Technology is a key driver in the world today. This has become more palpable with the emergence of a global pandemic, COVID-19. There has been an acceleration in remote work all over the world, with giant technological companies making great fortunes as a result.
According to the Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the global economic crisis that is still shaking the continent must serve as a wake-up call for African nations to embrace a technological approach to development.
Speaking at a high-level “BOMA” session sponsored by the African Union, the Vice President issued a warning against ignoring the structural problems that the worst-affected nations are dealing with in favour of concentrating on the crisis’ immediate symptoms. Global political and commercial leaders gathered at the BOMA summit to discuss how Africa is doing about Agenda 2063, the AU’s plan for transforming the continent into a major economic player.
Technology is regarded as the primary engine of economic growth for nations, regions, and cities in the field of economics. Technological advancement promotes the efficient production of better goods and services, which is necessary for a prosperous nation. The innovation of technological devices saves time and labour involved in production. This puts one country which is technologically advanced, a step ahead of another country that is not.
The Vice President of Ghana introduced some initiatives that will lead the country on the path of digitization and technological advancement that will support social inclusion, equal access to physical and digital services, and economic growth.
Biometric National ID Card or Ghana Card
The Ghana card was designed to address the absence of a single national identification card. Currently, a variety of existing identifying numbers and databases, including SSNIT numbers, TIN numbers, and NHIS cards, have been replaced with the biometric Ghana card.
Property Address System
Almost every location in Ghana now has a digital address thanks to the Ghana Post GPS. Users of the Ghana Post GPS app may easily and precisely identify homes and streets.
Mobile Money Interoperability
With the advent of MMO (Mobile Money Interoperability), money transfers between two bank accounts, a bank account and a mobile device, and other scenarios are now available.
Other African Countries and their Tech Strides
Similarly, South Africa is a regional leader in the ease of creating digital jobs due to the strong consumer demand for digital enterprises and the institutional context that offer supportive legislation. Additionally, it is a pioneer in the delivery of biometric data, payment cards for social security, and drones for mining, which keeps it on the cutting edge of innovation.
Nairobi, Kenya has a growing, tech-savvy ecosystem. M-Pesa, the mobile payment system has become hugely popular and has enabled over 75% of Kenyans aged 15 or to make a mobile payment in the last year. Kenya’s policymakers have encouraged a high adoption of digital payments and provided a supportive regulatory framework.
With several noteworthy efforts, such as Irembo, a government-to-citizen services e-portal, high mobile account usage, expanding 4G coverage throughout the nation, and enhanced digital skills, Rwanda has been advancing toward becoming a digital centre. Additionally, Rwanda has been a regional leader in exploring many important emerging technologies, including the use of drones to deliver essential supplies to inaccessible places and the possibility of a central bank-issued digital currency.
This is the way to go for other African countries if we want to advance exponentially. These initiatives must be strengthened and properly implemented so that they are sustainable over a long period. African leaders must also explore all avenues the countries can harness for technological advancement and national development at a large.