Tech Receptiveness among Southern Africa Countries in 2022
According to the IMF, for Africa to grow and develop sustainably, the continent must shift its focus to retaining and creating wealth, better managing its resources, fostering inclusiveness, moving up on global value chains, diversifying its economies, optimizing the energy mix, and placing human capital at the center of policymaking. The organization had noted that African’s policies must be geared towards fostering investment in research, development, and innovation (RDI). This way, the region can reboot its economic structures and catch up technologically with the rest of the world.
The willingness to embrace changes catalyzed by the spread of the Industry 4 has been responsible for innovative advancements in Africa. African countries have rapidly embraced advancements in energy, communication, health & biotech, agro food production and education.
Probably the most critical factor in the level of transformation attained by African nations has been the willingness of the continent to embrace change. There are other demographic, cultural and language indicators which also point to certain prominence among certain countries. However, level of tech receptiveness has clearly been the game-changer.
People need to want change, work for change and learn to accept this change when it begins to happen. It is usually not easy for every sector and individual as work and skill patterns will need to change, but it is creating a path to sustainable development in the region.
Policies and Tech Receptiveness
Remember Zipline and Google Loon? These are events that clearly indicate African governments’ interest in tech advancement. When Zipline moved to test its fixed-wing drones in US airspace, it was turned down by the US government. Rwanda’s government welcomed the idea like it was as simple as flying a kite at the beach. Today, Zipline pioneers the time-critical delivery of blood and medical supplies to remote areas of Rwanda.
In 2015, Google audaciously launched Loon. Loon was geared towards bringing internet connectivity to billions of rural settlers around the world via balloons. Although the Google Loon had a short stay, African countries-particularly South Africa and Kenya were areas of takeoff. On October 28, 2020, Loon claimed a record-duration flight of 312 days for a balloon, this happened in Kenya.
It is certainly unwise that tech receptiveness will be attained without the involvement of governments through policies. Governments’ desire to help and assist startups has also made it easier for them to access thriving economic environments free of regulations and with populations that are open to an increase in their standard of life.
Most certainly, the capacity of African governments to adjust to this era of geopolitical unpredictability and technological development has continued to vary greatly in Africa. Some nations with better level of tech receptiveness are benefitting from the development of digital technology in terms of prosperity and security.
Countries with Better Tech Receptiveness
These are some very positive indicators for Africa’s level of tech receptiveness. Also fascinating is the fact that the growth trajectory is expected to continue according to Statista.
South Africa
South Africa is a developed nation with a massive GDP of $345 billion. There are more than 50 million people living there. The nation is endowed with a wealth of natural resources as well as efficient energy and financial infrastructure and functions as what is probably the best economy in Africa.
Because of its strong economy and stable social and political climate, South Africa is a popular choice for investors. Multinationals like Shoprite, MTN, etc. call South Africa home because of its sophisticated financial and legal system. It is among the top nations to take into account while launching a business.
The country’s Blockchain regulation 2 months ago didn’t come as a surprise to many as South Africa had always seemed like the kind of country that wants to check all the tech boxes. According to information provided by StartupBlink, South Africa had the highest overall score for startups in Africa in 2022 with a score of 4.47.
Namibia
According to the Startup Ecosystem Report issued via the StartupBlink website, Namibia has climbed 8 points in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2022. Namibia, which joined the Global Startup Index in 2021, continued to rise this year, moving up 8 ranks to rank 91st, continuing its upward development trajectory. The country is currently ranked second in Southern Africa and eleventh overall in Africa, up two spots from 2021. Namibia scored 0.4 points on the startup ecosystem ranking in 2022.
Namibia has been facing series of systemic challenges when it comes to developing and passing new legislation. Certainly, the government is realizing what needs to be done, and its growth in 2022 is an indication of collaborative efforts by ministries and agencies to provide the legal and policy changes required for tech advancement.
The environment for investments in Namibia is usually favorable and may potentially improve. The nation has maintained political stability and continues to provide important benefits for incoming Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), including a free-standing judicial system, the protection of property and contractual rights, high-quality physical and telecommunications infrastructure, and simple access to South Africa and the surrounding countries. Don’t also forget the coming of Google’s Equiano cable and cloud advancement spearheaded by Paratus Namibia.
Angola
Information from StartupBlink showed that Angola’s startup ecosystem index score in 2022 was 0.275. Out of 100 nations, the nation came in 97th place. The government of Angola has been working on various digital transformation goals, positioning itself as a key player in advancing Africa’s Single Digital Market. Recently, the Angolan government took on responsibility for promoting and accelerating the Single Digital Market in Africa as well as the business environment, according to Manuel Homem, minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Social Communication.
Due to the country’s abundance of oil and gas, Angola is also seen by international investors as a very desirable place to make investments. This has made the country a choice destination for financiers and project developers across the entire energy value chain.