A lengthy series of talks by professionals in the computer field in Africa was held on May 31, 2023 at the Brookings--an online presentation. Mr. Haroon Bhoret, Director, DPRU-UCT served as moderator. There were 2 panels: Panel 1: Landry Signe, Global Economy Initiative--Brookings; Alonysius Ordu, Director, Global Economy Initiative; Zaakhir Asmal, University of Capetown; Jaboulile Monnakgotla, University of Capetown; and Christopher Rooney, University of Capetown.
Panel 2: Haroon Bhoret; Lesly Goh, World Bank; Cecilia Mansson, TalentUp Africa; Landey Signe, Africa Growth Initiative; and Alison Gillwald, Executive Director, Research ICT Africa.
The first Panel tended to address the issue of where do the African techs in the field rate in comparison with those of countries in the G20: it's below the average in skill and knowledge of those having knowledge and skill in the computer field. It was noted, too, that those interested in computers in Africa may not be working as professionals but manage to be self-employed or work "informally" in the field. But there seemed to be consensus among them all that Africa is definitely "behind" most other countries on the planet in keeping up in the field--lacking infrastructure, wifi access, and educational opportunities and so on! The point was even raised tangentially, whether it is a good for a society to be so wrapped up with AI and computer systems!
The second panel was more specific in the programs these professionals admired that is occurring elsewhere, not in Africa, particularly, but which might be models to be imitated as to demonstrate involvement in the industry: e.g., India, and even Bangladesh, where sound educational training is given early on in a child's appreciation of life's opportunities.
Cecilia Mansson was encouraging of seeking successful programs in training and development of computer skills elsewhere as instances that might prove applicable for import onto African soil. The point being the Chinese sent their youth to the United States colleges and universities for training in modern technology and even thus, the African nations might sponsor their younger citizens to come to the advanced nations of the world for knowledge and experience as a way to rise to the stature of expert.
But the very telling diagram presented showed the real problem for Africa to solve to join with the world's participation in systems technology and Artificial Intelligence: the need for foreign investment in infrastructure on their continent--to demonstrate their reliance upon computers. Investors shy away from putting their money in government ventures or private ones where the culture permits corrupt business practices of favoritism to escape public condemnation and rebuke. They're afraid they won't get a good return on their investment. Perhaps, modern society's virtual obsession with the computer is not something they want in their culture.
If they want to join the Computer Age, these Africans would have to adjust their financial priorities to make it happen! Free education for their youth in computers!
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