This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
Opportunities and challenges for Africa in the next decade ¶
As we enter the 2020s, Africa is poised for significant transformation. The decade promises to bring numerous opportunities and challenges that will shape the continent's future.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to revolutionise various sectors, including education, healthcare, and finance. AI will break language barriers, enabling millions of people to participate in the global economy. It will also transform education with new pedagogies, such as adaptive learning, making it simpler and more accessible.
However, AI also poses risks, including cybersecurity threats and social media polarisation. The increasing reliance on digital currencies and the shift towards a cashless economy will require governments and regulators to adapt and ensure that the benefits are shared equitably.
Kenya, being a leader in digital money utilisation, has the opportunity to leapfrog into the future and lead the world into a cashless economy. The benefits of a cashless economy are abundant, including effective circulation of money in the economy and enabling banks with new opportunities for expansion.
Transportation is also undergoing a significant transformation, with the rise of electric cars and micro mobility solutions. Governments must keep up with access routes for new transport solutions, which may become the decade of transportation.
As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of the next decade, it is essential to build capacity to leverage emerging technologies for better outcomes. African regulators must be proactive in addressing the infrastructural investments being made by tech companies and ensure that the continent does not fall behind in the digital revolution.
Ultimately, the next decade will require Africa to be proactive in embracing technology and building the capacity to apply it appropriately for its benefit.
The writer is a professor of entrepreneurship at University of Nairobi’s School of Business.
