance connectivity and strengthen Africa’s digital infrastructure.
IoTs presents massive opportunities for Africa which include access to healthcare, energy savings, e-finance, waste management and fleet management traversing vast borders. If IoTs potential can be harnessed, these opportunities will be felt not just by telecoms and businesses, but also by ordinary people and communities.
The success of connecting people and devices rests on robust and reliable network infrastructure, in order to realize revenue growth. For instance, the Digital Moonshot initiative led by the AU and supported by the World Bank; accelerates internet use in Africa by investing in digital infrastructure to improve access and quality, which includes investing in connectivity such as high-speed internet and internet exchange points, data repositories such as data centers, clouds and IoT.
Internet access is a basic necessity and the power behind business, education, financial services, healthcare, leisure and more. IoT goes further, enabling the transformation of almost any process where connectivity can be incorporated, in tandem transforming businesses in almost any sector.
Reliance on connected devices and digital infrastructure is growing exponentially, and consequently the risks for cyber-attacks have also grown. Therefore, there is need by African governments to adopt and uphold the latest cybersecurity standards to achieve cyber resilience.
READ MORE:Insurtech boom deepening the uptake of insurance in Africa
-
Big Data
In 2023, the utilization of big data is set to soar. Data analysis using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud technology will be a lifeline for companies, to gain a competitive advantage in their operating environments. Upon meticulous analysis on how they can accurately collect data, companies and organizations are exploring ways in which they can make their products and services more efficient, faster and affordable. In 2023 the focus will be mostly on value, coupled with the previous 4Vs on Velocity, Volume, Variety and Veracity.
-
Marketing Technology (MarTech)
Africa’s MarTech landscape is one to look out for in 2023, set to record massive growth, with the rise of online businesses and e-commerce platforms thereof. MarTech, refers to a range of software and tools that assist in achieving marketing goals or objectives. MarTech has become a staple in digital marketing campaigns, but can also be used to optimize marketing efforts across any marketing channel.
One company that has been leading this scene is Fin Wit Ltd, built to help financial institutions bridge the digital divide between them and their consumers across Africa. The company is revolutionizing how financial institutions use modern marketing technology to present themselves, their services and how they use data for overall growth. It helps brands connect with and influence their current and ideal customers via effective strategy, creativity and technology.
2023 will also mark the scaling of digital skill development and literacy due to the rise in demand for technology professionals. In light of this, governments will advocate for the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs to especially enable the youth to be future ready, positioning them to capitalize on opportunities in 2023 and beyond. This can be done by inculcating digital training programs in school curricula,’ such as the programs under development by the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC). Over and above, cloud computing, mainframe modernization, healthtech and fintechs are also other tech trends to watch out for in 2023.
-
Artificial Intelligence
Despite the vastness of this topic, which includes important subfields like health, banking, and agriculture, governments can employ AI to enhance governance. in particular:
- Predictive analytics: governments can use AI to analyze data obtained from many sources, including social media, to foresee and prevent civil unrest and criminal activities.
- E-Governance: AI might be used to streamline bureaucratic processes, allowing for more accessible government services to be provided to the public over the internet.
- In the decision-making process: AI might be used to help assess data and give insights to policymakers so that they can make better, more well-informed decisions.
- Fraud Detection: Artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems can be used to investigate and prevent corruption in public services and programs.
- Transparency: AI might be used to track and report on public funds, so fostering greater openness and accountability.
However, it’s important to remember that there are a number of issues that arise when AI is used in governance. These issues include data privacy, ethics, and bias. Therefore, it is crucial for governments to take steps to ensure that AI is applied in a way that is open, responsible, and fair.
Increased productivity and efficiency, new jobs in fields like data analysis, software development, and robotics, better infrastructure in fields like transportation and energy, digitalization of various industries facilitating businesses’ connections with customers, and closing the digital divide between Africa and the rest of the world by allowing greater access to information and education are just some of the ways in which the 4IR will reshape the continent. Concerns about job loss and rising inequality are just two of the issues brought up by 4IR; as a result, it is essential that African governments and organizations take measures to lessen the impact of these negative outcomes and ensure that all citizens reap the benefits of these innovations.
