Africa - A Growing Technology Destination
Published on 03 July 14
Garima0
Africa is a continent that is rapidly embracing the benefits of technology. The pace may be different in each country, but it is increasingly evident that every nation has begun to adapt to the latest innovations, in order to take the next leap forward.
The banks in Africa have begun to adapt themselves to suit the requirements of their savvy customers, who are seeking better facilities and a more customer-oriented approach. In Kenya, the banking sector has grown over 8.5 % since the new century began, and in Angola, over 200 branches have been opening every year for the last 15 years. The spate of international banks seeking a foothold in Africa is also evidence of the fact that the Dark Continent is growing rapidly in all fields.
Better banking systems, competitive interest rates, and facilities that incorporate the latest technological innovations are all part and parcel of this process. In countries such as Mozambique, Ghana, and Tanzania, the banking sector has made rapid strides in the new century, thereby providing the customer with an easier and faster interface to work with.
Most technology giants are making forays into Africa, not just for economic or philanthropic reasons, but also after realising that here (Africa) is an untapped market, where growth is likely to rapid and the first-mover advantage can be phenomenal. IBM has set up a research facility in Nairobi where they have hired people of the African diaspora to build commercially viable products. Microsoft’s 4Afrika initiative is focusing on increasing the local’s access to technology, and building their skills to competitive levels. NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) aims at improving access to and the quality of science and technology across Africa. These are but a few examples of the various partnerships being forged to help Africa take the great leap forward.
In Mozambique, four partners have joined together to open a new research centre, which will concentrate on primary and public health opportunities and on environmental sciences, particularly where they concern vital industries, such as mining, oil and gas. In Burundi, where the civil war has left most of the country’s infrastructure in shambles and only 3 % of the people have access to electricity, new technology such as pedal-powered lamps are helping quite a few civilians. In Kenya, it is estimated that upto 20 % of the GDP is circulating through mobile platforms, such as M-Pesa, which are enabling over 17 million people get access to banking and online monetary facilities that were beyond their reach earlier.
Technology is not an end to itself, but the pathway to move towards a better lifestyle and a step out of poverty. Africa is moving slowly but surely towards a better world with innovation and enterprise.
References
http://www.itwebafrica.com/ict-and-governance/523-africa/232889-un-to-hear-call-to-boost-african-technology-adoption
http://www.clubofmozambique.com/solutions1/sectionnews.php?secao=mozambique&id=32757&tipo=one
http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/african-banks-need-to-be-on-the-side-of-our-dynamic-consumers/39092/
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