Africa, a continent with vibrant young and brilliant minds that have made remarkable progress over the past few decades, changing numerous views presumed of it—as a child in need of development, a tinderbox of poverty, forced migration, terrorism and disease, and an imminent threat—the truth is, these are more of a stereotype.
But one thing is for sure: Africa is fast transforming itself into a tech opportunity for the entire world to reckon with, and this is happening at a remarkable rate.
The continent is shaping its own destiny through recent decades of innovative ingenuity that have solved critical tech challenges and catapulted growth and development within and beyond its shores
Brainiacs across the continent are innovating tech products, solutions, and services across varied areas such as financing, healthcare, energy, software to name a few.
When the World Bank a couple of years ago drew public attention towards how most African startups in their early-stages could likely fail due to poor access to venture capital funding that should help scale their businesses, as clap-back, scores of venture capitalists, accelerators, and incubators sprang up across the continent, and have been offering seed fund, training, and mentorship for these startups.
Clearly, there is still much work left, but a view at hindsight can provide good hope for what the future holds for Africa’s tech opportunity
What’s more, African tech entrepreneurs are not cowering from the challenges that still exist, neither are they relenting in working towards faster and greater positive outcomes.
They are building bridges with the diaspora and linking the potentials abound in Africa to the rest of the globe.
They are hungry to show that Africa is not a failure or a threat, but an opportunity shaped for them and by them, and ignoring this progress will simply show shortsightedness.
By recognising the continent as an opportunity rather than a place of scoff, the world can be better positioned to face challenges, and further boost positive trends within the global tech ecosystem.
Featured Image: qz
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to techbuild.africa weekly digest for updates.
