As echoed by TranslateMedia, mobile technology is to sub-Saharan Africa, what the steam train was to 19th century Europe – with opportunities for health, education and other improvements to essential ways of life in Africa, mobile tech is essential. Here are just some of the ways Africa is set to benefit from mobile tech in the coming years.
Small businesses have more opportunities
Throughout Africa, smaller businesses, such as those run by farmers and e-commerce managers, benefit massively from developments in mobile technology. The former can check market prices much easier, effectively securing a much better deal before selling their products on either directly to the consumer, or to the middlemen.
And, with a focus on mobile payments growing in prominence in Africa, e-commerce websites can grow their customer base a whole lot easier. Mobile payments have revolutionised ways of life in Western countries, and Africa is on the cusp of witnessing the same changes.
Simple processes are made even simpler
As previously mentioned, mobile payments are dominating the tech revolution in Africa currently. And the effects of it are massive; mobile banking is now a reality for many residents in small African countries; utility bills can be paid much easier; and people can transfer money to one another when someone is going through a financially difficult time, e.g. for healthcare or other emergency necessities.
With 82% of people owning a smartphone in Ghana alone, as detailed by Ding, these profound developments are set to improve the way of life for nearly every African resident.
Social opportunities open up
With mobile technology becoming more accessible over time, people will get the opportunity to be more social and interact with each other – for a long time, communities have been cut off from one another, severely limiting any opportunity for socialising or interacting for other matters, such as business.
And, with many different languages and dialects being spoken throughout Africa, mobile technology allows for much easier translation, opening up even more doors for the future.
Technology becoming primarily mobile-centric
Mobiles are understandably the most accessible bit of tech Africa can get its hands on as a whole, and so, it’s expected they’ll be at the forefront of every business, educational facility and health centre in the near future. One such example is using mobiles for blood testing – desktops have been ousted out in favour of a more widespread and accessible choice.
What are you looking forward to from Africa’s technological advancements? Be sure to discuss in the comments below.
Patrick Miles is a recent graduate previously studying business and management, before heading into the big wide world and getting started on his very own startup in the SEO industry.
