By 
By Osasómé C.O
Despite rising social and political tensions, Africa has a significant opportunity to leapfrog into a robust economic future by leveraging digital technologies, according to Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT Ltd.
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Speaking at the recent African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Summit 2024 in London, Egerton-Idehen emphasized that emerging technologies can reset the continent’s economic trajectory and lift millions out of poverty.
“For Africa, the current moment offers a leapfrogging opportunity as technologies are transforming traditional socio-economic sectors at unprecedented scales and speeds. We can start today without the baggage of yesteryears, using digital technology to create a digital economy, support traditional sectors, and foster new ones,” she told an audience of entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Egerton-Idehen critiqued initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015-2030) for their top-down approach, which often lacks sufficient local input and fails to address the continent’s unique needs. She argued that these initiatives are often visionary but impractical, focusing on scarcity rather than leveraging Africa’s existing strengths, resources, and capabilities.
She highlighted that Africa, with its youthful population—over 40% under 15 years old compared to the global average of 25%—has immense potential for economic growth and innovation.
“One of the beauties of technology and its disruptive nature is its ability to reset and provide a level playing field for all. Africa, with its young, tech-savvy population, has a unique opportunity to lead in fields such as robotics, AI, blockchain, biotechnology, and cyber-security,” Egerton-Idehen said.
She pointed out that Africa has fewer legacy challenges and is therefore adopting digital solutions faster out of necessity.
“We can build our own LLMs, drive smart agriculture and e-commerce, automate manufacturing, create remote job opportunities, and launch our own satellites. At NIGCOMSAT Ltd, we are already operating the NigComSat-1R satellite and are planning to launch more satellites in the coming years,” she added.
She stressed the importance of investing in partnerships to drive growth in technology infrastructure across the continent, ensuring connectivity and enabling digital services that will fuel a digital economy.
“We are open to collaborating and partnering for ‘Africa for Now’. We believe in the role of Africans in building an Africa for today—one that can navigate current disruptions and is positioned for the enhanced opportunities of the future,” she concluded in her presentation titled ‘Africa, Technology, and the Quest for Disruption and Opportunities.’
Egerton-Idehen’s vision is clear: by embracing digital technologies, Africa can bridge the digital divide, provide access to remote and underserved areas, and create a truly inclusive economy.
