A Glance At Digital Innovation In Africa

By Author: Dinelka Mahaliyana
Total Articles: 33
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The rise of digital technology in the African continent is benefitting countless lives and transforming society through innovation in multiple ways. A significant economic impact is discovered along with job creation, alternate sources for startup funding, reduction in poverty, and an increased interconnectedness on a global scale.

An alternate perspective where traditional sectors are being relooked at to enhance potential productive outcomes has made way. Due to this sectors such as education, health, IT, and financial services have experienced a boost and new opportunities to expand.

The Transformative era

To harness the ability to have an impact of change on sectors such as healthcare and finance the innovative thought process provides the necessary platform. In turn, economies experience a change along with strategies that could be put in place.

For these to continue expanding, these are a few factors that need to be accessed to encourage the concept of digital innovation to continue spreading in Africa.

Literacy

The people of Africa are looking to unlock and tap into their ...
... true potential, to achieve this they need to be educated and equipped with the necessary digital competence. Purely since communication is the key to nationwide success the continent is home to over 2000 languages. The interaction on a local scale on its own will prove to be a critical advantage.

The entrance of technology with an undiscovered competence could be a negative impact on the future as technology can exist but how it is used will provide the necessary outcomes. This is especially vital for the youth that belongs to the digital world, as education and employment hinge on their digital literacy.

Internet

The youth and increase in urbanisation have accelerated the need for digitalisation alongwith reinforcing the spread of the internet. Its entrance has been considered to be a prosperous sign as well as the nation's welcoming of technology.

It impacts the interconnectedness between parties on both a local and global scale due to the broadband connection being used through fiber optics in a home and office environment.

This includes an increase in personal use where online services are easily accessible and an increase in efficiency along with better productive outcomes experienced, especially by startup founders.

Mobile Network

Mobile services through its payment gateways, internet access, and coverage have been the main access point of the internet for individuals in Africa. Its impact has been depicted by the exponential growth amongst the telecommunication sectors that have resulted in changes among certain traditional forms of communication.

The component of network coverage is through 2G, 3G, 4G, and network sharing features that allow a higher bandwidth along with easy access to services and products provided. The increase in its adoption has led to innovative solutions and an entrance into e-commerce.

Emerging Tech

The African nation is rapidly becoming an area where the start of innovation is observed, where digital technology is a vital tool for a progressive future. For instance, mobile systems that originated from Kenya are being widely used globally, then technology in transportation and tourism within Africa has experienced a significant benefit. In addition, sustainable innovations are allowing room for projects involved with renewable energy to kick off.

The expansion of the digital sector and industries such as finance, healthcare, commerce, agriculture, and education will help reduce the digital divide which would lead to an increase in prospects for individuals to capitalise on. This increase in adapting to digital technologies is a primary driver in sustainability, innovation, and inclusiveness to the extent that governments are paying serious attention to how it can improve the ground situation in a local sense. Ultimately, causing the digital infrastructure landscape to shift as it has resulted in socio-economic transformations.

This paves way for the entrepreneurial mindset to kick in along with various innovative strategies to meet the demands asked by society. Such as, in terms of security and an increase in sensors, and networking, the incorporation of artificial intelligence along with automation has led to facial recognition systems to help reduce crime. In addition, drones have been utilised as a delivery service as well, which is profound since they are typically associated with war-related activities.

Innovation and its spread

The adoption of digital economic innovations has a direct impact on Africa’s economic growth as it sparks an innovative culture. The transformational changes continue to empower communities and limitations such as literacy and background will no longer be a hindrance.

The ability to use pre-existing tech and improve on it with new technology to cater to the requirements of individuals has led to productive outcomes and a larger space for combinations of technology to emerge.

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