The digital revolution pioneered by the adoption of transistors in 1947 has ever since continued to grow and spread its tentacles into virtually every aspect of human existence.
The Digital revolution has increased and improved every area in which it is implemented, increasing communications and enabling globalization.
The model of revolution is said to be in four phases, the first being the Digital Technology built as a business enabler.
Also read, The State of Africa’s Digital Revolution [ICT Clinic]
At this phase, technology was used to increase the productivity and efficiency of businesses, which led to increased profits.
The next phase was the phase where Digital technology was the business, this phase led to the invention of digital products, web presence, and social media platforms.
Some companies built their digital marketplace in this phase of the digital revolution.
The third phase is a phase in which we are still in, where Digital democratization took place, shared economy, infrastructure-as-a-service, cloud computing, open libraries and the use of Application Program Interface (APIs) are the order of the day.
Also read, Why we need to embrace Digital Revolution in Africa
The fourth phase is a phase we are anticipating and it is known as the Digital Next Wave. It is believed that a lot of processes introduced now will be matured and rampant in the fourth phase, things like Blockchain technology, IOTs, BOTs, AR/VR among others.
The fourth phase of the Digital revolution is believed to be one that will change the dynamics of a lot of activities.
Therefore every continent is geared up to implement the digitization of its affairs in all countries under its jurisdiction in whatever way they can.
Africa too is embracing this digital revolution as it wouldn’t be left behind this time around as there are write-ups that suggest Africa was left out in the past revolutions.
Harnessing Digital Revolution
There are various ways Africa can judiciously harness Digital Revolution and increase all-round development and productivity in the continent.
Africans should therefore take advantage of this digital revolution and drive the needed change in the continent. There are various enabling technologies Africa can harness.
Also read, Lessons from Germany’s Advanced Digital Revolution [ICT Clinic]
They include Big data Analytics, blockchain Technology, Cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Biotechnology, 3D Printing, Energy Storage, and Cybersecurity.
These enabling technologies will lead to both economic and structural reformation and transformation.
As seen in recent years, both direct and induced jobs have been created due to the proliferation of fintech and its wide acceptance in the continent.
Poverty and inequality will by extension be greatly reduced in the continent. The digital revolution indeed threatens to automate and use robots in most service offerings.
But the reality is this, people will be required to build these robots and maintain them.
For entrepreneurs in Africa, digitization is already making them innovative with their business ideas, thinking outside the box.
However, to properly harness the digital revolution, it’s time to think not only outside the box but around it also.
This should not be restricted to two or three sectors only, there’s a need to have outstanding innovations in all sectors.
Driving quality and reliable change that improves our general well-being and overall welfare in the continent.
It is therefore pertinent that Africans should seek to acquire skills in the enabling technologies previously mentioned as that will be our game-changing factor if we must harness optimally from the digital revolution.
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