·
The
digital sector contributes about $200 billion to Africa’s $3.1 trillion GDP,
but the continent has the ability to do more
Marrakech. Africa’s digital economy is expected to be worth $712 billion by...
2050. However, for this to happen, the continent must invest more in digital infrastructure, business-friendly settings, education and youth motivation.Currently, Africa’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) is $3.1 trillion, with digital contributing approximately $200
billion, but stakeholders believe the continent has enormous potential to
become the heart of the digital economy in the future years.
Agritech, manufacturing, fintech,
logistics, e-commerce, and automation through the use of artificial
intelligence across all economic activities appear to be fuelling that rise.
During the inauguration of Africa’s
largest tech and start-up exhibition (Gitex Africa), Moroccan Head of
Government Aziz Akhannouch said Africa is a continent with a lot of young
people, and its economy can be developed through the use of digital technology.
The three-day event, which took off
on Wednesday, is the largest exhibition of start-up businesses to be held in
Africa. More than 900 companies, government entities, start-ups, and
participants from at least 100 nations are participating.
“Africa is a continent with the
potential to be a leader in benefiting from the digital economy. We have a lot
of talent and enough resources; what we need is to make sure our young people
are well skilled, well incubated, and care about them, along with making good use
of our natural resources,” said Mr Akhannouch.
He said infrastructure is the key to
development, and in that case, the digital economy needs suitable
infrastructure and the promotion of innovation, as well as a friendly business
environment to attract more investors.
He added: “Considering the economic
crisis and the great changes that the world is witnessing today, digital
technology has become an important and unparalleled pillar for economic
development globally, and especially on the African continent.”
“Africa has increasingly worked to
consolidate its position as a dynamic environment that supports innovation, and
in this regard, GITEX Africa is an event to highlight the potential of the
African continent and its rapid efforts in developing talent and skills in the
fields of technology and innovation.”
The minister of Reform of the
Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration of Morocco, Dr Ghita Mezzour,
seconded him by saying the continent has the potential to benefit from the
digital economy because it has all the resources needed; the missing thing is a
proper plan and motivation for the young people engaging in digital innovation.
“Africa is the continent of the
future, and the future is ahead of the world. We need to develop solutions
based on AI, and with the majority of young people in Africa, we have a
leadership position in the digital economy,” said Dr Ghita.
The UAE Minister of State for
Artificial Intelligence, Mr Chakib Alj, who is the host of Gitex global
exhibitions, said that the most important thing that Africa should do is create
a conducive environment for innovators, and the focus should be on investing
more in the digital infrastructure.
Among the participants, Lacina Kone,
CEO of Smart Africa, stressed the importance of digital by saying that
technology is not just necessary but everything whenever you want to do
something well.
“Every company is a digital
company.”
During the discussion, Uganda’s
minister of Science and Technology Innovations, Dr Monica Musenero, said Africa
should focus on building platforms that enable rapid acceleration of the
development of technology.
“We must also build the biggest
resource, which is human capacity, for us to be able to rapidly identify needs
and develop technologies that address our cultural and social-economic fits,”
Dr Musenero said.
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