By Alain GBEASOR
As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ushers in a new era of economic integration, the role of information and communication technology (ICT) solutions in fostering sustainable development has never been more crucial.
Africa, a continent brimming with immense potential, is poised to harness the transformative power of digital innovation to overcome long-standing challenges and unlock unprecedented opportunities.
In Chinese culture, the concept of ‘Wei Ji’ (危机) is seen as both ‘crisis’ and ‘opportunity’ – the two aspects are intertwined. The idea is that within every crisis, there lies the seeds of opportunity. At the turn of the century, when all of Asia was facing major crises, the world focused only on their challenges and struggles.
However, the Asian nations were able to reimagine these ‘Wei Ji’ moments and turn them into opportunities for growth and sustainable development. Now, it is Africa’s turn to be viewed as ‘in crisis’ by the world. But we must follow the example of the ‘Asian Tigers’ and reframe these ‘Wei Ji’ moments as opportunities for transformation. With a median age of just 19.2 years as of 2024, Africa’s youthful population represents immense potential.
In fact, five of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world are in Africa. However, 82percent of African economies are still in the informal sector. The solution lies in harnessing the power of digital transformation. 72percent of new jobs in the future will be digital jobs. This presents a crucial ‘Wei Ji’ moment for African governments and ICT professionals to start looking among themselves for technology-driven solutions to enable sustainable development.
I strongly believe that advancing ICT can contribute to the continent’s sustainable development goals under the AfCFTA framework. The AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity for Africa to leverage ICT as a catalyst for progress. From enhancing cross-border trade to improving access to essential services, the strategic integration of ICT solutions can be a game-changer for the continent.
One such success story comes from Kenya, where the rise of mobile money platforms like M-Pesa has revolutionized financial inclusion. M-Pesa has enabled millions of Kenyans, particularly those in rural areas, to access banking and financial services without traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. This has not only empowered individuals but also fueled economic growth and development.
Similarly, Rwanda has emerged as a digital trailblazer, investing heavily in building robust digital infrastructure and e-government initiatives. Rwanda’s commitment to digital transformation has streamlined public services, improved transparency, and attracted significant investment in the tech sector.
The potential of ICT solutions extends far beyond financial services and governance. In Ethiopia, digital agriculture platforms have enabled farmers to access real-time information on weather, market prices, and best farming practices, leading to enhanced productivity and food security. These innovations have been game-changers for our agricultural sector, helping smallholder farmers to thrive and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Ghana has seen the rapid growth of a vibrant tech ecosystem, with the emergence of startups and technology hubs across the country. Cities like Accra have become hotspots for innovation, attracting significant investment and talent. Ghanaian tech companies are leveraging ICT to tackle various challenges, from mobile payments and e-commerce to education and healthcare, driving economic diversification and job creation.
One notable example is the rise of the Ghanaian fintech industry. Companies like Zeepay and ExpressPay have developed innovative mobile money and digital payment solutions, expanding financial inclusion and enabling seamless transactions across the country. These fintech startups have not only transformed the financial landscape but also created numerous job opportunities for the youth.
In the agriculture sector, Ghanaian entrepreneurs have developed digital platforms that connect farmers to markets, provide real-time information on weather and crop prices, and facilitate access to agricultural inputs and services. These solutions have helped to improve the productivity and profitability of Ghanaian farmers, contributing to the country’s food security and economic growth.
The Ghanaian government has also played a crucial role in fostering the growth of the tech ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Ghana Tech Lab and the Ghana Innovation Hub, the government has provided funding, mentorship, and infrastructure support to nurture the country’s tech startups. These efforts have helped to attract international investment and position Ghana as an attractive destination for tech companies and talent. The impact of Ghana’s tech ecosystem can be seen in various sectors, from healthcare to education.
For instance, healthcare technology solutions provider Refill Health Tech has launched a game-changing innovation called Refill to transform healthcare delivery in Ghana. Refill is a community-based online engagement platform that enables patients, doctors, and pharmacies to engage, schedule, manage, and keep track of medication refill periods for patients. It streamlines medication management, improves patient outcomes, and enhances the operational efficiency of pharmacies.
As Ghana continues to embrace digital transformation, the positive impact on economic development, job creation, and social inclusion is likely to be transformative. The country’s tech ecosystem has the potential to drive innovation, attract investment, and position Ghana as a leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Africa.
The journey ahead is not without its challenges, but the determination and resilience of the African people, combined with the power of innovation, hold the key to a more prosperous and sustainable future. Building robust digital infrastructure, fostering cross-border collaborations, and investing in digital skills development will be crucial for African countries to fully harness the potential of the AfCFTA. Africa can make it, if we embrace the ‘Wei Ji’ mindset and work together to build a thriving, digitally-empowered future.
>>> the writer is a visionary Ghanaian digital entrepreneur and innovator leading the charge in leveraging emerging technologies to drive sustainable development across Africa. With over a decade of experience as a serial tech entrepreneur, Mr. Gbeasor is committed to fostering a culture of innovation that empowers businesses and communities. He was speaking at the recently held three-day TICON Africa 2024 conference in Mombasa, Kenya. He can be reached via [email protected]
