Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on African nations to fully embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasizing its potential to drive economic transformation and improve livelihoods across the continent.
Speaking at Harvard University on the theme “Africa Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress,” Dr. Bawumia highlighted Africa’s historical pattern of missing out on previous industrial revolutions and warned against repeating the same mistakes.
Learning from the Past
Dr. Bawumia outlined how Africa failed to capitalize on the first three industrial revolutions, which introduced mechanized production, mass manufacturing powered by electricity, and the rise of digital computing.
“We are now in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where the internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping industries and economies,” he stated. “This presents a golden opportunity for Africa to leapfrog traditional development barriers and accelerate progress.”
A Call for Bold Action
He urged African policymakers to embrace innovation with confidence and determination.
“For Africa to thrive, we must recognize transformative moments and act decisively. We cannot afford hesitation or fear of new technology,” he stressed.
He further encouraged leaders to adopt a mindset of possibilities, leveraging digital advancements to drive sustainable economic growth.
The Digital Economy as a Catalyst
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the crucial role of the digital economy in unlocking Africa’s potential and creating employment opportunities for the continent’s youth.
“The digital economy is key to Africa’s future. It offers countless opportunities to drive development, foster innovation, and generate jobs,” he remarked.
He cited Ghana’s ongoing digital transformation as an example of how African nations can harness technology for economic and social progress.
A Collaborative Approach
Dr. Bawumia concluded by calling for collaboration between governments, businesses, educators, and innovators to ensure Africa benefits from the ongoing technological revolution.
“By working together, we can build a future where every African has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.
