"Tech in 2025: A Glimpse into the Trends to Watch"

Technology continues to redefine industries, economies, and societies faster in this decade of action than it has done in the years past. 2024 saw tech disrupt us in many ways, whether is the increasing use of social media platforms for commerce or civil action, or the push for digital jobs, innovation and new business models.? Many of us noted the increasing use of emerging tech to disrupt the way we do business and socialise.

For Kenya and Africa, emerging tech offers an unparalleled opportunity to address pressing challenges, drive economic growth, and improve quality of life. ??A focus on how nations can leverage these tech trends for development will ensure that as a country and continent, we are not left behind but continue to push through as the emerging economy of the world.

so whats likely to be big this year? here are some trends to watch based on ongoing tech developments globally.

1. Expansion of Connectivity, 5G and last mile

The rollout of 5G networks by telcos continues to redefine connectivity for the world and Kenya is just one of the best examples in deployment. For Africa, where much of the population remains underserved by reliable internet, 5G offers the promise of bridging the digital divide. Enhanced connectivity will not only reduce inequalities but also spur innovations in critical sectors like Education, Medicare and the world of work. ?In Kenya, the digital superhighway ambition seeks to bridge this divide and is a program that is worth accelerating while at the same time coupling it with digital skilling and innovation support programs to increase its utilisation for economic development.

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2. Artificial intelligence and emerging tech impact to every sector.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become integral to innovation and is accelerating in ways we haven’t imagined before. With use cases in virtually all key sectors. AI-powered tools are revolutionizing precision farming, enabling farmers to predict yields, optimize resource use, and mitigate risks from climate change. Predictions, modelling and application of technology across LLMs will redefine business decision making processes affecting many sectors. It is imperative that Africa prioritises investments in AI and emerging tech to ensure the continent does not loose out on a whole tech shift.? By enabling local talent, Kenya and Africa can we take part in the development of solutions that address local challenges in very innovative ways.

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3. Renewable Energy Tech, Climate Action and Agritech

If the recent unfortunate fire incident in the palisades in Los Angeles, is anything to go by, the impact of climate action on human development cannot be ignored. ?Coupled to this is the changing climate crisis that not only affects agriculture sector but also creates a food systems challenge that needs to be solved. Like many parts of the world, Africa continues to bear the brunt of climate change.? However, its vast renewable energy potential makes it a prime candidate for innovations in this space. ?As the push for Investments in clean energy tech continues. The potential for Africa continent is immense. We have a potential to lead the Greentech Revolution. Hosting Timbuktoo Greentech Hub in Kenya not only positions the country strategically in focus but also provides a huge opportunity for startups in Greentech to find support to scale. We cant wait to see what happens in this sector supported by ?#konzaTech @silicon Savannah

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?4. The Rise of Smart Cities

Smart cities are no longer futuristic concepts but practical solutions for managing urbanization and urban development challenges.? With the Africa’s urban population expected to double by 2050, the need for sustainable, technology-driven urban planning has never been greater.in kenya, we have 47 developing cities in the counties that can benefit from smart city solutions to become smart cities by design. Konza Technopolis in Kenya, Kenya’s ambitious smart city initiative provides an excellent space and platform to demonstrate how IoT, big data, and AI can be leveraged to optimize transportation, energy use, waste management and other key resources to create opportunities while improving quality of life. This year, we expect more partnerships between governments, private sector stakeholders, and tech innovators to ensure the development of such projects address the needs of all citizens, while reducing inequalities.

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5. Fintech and Blockchain tech disrupting payment models.

Fintech and blockchain technologies are driving transformative changes in the global economy, reshaping financial ecosystems with unprecedented speed and efficiency and transparency. ??Blockchain networks, continue to evolve in ways that are enabling secure, transparent, and decentralized transactions, powering industries beyond finance on the other hand, Fintech innovations are now leveraging artificial intelligence and quantum computing to offer personalized financial services, real-time analytics, and automated trading solutions, displayed through dynamic holographic interfaces.

The advancements in fintech and blockchain trends will foster a hyper-connected, sustainable, and inclusive future, where secure and intelligent financial systems empower individuals and enterprises alike. ?As leaders in Fintech with Mpesa mobile money. Kenya must continue pushing its limits in this sector which has become the backbone of our economy.

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6. EdTech and Advanced Healthcare Technologies: Accelerated Development Through Cloud-First Application

The integration of cloud-first applications is revolutionizing key sectors such as education and healthcare, driving unparalleled innovation and accessibility of these critical solutions to many underserved populations. Cloud-powered platforms will enable AI-driven personalized learning and scalable mobile-first solutions, breaking down traditional barriers to education. Similarly, in healthcare, advanced technologies such as telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and wearable health devices which rely on cloud-based systems to deliver efficient and scalable solutions still have a long way to go in delivering ?competitive services to a growing youthful, mobile first population. ?

By facilitating real-time communication and resource distribution, cloud-first applications are accelerating the development of these critical sectors in many parts of the world, empowering communities with enhanced access to education and healthcare services

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7. Cybersecurity as a non negotiable.

As digital adoption grows, so does the risk of cyber threats. An increasing reliance on digital platforms for banking, healthcare, and governance, imply that robust cybersecurity frameworks are non-negotiable. Governments and businesses must invest in training and application of best practises in cybersecurity at institution and personal level. The need for Cyber security professionals will only continue to grow in Kenya and Africa. If you are still waiting its just a matter of time.

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In general, technological trends shaping 2025 present Kenya and Africa with opportunities to leapfrog development challenges and leverage tech to accelerate development. However, actualisation of this promise requires a collaborative approach involving governments, private sector players, development partners, and local communities. ?Capital investments ininvesting in infrastructure, policies that support innovation, Capacity building and takent development and inclusive access to Tech must remain a top priority for any Government that seeks to develop in this Digital era..

The future is here—and for Africa, it’s brimming with possibility.

#TechTrends2025 #smartCities #Innovation #SiliconSavannah #konzatech Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS Eng.John Kipchumba Tanui,CBS,MBS Harry Hare #DigitalTransfromation