African technology is rapidly transforming the continent, driven by the widespread adoption of networks, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation. This digital revolution is enhancing security, improving governance, and fostering economic growth. Key advancements include the deployment of CCTV cameras with facial recognition, drones, bots, and the rise of smart cities, all contributing to a more secure and stable environment.
What are the key factors affecting the growth of Technological advancements in African nations?
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Internet Usage
African countries such as Kenya has taken advantage of the rapid increase of internet usage and make real improvements to the lives of citizens. An example of this can be seen by Kenya’s M-PESA and has become the centre of mobile and peer-to-peer finance. The continent registers close to half of the world’s mobile money accounts. Sierra Leone is another example as they have established a Directorate of Science, Innovation and Technology (DST). One of their initiatives consists of national financial data architecture with embedded automation financial tools with the aim of improving service delivery and reduce corruption.
These examples show digitisation providing cheap and secure source of finance to populations as well as improving government transparency.
Technological Innovation and Adoption
Many African countries are making use of two emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and drones in ways that are innovative and disruptive.
Healthcare
For example, Intron Health, a Nigerian AI company provides speech-to-text transcription tools for healthcare workers. The company was launched in 2020 by Dr Tobi Olatunji and the aim of Intron Health is to convert speech to text, helping healthcare professionals enter medical records.
This solution is important as doctors in many African countries attend to hundreds of patients daily, therefore, have a lot of paperwork to deal with. The technology from Intron Health reduces time doctors spend writing a patients diagnosis. A doctor can enter a patients medical records and create a patient report by voice command.
A real life example of this time saving is from Intro Health announcing they helped reduce the turnaround time for radiology reporting at the University of College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria from 48 hours to 20 minutes.
The company supports the care for over 56,000 patients which consists of over 30 public and private hospitals across Nigeria and Kenya.
Surveillance
Another example for the use of AI can be seen through the fact that 15 African countries use AI supported surveillance technologies. CCTV cameras use facial recognition, supported by algorithmic analysis to monitor and respond to crime.
In 2019, Kenya used this technology in the assault by the insurgent group, Al-Shabaab in Nairobi. The technology enabled the authorities to respond quickly and decisively to the crimes.
Drones
Rwanda became the first country in the world to provide commercial drone delivery to provide life-saving medical supplies to remote rural areas.
Satellites
BOTSAT-1 will be the first software-defined satellite. The project was announced on July 3, 2024 by Botswana, making a key milestone in the nation’s scientific and technological aspirations.
BOTSAT-1 aims to support Botswana’s mining and agricultural sectors. The satellite will provide useful data for resource management and economic planning.
They aim to complete this project in August 2024 and it will be launched in February 2025 aboard Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket, part of the transporter-13 mission. This project will make Botswana the 16th African nation with a satellite in orbit. Botswana plan to join the African space agency which represents the growing trend of space exploration and research amongst African nations.
Nigeria aims to send its first crew to space, and recently, Zimbabwe launched Zimsat-2. Zambia has partnered with StarVision to launch a space based AI algorithm ride share project.
Smart Cities
Smart cities are driving societal progress and infrastructural development in emerging markets. Research from ISA Africa indicates that the continent is heading towards significant urbanisation, with projections showing that over half the population will reside in urban areas by 2035. While this urban shift and technological adoption are expected to begin in various African capitals, it is already underway in some cities. Here are two of the most promising smart cities on the African continent.
Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, the economic heart of the nation which is focused on over-coming social and economic challenges with speed.
Everything about this city is aimed at improving the lives of the people through knowledge and education. They aim to pull talent from all over the African continent.
Rwanda is leading in technological advancements, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The city of Kigali is home to well-known international universities and tech companies such as university of Rwanda and Niyox.
The city is embarking on construction projects to continue to attract the brightest tech talents in Africa. The construction projects alone will provide 50,000 jobs yearly and to speed up such ambitions, they have reached out to Africa50 which is an investment fund for infrastructure projects.
The city aims to show possibilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) which can provide solutions to urban problems. An example of this can be seen through sensors in the city, monitoring air quality, power grid safety and water leak detection.
Konza, Kenya
The remarkable story of Konza Technopolis in Kenya serves as a model for cities worldwide. Built from the ground up, Konza avoids the typical infrastructural or social challenges inherited by older cities.
The vision of the Konza Technopolis organisation is straightforward: “[to be] a world-class city, powered by a thriving information, communications and technology (ICT) sector, superior, reliable infrastructure and business-friendly governance systems.”
Development began in 2009, with an urban design centered on advanced technology, aiming to accommodate over 185,000 residents. If the plans proceed as intended, by 2030, Konza will have created 100,000 jobs. Although not every smart city can start from scratch, the lessons learned from Konza’s blank-canvas approach can benefit cities everywhere. Building new infrastructure focused on mobility can inspire similar projects in densely populated areas across the globe.
Konza’s mission extends beyond constructing smart physical infrastructure; it also aims to develop a digital infrastructure that addresses social challenges. A key driver of the Konza project is inclusiveness. Konza’s residents will have direct access to all the data collected within the smart city, from traffic maps to detailed information on energy and water consumption. By sharing this data, the people of Konza are not just passive inhabitants; they actively participate in the city’s operations, fostering more sustainable living practices.
What does the future of African technology look like?
The widespread adoption of digital networks, sensors, artificial intelligence, and automation is revolutionising the African continent. Technologies like CCTV cameras with facial recognition, drones, and “smart cities” are enhancing security, reducing corruption, and improving governmental transparency. Countries like Kenya and Sierra Leone are leading examples of how increased internet usage and digital financial tools can uplift populations and streamline governance.
Innovations in healthcare, such as the AI-driven transcription tools by Nigeria’s Intron Health, are significantly improving the efficiency of medical services, while AI-supported surveillance systems are bolstering crime response capabilities. Rwanda’s pioneering use of drones for medical supply delivery exemplifies the continent’s forward-thinking approach.
Furthermore, Africa’s ambitions in space research and exploration, evidenced by projects like Botswana’s BOTSAT-1, illustrate a commitment to scientific and technological advancement. These initiatives not only support key sectors like mining and agriculture but also position African nations as emerging players in the global space community.
Ultimately, the legacy of digitalisation in Africa hinges on leveraging these technologies to maximise opportunities and mitigate risks. If used wisely, these advancements promise a future of peace, prosperity, and continued innovation for the continent.
Sources
https://www.o-city.com/blog/the-best-smart-cities-in-africa