China's tech cooperation fuels progress in Africa

EMERGING technologies, such as the internet of things (IOT), big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly evolving, with the potential to transform society and the economy.

- DR GIDEON CHITANGA

Africa stands a unique opportunity to reboot its development by leveraging new technologies and reliable tech partnerships for mutually beneficial socioeconomic transformation.

AI and emerging technologies are projected to contribute around $1.5 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2030 through rapid tech adoption, accelerated sustainable growth and development. Advances in renewable energy, broadband infrastructure, and digital public services are strengthening resilience and fostering more inclusive tech adoption for development.

The African Union's (AU) Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) provide crucial frameworks which could benefit from the growing adoption of new technologies and supportive tech partnerships to leapfrog the continent into modernisation.

The AU's Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) guides continental efforts by prioritising broadband expansion, digital skills development, e-governance, data governance, and support for emerging technologies such as AI and fintech.

Regional blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have embraced tech innovation seeking to harmonise ICT and cybersecurity frameworks, promote cross-border digital services, regional data protection standards, digital trade facilitation, and e-commerce integration. These policies, although at various levels of initiation and implementation, demonstrate continental willingness to widely embrace tech-driven national and continental socioeconomic development. As the African continent increases and broadens inclusive access and adoption of new technologies, there is need to foster mutually beneficial tech partnerships to accelerate tech-driven modernisation.