Africa always lag behind when it comes to technological advancements. Just ask yourself what is the latest technology development from the continent that has shaped the world and adopted across the world?
Most of the new technologies are developed in the west and Africa comes last in adoption. Why does Africa come last? Slow economic development and a small viable market. In Africa foreign investors get a good return on investment when they invest in North Africa, West Africa (Nigeria), East Africa ( Kenya) and Southern Africa (RSA).
There has never been a case where new technology was first introduced on the continent on countries with small populations such as Mauritania, Djibout, Swaziland, Botswana or Namibia.
In Sub Sahara it all starts with Nigeria because of its huge population, Kenya due to its strategic location and lastly South Africa. He rest of the continent follows suit.
For tech opportunities, its therefore important to follow latest developments in the west and implementation schedule for the rest of our continent.
What is important is the developed world has gone digital and there is a fight to win technological wars. China is emerging as a force to reckon with and now competing with western powers in the area of 5G.
What opportunities exist for SADC Citizens?
South Africa is sending experts in various fields to India where the buzz word is Fourth Industrialisation. Everyone is talking about 4IR, radios, televisions, newspapers and even billboards.
SADC like in the past, there is little discussions around the area and once more,we will play the catch up game!
The 4IR Value Chain
Artificial Intelligence
Block chain system integration
Internet of things
Cyber security
Cloud computing
Additive manufacturing
Augmented Reality
Big data
In all of the key components listed above, there plenty of opportunities with a lot to be discovered…no one knows them yet but trigger systems or devices will come like the smart phone which opened new doors for a lot of opportunities.
Whoever imagined that there were going to be almost free phone calls? How about rural areas being connected to the internet and social media? Whoever imagined that traditional banks would take a hit from mobile money platforms?
Did you dismiss crypto currencies when they hit our shores? They are going nowhere-here to stay and eventually replace central banks. Impact of social media on newspapers? The music industry? A lot of disruptions are on the way and in Hongkong they have licenced their first virtual bank. Who will own the first virtual bank in South Africa?
Who will open the first drone services company in Malawi? Who will provide Big Data services and support in Lesotho? Who will open an Augmented Reality theme park in Zimbabwe? Who is providing cyber security services in Namibia?
A lot of new industries are going to come up and a lot of others folding as well. The UBER and Taxify business models are creating tonnes of opportunities in South Africa. New thousands of jobs created and early adopters enjoying their time in the sunshine…disaster waiting for traditional taxi industries.
The shock collapse of a top British firm Thomas Cook sent shivers down the spine of many across the globe…there is more coming! Disruptors are targeting every field or sector-agriculture, mining, transport, tourism, financial services, education, government systems etc
4IR Skills
Many are of the view that computer coding will be a key skill and a lot of parents are enrolling their kids for the courses. However a leading professor from a South African University challenged this. In fact the key skills needed do not necessarily depend on coding but cover the following;
- Complex problem solving.
- Critical thinking.
- Creativity.
- People management.
- Coordinating with others.
- Emotional intelligence.
- Judgement and decision making.
- Service orientation.
So here is your checklist
Are you following tech developments across the globe?
Are you continuously developing your skills and aligning them with the tech future?
Do you ever discuss 4IR with friends, colleagues or your network?
At your company or in your business, do you have a 4IR compliant strategy?
