During an international conference taking place in Kigali, Africa identified its future challenges: artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and the Internet of Things. The objective? Establish dialogue between scientists, politicians and financiers, in order to prepare the continent for these disruptive technologies.
Learn more about this topic:
Africa’s new technological frontier
Artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and quantum technologies. Africa has understood the urgency of embracing these cutting-edge areas of innovation in order to generate value in a globalized and digital economy. According to Rémi Quirion, president of the International Network of Government Scientific Advice (INGSA) and scientific leader of Quebec, to achieve this, the continent is convinced that its true gold mine lies in its abundant youth which constitutes a precious lever to meet these challenges .
A quantum leap forward
According to Quirion, some African nations like Rwanda are investing heavily in quantum technologies. IBM, for example, launched a Quantum Challenge to accelerate the development of the quantum ecosystem on the continent. In Senegal, significant investments are also underway in this area. These projects reflect the African ambition to participate in the global race for technological leadership, and not to be left behind in this new wave of innovation.
AI, a strategic engine for education
Training in “digital literacy” for young and old alike is a priority area for the continent. Using AI to improve education therefore appears to be a strategic imperative. As GAFAM are predominant in this field, the challenge will be to ensure that AI has positive impacts on societies, in particular by educating young people and showing how human intelligence can go even further with AI. .
Rwanda is the first African country to have invested massively in digital infrastructure. Its rapid and widespread adoption of mobile payments is a telling illustration of this. Quirion points to this as evidence that the continent could see development “niches” emerge, where highly qualified researchers can thrive and build a new innovation economy supported by adequate funding.
Hope for African researchers
In this context, organizations like the AIMS (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences) network, which focuses on research and mathematics, play a key role in developing local talent. This network has notably recruited numerous expatriates who maintain strong links with Western countries, thus promoting the exchange of knowledge and the development of skills at the cutting edge of current technological advances.
Challenges remain to be met
Despite this promising dynamic, Africa still faces significant challenges to fully realize its potential. The risk of leaving certain populations behind, the insufficiency of digital infrastructure and limited access to financing are all obstacles to overcome. Additionally, ethical questions arise, particularly regarding the use of AI and the protection of personal data.
Will the continent manage to transform these challenges into opportunities and ensure stable and sustainable development in the digital age? The key to Africa’s future may ultimately lie in its ability to cultivate, stimulate and unleash the potential of its youth. What place will Africa occupy in the decades to come on the global stage of technological innovation?
