Africa Should Now Turn to Technology For Its Survival and Economic Development
Land remains static while population increases. In Africa, land is becoming infertile, while desertification and effects of global warming threatens the continent. The continent’s raw materials are dwindling. Where would Africa turn for solutions?
For many years, the emerging independent states saw agriculture to be the continent’s development magic. They were unable to see that it was also possible for agriculture to be Africa’s curse. They would have to buy agricultural machinery, fertilizers, and animal drugs from the developed world and sells their produce to the developed world at a throw away price.
It is now even worse because land is becoming an explosive source of conflicts that threaten to tear African countries apart. The same land has become infertile and there is threat of desertification.
Due to global warming, farming has become unpredictable activity. There is either long dry period or too much rain. Pumping money into agriculture is a very likely source of frustrations for peasant farmers who makes up large part of Africa’s populations.
African countries have also for along time relied on export of raw materials. The revenue they earned from the raw materials has not helped much and they are dwindling. Africa has been a source for diamonds, gold, copper, oil and other minerals for the developed world. Africa’s answer for its development aspirations lies in technology. The fact that Africa population is increasing while land is not mean that other people would have to work elsewhere to earn a livelihood. And the educated youth’s hope is in technology.
Africa also faced with dwindling resource base cannot afford to be wasteful. Technology that would reduce waste and enhance recycling effort should be embraced by all African countries. African countries need technology to add value to their resources before exporting.
The bulk of world trade today is technology based. Africa and its growing youthful and educated population cannot afford to be left behind as the world grapples for a share of revenue from the technology trade. Quoting Allan Ngugi’s article published in the Daily Nation of March 12, 2008 entitled, “We should be thinking industries,” President Museveni during an East African Legislative assembly session said. “Many people in East Africa still depend on Agriculture rather than being in industry and services.
East Africa cannot provide enough jobs for the increasing educated population. We shall not earn enough foreign currency as we could (with industrial production) and we shall not collect enough taxes.”
Technology will not only create jobs but will help Africa’s countries handle problems brought about by desertification and global warming.
Africa Should Now Turn to Technology For Its Survival and Economic Development
Africa is a continent full of potential and resources, but it has struggled with poverty and underdevelopment for decades. However, there is a growing consensus that technology could play a key role in Africa’s survival and economic development. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why technology is critical to Africa’s future and how it can be leveraged for growth and prosperity.
Firstly, technology can help to address many of Africa’s most pressing challenges. For example, it can be used to improve healthcare, education, and agriculture. By leveraging technology, Africa can improve access to healthcare services in remote areas, enhance educational opportunities for its citizens, and increase agricultural productivity.
Secondly, technology can provide Africa with new economic opportunities. With the rise of the digital economy, there is a growing demand for tech-based solutions and services. Africa has a young and tech-savvy population, which is well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. By investing in technology, Africa can create new jobs, drive innovation, and boost economic growth.
Thirdly, technology can help Africa to leapfrog traditional development pathways. Rather than following the same path as developed nations, Africa can adopt new technologies and business models that are better suited to its unique circumstances. This could include, for example, using mobile payments to drive financial inclusion or using renewable energy to power economic growth.
Finally, technology can help to connect Africa with the rest of the world. With the rise of digital connectivity, Africa can overcome some of the barriers that have traditionally held it back. By leveraging technology, Africa can connect with global markets, attract investment, and access new sources of knowledge and expertise.
However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. For example, there is a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas in Africa. Additionally, there is a lack of infrastructure and funding to support the development of technology ecosystems. Finally, there is a need to build the skills and knowledge required to leverage technology effectively.
To address these challenges, African governments, businesses, and civil society organizations need to work together to develop a comprehensive strategy for technology development. This should include investments in infrastructure, education, and research and development. It should also involve partnerships with international organizations and private sector actors to bring in expertise and funding.
In conclusion, technology can play a critical role in Africa’s survival and economic development. By leveraging technology, Africa can address its most pressing challenges, create new economic opportunities, leapfrog traditional development pathways, and connect with the rest of the world. However, this will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the challenges and build a robust ecosystem for technology development.
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