Left Behind: Africa's Struggle to Keep Pace with Global Technological Advancements
4 min read
As I reflect on the state of technological progress in Africa, I am reminded of a persistent feeling that our continent is often left behind. It's as if the world operates on a principle that seeks to shut us out or, at the very least, make us struggle to catch up. This sentiment is particularly pronounced when I consider the two most significant technological bubbles of the recent past: cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence (AI). The introduction of these technologies in Africa has been slow, and it seems that the West, as the primary drivers of innovation, have not made sufficient efforts to include us in the development of the global community.
The cryptocurrency phenomenon is a case in point. While Africa has been touted as one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency markets in the world, with countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa leading the charge, our initial skepticism and outright opposition to its use have only recently given way to a more strategic approach. According to the World Bank, in 2021, a staggering 57% of the African population did not hold traditional bank accounts, making the continent a fertile ground for alternative financial solutions like cryptocurrencies. However, as Uche Igwe notes, despite their popularity, many Africans still view cryptocurrencies with suspicion, highlighting a mismatch between what crypto can provide and the needs of the groups it purports to serve.
The growth of cryptocurrency in Africa is undeniable, though. A report by Chainalysis found that between July 2020 and June 2021, Africans received $105.6 billion worth of cryptocurrency payments, a 1200% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria are among the top 10 countries for cryptocurrency use, with up to $562 million worth of remittance payments facilitated by cryptocurrencies like Ripple in 2019. This burgeoning crypto economy is not just about speculation; it's about utility, with stablecoins, mobile money, and peer-to-peer traders enabling faster and more efficient transactions than traditional systems allow.
The story of AI in Africa is similarly complex. While the continent is uniquely positioned to benefit from the rapid rise of AI, realizing its full potential requires addressing complex socio-economic challenges. A landscape study by the Global Center on AI Governance notes that AI's increasing role in key sectors like health, education, finance, agriculture, and public services demands a collaborative approach to governance. The power of open-source AI lies in its ability to democratize innovation, especially in Africa, where local startups can leverage it to build solutions that address pressing societal challenges. However, as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) points out, AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, but only 10% of this will be felt in the Global South, underscoring the need for inclusive AI growth in Africa.
The technological divides between Africa and the West are deep-seated and multifaceted. The concept of "technological apartheid" has been used to describe the persistent and growing digital divide between Africa and the West, which is not merely a gap in access but a systemic issue that perpetuates inequality. Efforts to bridge this divide are underway, but they are often hindered by the soaring technology gap growth rate between OECD and African countries. As I see it, the struggle to keep pace with global technological advancements is not just about access to technology; it's about being active participants in the development of the global community.
In conclusion, the feeling of being left behind is a pervasive one in Africa, particularly when it comes to technological progress. While there are glimmers of hope, such as the growth of cryptocurrency and AI on the continent, the technological disparities between Africa and the West are significant. To bridge this divide, we need a more inclusive and collaborative approach to technological development, one that recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities of the African context. Only then can we ensure that Africa is not just a passive recipient of technological innovation but an active participant in shaping the global community. As I look to the future, I am reminded that the story of Africa's technological journey is not one of inevitability but of choice. We can choose to be left behind, or we can seize the opportunity to build a future that is driven by our own needs, priorities, and values. The choice is ours, and the time to make it is now.