Browsing: Access to technology in Africa

Africa Tech Skills

Africa’s struggle for tech-enabled economic growth

Industry and Trade
  • Energy, skills gap and poor infrastructure remain huge hinderances to realizing tech-enabled economic growth in Africa.
  • Investments in technology can offer an accelerated pathway to inclusive productivity growth in Africa. However, many economies are struggling to make progress.
  • Modern technology offers chance to foster entrepreneurship and innovation while attracting foreign direct investments.

New technology has fostered growth in all industries for all centuries and Africa is banking on tech-enabled economic growth albeit with struggles. For economies to have an edge over their peers, technology plays a vital role

Technology can help businesses grow on one hand and especially emerging technology has the potential to create jobs.

“The first half of 2023 has seen a resurgence of enthusiasm about technology’s potential to catalyze progress in business and society,” says Micheal Chui in his report: Technology Trends Outlook 2023.

“Investment in most tech trends tightened year over year, but the potential for…

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STEM education vital in gender inclusion in Africa.

Bridging the STEM gender divide to spur Africa’s sustainable future

Tech & Business
  • Girls remain grossly underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education courses, especially in tertiary institutions and consequently in related careers.
  • The need to promote STEM education cannot be overemphasized given that over the next two decades, an estimated 20 million young people a year are expected to join the workforce in Africa.
  • Research shows that an average STEM worker earns double the amount of a non-STEM worker and this trend is bound to continue.

Today, Africa joins the rest of the world in marking the 2023 International Girls in ICT Day with the overarching theme being ‘Digital Skills for Life’. The celebration could not have come at a better time as the continent dives deeper into the adoption and full realization of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), in which digital skills are key economic drivers; pertinently in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The International Girls in ICT …

satellite technology

Satellite-based communication networks a solution to business growth

Africa

Satellite technology is an integral part of modern communication networks. The world has evolved from the postal age and centred on a more fluid digital approach to information distribution. Organisations, governments and individuals all require and depend on consistent and timeous availability of information.

Satellite technology provides linkages in telecommunications, broadcasting and data communication. 

The telecoms industry has grown significantly, with more people accessing mobile phone services. Cellular and wireless companies such as MTN, Econet and Vodacom have expanded reach across the continent. This has dramatically improved connectivity and improved livelihoods. Cellphone penetration is on the rise, which has managed to catapult Africa into the communication age.

Broadcasting services have also improved significantly, especially in the quality of service. Radio and television services alike have improved notably. 

fibreoptic cables

Access to connectivity

African countries along the coast like Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya benefit from using submarine fibres. 

In June 2017, 52.1% …