Unlocking Africa’s Prosperity:  Role of Digital Infrastructure and Innovation

As Africa continues on the path to economic prosperity, there is a growing acknowledgement of the critical role of quality infrastructure in the continent’s digital future.  This understanding calls for a reimagining of Africa’s economic landscape and its connectivity through enhanced digital infrastructure, encompassing data centers, internet and mobile penetration, communication systems like fiber optics and satellites, talent development in both hardware and software, and the financial systems that underpin these advancements.

At the heart of driving Africa’s prosperity is the need for robust digital infrastructure that can transform lives and catalyze economic growth. With improved connectivity, there is a direct impact on the quality of life for millions of Africans. Beyond just connecting people, a strong digital foundation expands the continent’s skill base by bringing more people into the digital economy. This is where the real opportunity lies—at the intersection of technology, innovation, and human capital development.

A critical aspect of building this digital future is understanding that innovation must be homegrown and tailored to solve Africa’s unique challenges. As Deremi Atanda, a leading voice on African payments and economic matters, pointed out in a recent panel discussion, Africans must take ownership of Africa’s progress. This involves defining a clear agenda for digital infrastructure and fostering collaboration among diverse communities across the continent.
Africa has demonstrated a capacity for leading its own initiatives, as evidenced by the Pan-African Payments and Settlements System (PAPSS), an Afrexim Bank initiative designed to accelerate trade and retain financial transactions within the continent. Similarly, Africa’s digital infrastructure agenda needs a unified leadership approach to consolidate fragmented efforts and drive meaningful collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, corporations, investors, tech firms, and educational institutions.

To translate this vision into reality, community engagement is paramount. The first step is to forge a clear leadership and agenda for digital infrastructure development. From there, it is essential to socialize the agenda—effectively communicating and framing narratives that resonate across various communities. Identifying and establishing strategic hubs will be key to this process. These hubs could specialize in areas such as chip assembly, hardware manufacturing, software development, or capacity building, all of which are critical for creating a thriving digital ecosystem.

Once the groundwork is laid, the next phase, implementation kicks in. This does not necessarily have to be an all-African endeavor; rather, it can be a collaborative effort that leverages both local and global expertise to achieve impact. The final stage is monitoring for impact—evaluating how these initiatives affect African communities. This will enable a “wash-rinse-repeat” approach, where successful strategies are refined and replicated to ensure continuous improvement.
For Africa to fully realize its digital potential, it is crucial to garner corporate buy-in.

Corporations, driven by the prospect of profit, need to see clear value in investing in Africa’s digital future. This requires properly framing the challenges and opportunities that digital infrastructure presents. For instance, a compelling case could be made for a digital infrastructure investment bond, which could attract substantial interest not only from international investors but also from within Africa.

Currently, discussions about investment in infrastructure, such as the Pan-African routes from Morocco through Egypt to South Africa, have captured the attention of corporate investors because the narrative was well-constructed. Similarly, if the story around digital infrastructure investment is effectively shaped, investment will follow, leading to transformative impacts across the continent.

A significant question remains: Who will lead the narrative on Africa’s digital infrastructure? Who will bring together the diverse stakeholders and drive convergence? Leadership is critical, and many believe that the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation, is well-positioned to take on this mantle.

Deremi Atanda’s discussion highlighted that unlocking the prosperity of the continent is about more than just ideas—it is about action. Mapping thoughts to tangible steps and taking ownership of Africa’s growth narrative is crucial. As Africa stands on the cusp of a digital revolution, it is clear that the responsibility for shaping its future lies within the continent itself.

In conclusion, Africa’s path to prosperity is through a well-defined digital infrastructure agenda that involves all stakeholders—governments, corporations, communities, and individuals. By leveraging innovation to solve Africa’s problems in the African context, the continent can build a digital future that is not only inclusive but also sustainable and prosperous.

Victor Adeyemi is the Growth and Execution Marketer at Remita Payment Services Limited.