Africa is often overlooked in the global technology conversation, yet the continent is a melting pot of talent, innovation, and untapped potential.
Despite its challenges, Africa’s people repeatedly prove they can create, innovate, and lead in various technological domains—not from now on but from tens of thousands of years ago.
However, systemic barriers have stifled growth, lagging the continent behind its peers. Why is it that while some regions soar into the technological future, Africa remains tethered to the past?
And why is AI so biased against people who originated from Africa?
The Current State of Africa’s Technology Landscape
Let’s take a moment to understand the context. In 2023, Africa had about 22% internet penetration, compared to the global average of around 63%. This digital divide translates into limited access to information, education, and opportunities.
According to UNESCO, about 69 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa are out of school. This educational gap is mainly due to poverty, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient access to electricity—essential elements for learning in the digital age.
But it doesn’t stop there. The lack of reliable public services, compounded by outdated government policies, stifles innovation and growth. Many governments discourage advanced technologies, and the absence of adequate educational facilities means that a substantial portion of the young population lacks the necessary skills to thrive in today’s economy.
The International Finance Corporation estimates that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills.
Yet, the current labor force is not prepared to meet this demand.
This disconnection between education and the job market creates a vicious cycle, leading to frustration and disillusionment among the youth.
How can Africa progress when its brightest minds are not given the tools they need to succeed?
The Power of Innovation: African Pioneers in Technology
Despite the hurdles, some shining examples of African ingenuity deserve recognition.
Take Philip Emeagwali, for instance.
This Nigerian computer scientist designed a formula for the fastest computer on Earth, known as the Connection Machine. His work laid the foundation for parallel computing, which is crucial for running search engines like Yahoo and Google.
Then there’s Roy L. Clay, a mathematician and entrepreneur often dubbed “the Godfather of Black Silicon Valley.”
In the 1960s, Clay developed a minicomputer for Hewlett Packard, paving the way for future innovations in computing. These individuals are not mere exceptions; they represent the potential of African ingenuity. Their stories serve as a reminder that, given the right conditions, Africans can and will innovate.
Gerald Anderson Lawson is a key figure in the history of technology, especially in the video gaming industry.
If you play games on Nintendo, Sega, etc., it's because of this great engineer.
Lawson, an African-American electronic engineer, made groundbreaking contributions at a time when white engineers largely dominated the technology sector and Silicon Valley. His work pioneering the Fairchild Channel F video game console was revolutionary, and it changed the way games were created, sold, and played worldwide.
These pioneers challenge the narrative that Africa is a passive participant in the global tech landscape.
They illustrate that the continent has the talent, creativity, and intellect to lead in technology.
Not only that, but the current narrative that the Greeks are the sole creators of philosophy and other arts is incomplete. With most of its famous philosophers studying for years in ancient Egypt, it is vastly forgotten in the narrative we obtain in schools.
We need to change this, not only for Africa but also for many other cultures that contributed to humanity’s knowledge only to be collected dust in some library or museum.
Our ways of life didn’t burst into a single location; they are broader and more significant than we can imagine.
The Economic Argument: Why Technology Matters
Investing in technology is not just a moral obligation; it’s an economic imperative. According to the World Economic Forum, digital transformation in Africa could add $3 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030. This projection underscores the vast economic potential waiting to be unlocked through investment in technology and education.
Imagine a continent where young people have access to quality education and the latest technology.
Startups could flourish, creating jobs and driving innovation. Countries could leverage their natural resources for extraction and value-added services and products. A thriving technology sector could stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and empower communities.
The Role of Education and Skills Development
Education is the bedrock of technological advancement. But how can Africa build a tech-savvy workforce when millions of children are out of school?
The solution lies in prioritizing education and skills development.
Focus on STEM Education
Countries must emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education at all levels. This means investing in teacher training, providing necessary resources, and creating partnerships with tech companies to develop curricula that meet industry needs.
Initiatives like Hour of Code can raise awareness about digital literacy and engage young people in technology. Moreover, leveraging online educational platforms can make high-quality education accessible even in remote areas. However, this hinges on having reliable electricity and internet access—two fundamental challenges that must be addressed.
Creating Technology Hubs
Establishing technology hubs can foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Countries like Nigeria and Kenya already see the benefits of tech hubs serving as startup incubators.
These spaces provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding, helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.
A great example is Silicon Savannah in Kenya, which has attracted significant investment and become a thriving tech startup ecosystem. By creating similar hubs across Africa, countries can cultivate a culture of innovation that empowers their citizens.
The Importance of Government Support
Supportive government policies are essential for Africa to thrive in the technology landscape. This means:
Updating Outdated Policies: Governments must re-evaluate and modernize policies that stifle technological growth. This includes encouraging foreign investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating a regulatory environment that supports innovation.
