African technical leadership urged to take a lead to spur economic growth

The African continent is witnessing a surge in global interest, with more companies looking to establish a presence in the region. However, one critical area that African leaders need to address is the significant gap in Science and Technology. Professor Bruce Krogh, a Life Fellow at IEEE, highlighted the importance of African technical leadership in driving innovation and economic growth during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. He emphasized that while technology is global and shared across continents, solutions to local problems require local expertise and innovation. Krogh commended the progress made by African engineers in developing innovative solutions tailored to the continent's unique challenges. He cautioned against the misconception that solutions can be imported from outside, stressing the crucial role of African technical leadership in spearheading progress. Krogh also discussed the efforts by IEEE to enhance continuing education for African engineers. The organization has been working on connecting its rich library of e-learning courses with technical professionals in Africa to support their development. By tailoring resources to local contexts, IEEE aims to empower African engineers to address the region's specific technological needs. The focus on continuous professional development for practicing engineers sets this program apart from other educational initiatives offered by IEEE. The courses are designed for professionals seeking to expand their expertise in specific technologies or domains relevant to their work. With flexible learning formats, these courses accommodate the schedules of working professionals, allowing them to progress at their own pace. Krogh emphasized the importance of equipping African engineers with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). AI has gained prominence globally, presenting both disruptive challenges and vast opportunities. Krogh highlighted the potential for AI to transform sectors like logistics and healthcare in Africa. However, he underscored the importance of adapting AI tools to the continent's unique context. African engineers must harness AI technology to address local challenges effectively. For instance, in logistics, AI can optimize the movement of goods and services in ways that are tailored to the African environment. Similarly, AI applications in healthcare need to be developed with a deep understanding of the continent's healthcare landscape. By building expertise in AI and applying it innovatively, African engineers can drive sustainable development and economic growth across various sectors. As Africa continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and technological advancement, fostering technical leadership and investing in skill development will be crucial for driving the continent's digital transformation. Through collaborative efforts between global organizations like IEEE and local technical communities, African engineers can unlock their full potential and lead the way towards a prosperous future.