How Africa can re-imagine approach to tech innovation

With Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya leading the charge in the African tech startup scene, experts emphasize the need for the continent to explore new horizons in innovation. Ngozi Odita, the Founder of AfricaNXT, sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss how Africa can reshape its approach to tech innovation for the coming decade. The prevalent narrative in the African tech ecosystem has predominantly revolved around financial inclusion. However, there are burgeoning conversations advocating for Africa to push the boundaries further and embrace cutting-edge technologies like robotics, AI, and machine learning. The catalytic impact of technology has been manifest, especially in light of recent global upheavals like the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the pivotal role of technology in reshaping various facets of society. Ngozi Odita shed light on the expanding scope of tech innovation, noting the proliferation of AI and its applications across diverse industries. She highlighted the pivotal role of accessibility in technology, emphasizing that the tech landscape extends beyond just Fintech. Sectors like the arts have witnessed rapid acceleration, with trends like NFTs and blockchain revolutionizing traditional paradigms. The shift towards digital education during the pandemic further exemplified the transformative power of technology in enhancing learning experiences and fostering innovation among the youth. As the tech landscape evolves, emergent trends signal a shift towards individual empowerment and creativity. The past two years have spurred a reevaluation of one's relationship with work, technology, and health, prompting individuals to leverage tools to transform their lives. Notably, the trend points towards a burgeoning cohort of creators and builders across various domains, transcending the confines of traditional tech spaces like Fintech. The democratization of technology has empowered individuals to harness their creative potential and access global opportunities, epitomizing a paradigm shift in innovation. The upcoming AfricaNXT conference holds particular significance as a platform for collaboration and ideation in a post-pandemic era. In a landscape marred by physical distancing, the event presents a unique opportunity for tech enthusiasts to converge, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful partnerships. The diverse array of participants, including international delegates, underscores the growing interest in cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing within the African tech sphere. The conference aims to catalyze innovation, foster networking opportunities, and amplify the collective impact of tech innovators across the continent. One enduring challenge lies in dispelling misconceptions surrounding African tech and innovation on a global scale. Despite stereotypes depicting Africa as 'low tech,' the reality paints a starkly different picture of a vibrant tech ecosystem brimming with innovation. Odita highlighted the profound impact of African tech solutions, particularly in the Fintech realm, which have garnered international recognition for their practicality and scalability. Contrary to common belief, African tech innovation transcends conventional Western paradigms, heralding a new era of innovation tailored to the unique needs and contexts of the continent. In essence, Africa's tech innovation narrative is characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a proactive commitment to charting its own path in the global tech landscape. The continent's tech pioneers are redefining innovation on their own terms, leveraging diversity, and local expertise to drive meaningful change. As Africa propels towards a future defined by tech innovation, the reimagining of approaches, collaboration, and inclusivity will serve as linchpins in shaping a transformative tech ecosystem for the next decade.