Africa has made a giant leap in technological innovation, thanks to the advent of digital technology. Due to the adoption of mobile technology, the continent has been able to experience transformative growth in communication, economic growth, and socio-political spheres.
The advent of mobile technology has helped the continent bridge the gap that the landline and desktop era was not able to. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Africa is home to over 1.3 billion mobile subscriptions. This number is steadily increasing as in 2016, not up to 20 percent of Africa’s population had mobile phones. But due to Africa’s dense young population and the affordability of mobile devices, Africa has over 689 million mobile phone users (Statista, 2023).
Mobile phones and digital technology have been pivotal in the economic development in Africa. Smart phones have revolutionised business transactions making money transfers seamless and more personal. Business communities are closer thanks to chat groups and communities strengthening connectivity among stakeholders. Kenya’s M-Pesa, a mobile money service launched in 2007 is an example of mobile innovation that revolutionized financial inclusion by improving financial transactions through the mobile phone.
E-commerce has flourished in the digital and mobile technology era. It has improved the access to new markets, access information, and streamline operations. This innovation has eased the buying and selling of goods on a global level thus underlining the importance of mobile technology in modern day business.
Mobile technology has been very crucial in improving the access to essential services in Africa. Services like healthcare, maintenance, transportation services have experienced major transformations due to the innovations in mobile technology. Mobile apps and SMS-based systems provide valuable information on services, facilitate remote consultations and meetings with experts, and enable real-time deals.
In Uganda, the mTrac system tracks drug stock levels and report disease outbreaks in the country. This helps in enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. SmartUni in Tanzania, allows students to access their subject contents, study materials and timetables online. This reduces the use of paper and print handout and facilitates greater access to educational resources. In the same light, the Flood Risk Insurance Product, found in South Africa ensures the provision of reliable and prompt financing for flood victims.
Despite the revolutionary potentials of mobile technology in Africa, the continent is still lagging behind other continents. This is facilitated by a number of challenges limiting the acceptance and impact of mobile technology. The provision of internet infrastructure across Africa is one of these challenges that is hindering the growth of mobile technology in the continent.
The cost of affording mobile data is another challenge as the economic viability differs among the different countries in Africa. Network coverage is inconsistent in mostly rural areas in Africa, making it difficult for users to access services reliably. As much as smartphones are becoming more affordable, the cost of mobile data remains a hurdle for many users
The advancements in mobile technology holds huge potential for Africa. With the advent of the 4G and 5G networks, mobile connectivity is expected to improve, expanding the reach and capabilities of mobile services. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain will additionally bring about new innovations and applications in the tech world which will in turn a significant role in shaping Africa’s economic and social landscape.