Investing in Infrastructure: Reliable infrastructure is crucial for any tech ecosystem. Governments must prioritize investments in electricity, internet connectivity, and transportation systems. Without these foundations, efforts to promote technology will fall flat.
Building Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the public and private sectors can lead to innovative solutions to Africa’s challenges. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, governments can create an environment conducive to growth.
Addressing Corruption and Leadership Challenges
One of the significant barriers to technological advancement in Africa is corruption. Ineffective leadership and corrupt practices divert resources from critical areas like education and infrastructure.
To overcome this, African nations need leaders who prioritize the welfare of their citizens over personal gain. A commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance can create a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
The Need for Global Collaboration
While Africa must take the reins in its technological journey, global collaboration is equally important. Developed nations can play a vital role by:
Investing in African Tech: Companies from developed countries should invest in African startups and technology initiatives. This will not only help local entrepreneurs but also foster knowledge transfer.
Sharing Best Practices: Collaboration can lead to exchanging ideas, experiences, and strategies that have proven successful in other regions.
Promoting Inclusive Policies: Global organizations and governments should advocate for policies that support equitable access to technology and education for all Africans.
Africa doesn’t need pity or generosity. It requires the opportunity to pave its own path. Diversity is key, and if we all behave and do the same thing, we all fall together. Diversity drives innovation and new ways of seeing and tackling challenges.
The Struggles of African Engineers
The challenges faced by African engineers are not just technical but deeply systemic, shaped by the realities of their environment. As someone who works with and mentors many African engineers, I’ve witnessed their immense talent and adaptability firsthand. These self-taught engineers quickly pick up complex technologies such as Terraform, Python, AWS, Azure, and more. Their skill level often rivals that of engineers from larger economies. Yet, the compensation they receive is alarmingly disproportionate to their expertise.
For instance, while engineers in the UK or US can earn between $2,000 and $8,000 a month, their African counterparts might only make $50 to $700 a month for similar roles. This stark disparity isn’t just about different economic realities but also reflects the significant undervaluation of talent in many African countries.
Although larger economies can sustain higher salaries, the situation begs a crucial question:
How can these engineers support their families and pursue their ambitions when their earnings are so low?
Limited Access to Resources
The barriers extend far beyond pay. Certification exams and training programs cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in many parts of Africa—unattainable figures for most regional engineers.
While professionals elsewhere can invest in formal training, African engineers often rely on free resources like YouTube or outdated training material to build their skills. Even then, they are hampered by low-spec devices, poor internet connections, and frequent power outages, all of which severely limit their ability to gain hands-on experience in a timely and effective manner.
Despite these constraints, they persevere, often building home labs with limited resources just to practice their craft. This dedication is nothing short of remarkable, yet the challenges remain daunting.
Discrimination in Remote Job Markets
Many of these engineers turn to remote job opportunities to escape the limitations of their local job markets. With the rise of global platforms promoting “work from anywhere” positions, this should, in theory, open up possibilities for African engineers. However, they often find themselves excluded from these opportunities simply because of their location.
Even if an engineer has the skills and experience, recruiters frequently overlook African applicants, assuming that their abilities won’t match up or that working remotely from Africa will be too difficult. This is even though the same roles are often advertised as open to candidates from “anywhere.” It is a form of geographical discrimination that ignores the capability and potential of these engineers solely based on their origins.
Stigma and Unpaid Apprenticeships
There’s also a lingering stigma associated with certain parts of Africa, fueled by media and bias. It leads to unfounded assumptions about the skills and professionalism of engineers from the continent. These biases often prevent them from getting a fair shot at opportunities, regardless of their qualifications.
For some, the only way to gain experience is through unpaid apprenticeships, where they work for months—sometimes six or more—without compensation to gain hands-on experience. Unfortunately, even after investing time and effort, many are abruptly dismissed, with nothing to show for their hard work but an impersonal email informing them that their efforts are no longer needed.
Breaking the Cycle of Undervaluation
The current system not only undervalues African engineers but also perpetuates a cycle where their talents are overlooked, underpaid, and often disregarded altogether.
We must address these disparities to foster a global tech landscape that benefits from diverse perspectives and skills.
African engineers deserve the same opportunities to succeed as anyone else, and the international tech community stands to gain from their inclusion.
It is time to challenge the biases, address the inequities, and recognize the immense potential within Africa’s engineers.
The tech industry is constantly innovative. There’s no reason why that innovation can’t extend to creating a fairer, more inclusive environment for all engineers, no matter where they come from.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The narrative surrounding Africa’s technology landscape must change.
Instead of seeing the continent as a mere consumer of technology, we should recognize its potential as a powerhouse of innovation.
The success of a continent or country depends on education, not just on serving the needs of others.
Africa can become a leader in the global technology landscape by investing in education, creating supportive policies, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Let’s not forget that the potential for greatness lies within Africa. It is up to all of us to unlock it.