Insights from DTPS and the innovations shaping inclusive transformation.
As Africa’s digital landscape evolves rapidly, technology is increasingly becoming the driving force behind economic growth. From bridging infrastructure gaps to creating job opportunities, innovation is fueling a new era of progress.
Lessons from DTPS
At the recently held Digital Transformation in the Public Sector (DTPS) forum, three themes emerged as crucial enablers of lasting change:
- Policy-Driven Momentum
When governments back digital initiatives with clear policies and funding, adoption accelerates. According to the World Bank, digital economies in Africa could add up to $315 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030. With initiatives like national digital strategies and e-governance portals, governments are making long-term investments to modernize infrastructure and services. - Collaborative Ecosystems
Real impact happens at the intersection of public agencies, private innovators, and community stakeholders. The African Union estimates that collaboration between these sectors could boost digital infrastructure and innovation in Africa by up to 30%. Shared roadmaps and co-created pilot programs ensure digital tools meet on-the-ground needs, contributing to rapid scalability across the continent. - Localization of Solutions
The most enduring technologies are those built for—and by—local contexts. Africa’s digital landscape is increasingly shaped by homegrown solutions. Solutions crafted by local innovators are better equipped to solve challenges—whether they’re about unreliable connectivity or inadequate local services.
Innovation as Digital Infrastructure
Traditional infrastructure gaps from unreliable power to limited connectivity have long held back progress. Today, digital innovation is filling those voids:
- Mobile Connectivity: According to the GSMA, over 500 million people in Africa are now connected to mobile networks, bringing services to areas once unserved by traditional infrastructure. Mobile networks are powering financial services, health information, and education—especially in remote areas. M-Pesa, for instance, has transformed access to financial services for millions of unbanked people in Kenya.
- Solar-Powered Hubs: A growing number of solar-powered internet hubs are helping to connect off-grid communities. For instance, SolarNow, a Ugandan company, is bringing electricity and internet access to remote villages, where traditional grid power has been inaccessible. These hubs are creating new opportunities for education, commerce, and healthcare delivery, all of which contribute directly to local economies.
- E-Learning Platforms: As of 2023, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reported that Africa’s e-learning sector was projected to reach $7 billion by 2025, as digital classrooms expand access to education across the continent. The rise of digital platforms like M-Shule (which brings personalized learning to low-income communities in Kenya) is creating more opportunities for children in underserved areas to receive quality education, bridging educational gaps that once seemed insurmountable
Bridging to Employment
Africa’s youth population is growing faster than anywhere else on earth—and with it, the demand for meaningful work. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that Africa’s working-age population is expected to increase by 20 million people annually by 2030, making job creation a central focus. Technology is offering fresh pathways:
- Skills-for-Tomorrow: Online academies and boot camps are equipping young people with in-demand digital competencies. LinkedIn’s 2023 skills report highlights that software development, digital marketing, and project management are among the most sought-after skills across Africa. These platforms are empowering young Africans to gain the skills they need to thrive in a digital-first economy.
- Gig and Freelance Platforms: The gig economy is growing rapidly across Africa. The World Bank estimates that the gig economy could contribute $2 billion to Africa’s economy by 2025. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr enable African workers to earn a living through freelance work, offering them opportunities beyond local job markets and connecting them to international clients.
- Tech-Enabled SMEs: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Africa’s economy, employing more than 80% of the continent’s workforce. Many of these businesses are turning to tech to streamline operations and reach new markets. For example, Afrikrea, an e-commerce platform connecting African artisans with global customers, is helping African creators expand their businesses through digital channels, increasing their economic impact.
The Road Ahead
For technology to realize its promise, we need to keep three levers in motion:
- Inclusive Policy: Governments must sustain digital strategies that prioritize equitable access. According to the African Union, an estimated 600 million people in Africa still lack internet access, underlining the need for policies that ensure universal connectivity.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Public bodies, private firms, and civil society need to co-build solutions with clear impact metrics. Collaboration could unlock up to $150 billion annually in Africa’s digital economy by 2025, according to the McKinsey Global Institute.
- Human-Centered Design: Tech must stay rooted in the realities of its users—delivered in local languages, adapted to local contexts, and designed for real-world conditions. Human-centered design is pivotal to ensuring tech truly meets the needs of the people it aims to serve.
Conclusion
From DTPS insights to on-the-ground innovations, it’s clear that technology is the catalyst turning potential into prosperity. With growing infrastructure, increasing digital inclusion, and a focus on human-centered solutions, Africa is on track to unlock a future of innovation-led economic growth. By continuing to invest in technology that meets the unique needs of African communities, we’ll build a continent where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.