Africa’s Tech Talent: A Rising Force in the Global Economy
Africa Has the Potential to Become a Global Leader in Technology said R&D Group CEO Mrs. Rahel Boon-Dejene
GITEX Africa is an annual technology trade show that takes place in Marrakech, Morocco. Renowned as one of the largest tech events in Africa, it attracts a staggering number of over 30,000 visitors from more than 50 countries. This expo serves as a platform to showcase the latest technological innovations, ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to cloud computing and even 5G. Additionally, the event boasts an impressive conference program featuring keynote speakers from prominent tech companies.
The first-ever edition of GITEX AFRICA, which was held from May 31st to June 2nd, 2023, proved to be a resounding success. It brought together a diverse array of innovators, visionaries, and industry leaders not only from Africa but also from around the world. Among the esteemed panelists at this event was Mrs. Rahel Boon-Dejene, CEO of the R&D group, Mrs. Rahel Boon-Dejene shared her thought-provoking discussion on “Positioning Africa as a Net Exporter of Tech Talent.
Key takeaways:
- Africa has a young and growing population that is eager to learn and innovate.
- Africa is a land of opportunity with abundant natural resources and a strategic location.
- African governments and businesses need to invest in the tech sector to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of their people.
- R&D Group believes that Africa has the potential to become a net exporter of tech talent. With the right investments and support, we can help the continent realize its full potential.
- If given the proper attention, African tech talents has the potential to make an influence in the global tech industry.
In her remarks, Mrs. Rahel highlighted Africa’s young and growing population, abundant natural resources, and strategic location as key factors that make the continent an ideal destination for the development of the tech sector. She emphasized the potential of Africa to become a net exporter of tech talent to the rest of the world with the right investments and support.
There are successful African tech companies like Andela and Flutterwave as evidence of the continent’s growing tech talent pool. With the right investments and support, Africa could become a net exporter of tech talent to the rest of the world.
Mrs. Rahel debunked the misconception that AI would eliminate millions of jobs, explaining that AI still requires human input to be effective. Africa, with its large pool of potential tech talent, can leverage this need for human interaction and position itself as a leader in the tech industry.
In addition to calling for investment in the tech sector, Mrs. Rahel emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges hindering Africa from becoming a net exporter of tech talent. These challenges include limited access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled tech workers.
To overcome these challenges and establish Africa as a leading player in the global tech industry, Mrs. Rahel concluded her remarks by urging African governments and businesses to collaborate. She highlighted the need for joint efforts to invest in the tech sector, which would result in job creation, economic growth, and improved lives for the people of Africa.
The panel discussion, where Mrs. Rahel Boon-Dejene served as a panelist, received positive feedback from the audience. Her insights were praised by both panelists and attendees, further solidifying the R&D Group’s commitment to helping Africa become a global leader in technology.
Here are some specific examples of how Africa is already exporting tech talent:
- Andela is a tech company that recruits and trains African software developers. It has placed over 1,000 developers in full-time remote jobs with companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.
- Flutterwave is a payments technology company that provides businesses with a platform to accept payments online and in-store. It has processed over $1 billion in payments for businesses across Africa.
- Jumia is an e-commerce company that operates in over 14 African countries. It has over 10 million registered customers and has processed over $1 billion in sales.
These are just a few examples of how Africa is already exporting tech talent. With the right investments and support, Africa has the potential to become a major player in the global tech industry.
Here are some of the challenges that Africa faces in becoming a net exporter of tech talent:
- Lack of access to quality education: Many African countries do not have the infrastructure or resources to provide quality education to their citizens. This can make it difficult for young people to develop the skills they need to pursue careers in technology.
- Need for more investment in infrastructure: Africa needs to invest in its infrastructure, such as roads, power, and internet connectivity, to create a more favorable environment for tech businesses.
- Shortage of skilled tech workers: There is a shortage of skilled tech workers in Africa. This is due to several factors, including the lack of access to quality education, the brain drain of talented Africans to developed countries, and the high cost of training tech workers.
These are just some of the challenges that Africa faces in becoming a net exporter of tech talent. However, with the right investments and support, Africa can overcome these challenges and position itself as a leading player in the global tech industry.
