Digital infrastructure can make difference to Africa’s economic recovery

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa’s development can either be a massive barrier to advancement or the spark that lights the fire of innovation and investment across the continent. There’s no denying that for most of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed digital adoption forward in vast leaps in a very short […]

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa’s development can either be a massive barrier to advancement or the spark that lights the fire of innovation and investment across the continent.

There’s no denying that for most of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed digital adoption forward in vast leaps in a very short space of time. What the pandemic has also made apparent is the disparities of infrastructure across Africa, as well as gaps in adoption and policy. It’s now a necessity, rather than a luxury to fast-track the adoption of technology.

A recent report by McKinsey & Company on Africa in the wake of COVID-19, suggests that to expedite Africa’s economic recovery beyond the pandemic, the continent will need to accelerate its digital transformation. The report urges governments and social sector institutions to expand and broaden digital offerings, foster an enabling environment for rapid digitisation and speed up infrastructure investments, among other things.

Wifi hotspots can provide effective connectivity solutions to COVID-19 testing stations and field hospitals, and can support remote working and learning.

As much as we talk about the need for intensive ICT investment into infrastructure and the technology that will support Africa’s engagement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), this will not happen without the human infrastructure to support the technology. For Africa to fully realise the opportunities brought about by digital transformation and 4IR, it is vital we have strong ICT skills.

There is an abundance of talent and ingenuity displayed by startups and entrepreneurs across the continent. Investing in them is as important as any other ICT investment. Beyond the future workforce, digital talent will also support more local innovation, as developers and entrepreneurs are empowered to create locally relevant solutions that best address challenges and needs in healthcare, agriculture, financial services, government services and education.

Now more than ever, we need to pay close attention to how organisations transform digitally, what changes they face in acquiring new technologies and broadband, and the daily challenges they may be facing in the area of digital skills development.

If African governments, together with private partners and organisations, can invest in these areas through supporting startup innovation, through contributing to skills development and in many other verticals, this will drive meaningful gains towards unlocking Africa’s vibrant potential.

 

Amrote Abdella is Regional Director, Microsoft 4Afrika