Africa is experiencing a digital boom in recent years. It has become particularly noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic. New services, technologies, and platforms are changing the lives of millions of Africans.
RISS expert Daniel Shtopov analyses the new economic and social realities brought on to Sub-Saharan Africa by the digitalization and notes the bright prospects of the African market for Russian high-tech companies.
Summary:
Though Africa lacks the infrastructure, there is a fast-growing demand for mobile Internet services and it continues growing. Already more than 500 million Africans living in the most digitally advanced countries in the sub-Saharan region - Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and South Africa - have access to the Internet. Thus, daily life in Africa is being gradually redefined by digital technologies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the digital transformation in Africa in such economic sectors as banking, transportation, agriculture, and telecommunication. This trend appears likely to continue in the coming years.
Russian IT companies can provide the African market with competitive and high-quality products. However, Africa is regarded as a high-risk environment for doing business, that is why many Russian companies are reluctant to expand into sub-Saharan Africa, especially without relevant government assistance programs.
18.08.2021
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Digital Transformation in Africa
Africa is experiencing a digital boom in recent years. It has become particularly noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic. New services, technologies, and platforms are changing the lives of millions of Africans.
RISS expert Daniel Shtopov analyses the new economic and social realities brought on to Sub-Saharan Africa by the digitalization and notes the bright prospects of the African market for Russian high-tech companies.
Summary: