Political stability, demographics make Africa hub for ICT investment – report

An extended period of political stability and favourable demographics have attracted billions of dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa across various sectors, including ICT.

This is according to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan entitled ‘Innovations in Emerging Economies – Africa’, which finds that Africa is a hub for innovation in the ICT, automation and electronics, healthcare, chemicals and materials, and energy and environment sectors.

Frost & Sullivan, however, believes “substantial space” still exists for faster innovations instead of long-term development projects.

“Innovations in the ICT sector in Africa have been of considerable importance in making the continent one of the most promising emerging economies across the globe,” said research analyst Debarun Guha Thakurta.

“Apart from product innovations driven by mega trends, several process innovations in the ICT domain, such as digital payments, e-health and e-commerce, have enabled the continent to progress quickly.”

Innovations within the ICT sector that improve the governance and lifestyle of Africans to spread technology awareness through enhanced connectivity have been opening up economic opportunities, the report said. This includes ICT-enabled financial services that widen the reach of banks, which have led to the development of new business models that leverage the flexibility of e-finance.

Frost & Sullivan said the lack of access to funding has, however, been an obstacle to technological innovation in Africa, with most countries devoting most of their available funding to tackling poverty and providing basic resources to the population.

This means there is limited financial support for technological activities, which, along with high levels of corruption, has prevented the continent from reaching its true innovation potential.

“Nevertheless, as low-cost, sustainable innovation gathers pace in Africa, companies across sectors could replicate these best practices in other emerging markets, where there is huge potential for companies to expand,” said Guha Thakurta.

“They can also employ reverse innovation, wherein innovations are tested and developed in Africa before being launched in the highly competitive developed markets.”