Disrupting Africa: implications of the digital revolution for policymakers

Technological disruption is transforming markets and societies across Africa. This opens up huge and still largely untapped commercial potential for domestic and international businesses. In my two articles, I talked about the implications of technological disruption in Africa for mainstream and disruptor businesses. But what do policymakers need to be aware of and how can they capitalise on the potential of the digital revolution? 

Embrace change as an opportunity

Technological disruption is bringing power, telecommunications and financial inclusion to communities that have been missed by mainstream utilities and financial services providers. It’s important to regulate businesses that are growing rapidly and operate within systemically critical areas of the economy. But the need to regulate shouldn’t be a veil for protecting vested interests.

Let the data flow

Government data is a huge and underused resource. Disruptive technologies are helping to map disease and target response. They’re also helping to identify infrastructure, healthcare and education needs. It’s important for governments to play their part by improving the quality of their own data, being prepared to share it and using the insights to target investment and improve the efficiency of public services.

Leapfrogging developments elsewhere

As technology becomes more affordable and easy to use, Africa has an opportunity to take advantage of the latest developments. This might be fibre optic or 4G telecommunications.

Putting agriculture at the forefront of development

Agriculture has continued to be at the back of the queue for investment. As our report highlights, it’s also one of the areas where innovation is most needed but has been hardest to reach. Smart development would have agriculture at the forefront, bringing unused land into production, using the latest technology to boost yields and moving up the value chain into areas such as seed development.

Scrutiny is a fact of life

Digital connectivity will heighten scrutiny of government. But this is also a chance to foster greater transparency and trust. Blockchain technology offers a unique opportunity to combat corruption and fraud in public office.

In my next article, I’ll consider how the digital revolution can help drive efficiency in business and public services. In the meantime, why not read PwC’s full report on these exciting issues, Disrupting Africa: Riding the wave of the digital revolution.