CIO OPINION
overhaul existing systems. Not only does this
talk to the corporate and government sectors
but it greatly assists agriculture, education,
healthcare and mining to optimise
efficiencies and deliver value much faster
than was possible before.
For example, the associated data analysis
brought about by 4IR technologies result in
farmers being better able to use their land
and water and do more with less. It can
transform a subsistence approach to one
where smallholdings can start producing
surplus goods they can sell and create new
revenue opportunities.
Connected everything
For its part, IoT can better equip retailers
to track stock and identify opportunities to
optimise the supply chain. By ensuring levels
of the right stock are maintained in outlying
areas, wasted distribution will be eliminated.
It will also assist those retail stores to sell
stock that is more popular with customers,
thereby reducing the number of ‘dead’
items in store.
“
THE ADVANTAGE
OF GOING BEYOND
TRADITIONAL
INFRASTRUCTURE
IS THAT THE
CONTINENT CAN
LEAPFROG OTHER,
MORE DEVELOPED
MARKETS.
This, and other use cases, have spurred
projections that the IoT market in Africa will be
worth as much as US$12.6 billion by the end
of next year. In fact, both IoT and Big Data
will remain the most popular 4IR technologies
here for some time. Last year, approximately
6,500 technology start-ups were identified
on the continent, 10% of who focused on
developed 4IR-specific applications.
To truly change lives and improve the
socio-economic conditions of people, 4IR
must also be driven by the public sector.
Governments across Africa must create
enabling regulatory environments that
help sustain investments, research and
development of 4IR technologies that make
a difference in people’s lives.
Additionally, both private and public sectors
can work together on creating training
opportunities for those interested in getting
a better understanding of 4IR-related
technologies. In turn, these individuals
can become trusted suppliers to those
companies and provide them with digital
offerings they may not be agile enough to
have developed themselves.
4IR will better empower those in Africa
to identify potential niche areas for
exploration and start using them to drive
growth and close the gap that exists in skills,
infrastructure, research and development. •
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