Information Technology and Africa

The book begins by delving into the author’s background and passion for digital technology in Africa, and technical work and research with groups at Lloyds Register and the University of Strathclyde, UK. It highlights their experiences in building computer systems and their realization of technology’s potential for creating economic value, user-friendliness, and sustainability. The author’s interactions with Kenyan’s Late Professor Calestous Juma further expanded their vision to encompass how technology could be used to propel Africa’s economic development. Acknowledging the significant advancements in information technology since the author’s previous book in 1993, this updated edition seeks to evaluate the state of economic growth in African nations over the past three decades. It emphasizes the urgent need for Africa to bridge the gap that exists between the continent and the rest of the world, as technology continues to define the 21st century. The book introduces “Digital Africa,” a think-tank and advocacy group spearheaded by the author, which aims to bridge the gap in information technology between Africa and the rest of the world. It highlights the annual “Digital Africa Exhibition and Conference” as a platform for showcasing emerging technologies and providing action points for the relevant stakeholders in African countries.
Throughout the book’s 21 chapters, various topics are covered to provide a comprehensive understanding of technology and its potential for African development. The journey begins by exploring Africa’s technological advancements in antiquity, reminding readers that the continent was once a leader in technology and civilization. It delves into the literature on development and underdevelopment, attributing Africa’s current challenges to factors such as colonialism, slavery, and leadership issues. The book provides a conceptual and technological overview of information technology in Chapter 3 to ensure readers grasp the key concepts. It then delves into specific areas where technology can have far-reaching effects on African economies, including exponential technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain, and explores their potential impacts. The author discusses the importance of proactive strategies for hardware development in Africa, focusing on meeting local demands and competing with Western countries.
The book examines how exponential technologies can be deployed to foster development in specific sectors and explores the socio-cultural implications of technology for African societies and institutions. Chapters on systems procurement methodologies, indigenization of IT systems, and IT strategies for organizations and countries further delve into the practical aspects of technology adoption and development. The book emphasizes the need for collaboration at the continental level, advocating for a united approach to digital technology in Africa and the development of IT policies and strategies. Recognizing the significance of youth in technology, the book highlights the role of universities in equipping Africa with the necessary human capital to drive technological development. It concludes by reinforcing the breadth-first approach taken in exploring the issues, aiming to inspire readers with a panoramic view of the potential benefits of technology for Africa’s economic development.
“Information Technology and Africa: Riding the Fourth Industrial Revolution” serves as a rallying cry for African countries and leaders to prioritize technology and innovation. By embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and leveraging emerging technologies, Africa has the potential to catch up with the developed world and establish itself as a global technology hub. The book provides relevant information, insights, and strategies to position Africa for technological advancement, economic growth, and the eradication of poverty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Evans Woherem is an award-winning African Technology researcher, analyst, and writer. He has authored or co-authored three books and numerous academic papers on various areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Expert Systems, Software Engineering, project management, IT Strategy Planning and Technology in Banking. He worked for the University of Strathclyde (UK), Lloyd’s Register (UK) and ABSA Bank (RSA), at technical and management levels. He was a highly successful Director of Technology at First Bank (Nigeria) and Unity Bank Plc (Nigeria).
He was the pioneer Chairman of Interswitch Nigeria Ltd, which is today a Unicorn. He was also the Chairman of Chams Access Ltd. He is currently the Chairman of Digital Africa, Compumetrics Solutions Ltd and Northlink Insurance Brokers Ltd. He holds a PhD in Impact of Expert Systems. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Computer Society, married with two children, and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.