Africa is now ready for the fourth industrial revolution - Deloitte

Africa's leapfrog moment has arrived, according to global advisory firm Deloitte. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Gary Coleman, managing principal global industry and senior client advisor at Deloitte, discussed Africa's opportunity to leapfrog the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Coleman highlighted the progress already made in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, where technologies like 3D printing, AI, robotics, and drones are being utilized to overcome infrastructure challenges. He emphasized that adopting the Fourth Industrial Revolution could lead to greater prosperity for Africa, albeit contingent on factors like infrastructure, talent, and favorable business policies. While acknowledging the $100 billion annual infrastructure gap in Africa, Coleman pointed out innovative solutions emerging in markets like energy, where technologies like solar panels and mobile banking are being leveraged to bridge the divide. Additionally, he addressed the shifting dynamics in China, noting the country's transition towards a consumption-driven economy and its potential impact on African exports. As China reduces its reliance on imports, African economies that heavily export to China may face challenges. With Africa poised at the cusp of transformative change, embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution could catalyze accelerated growth and development across the continent.