2024 | Wisdom Samuel Udo, Nneka Adaobi Ochuba, Olatunji Akinrinola and Yinka James Ololade
This review paper explores the adoption trends, challenges, and opportunities of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and emerging technologies in the Africa-US contexts. It identifies key drivers influencing technology adoption and outlines innovative solutions for sustainable development by analyzing the current state of ICT infrastructure, policy frameworks, socio-economic factors, and cultural considerations. The comparative analysis highlights disparities between Africa and the US while emphasizing the potential for cross-continental collaborations. Implications for stakeholders, including governments, businesses, NGOs, and communities, and recommendations for fostering an enabling environment for technology adoption are discussed. By addressing gaps in research and embracing collaborative efforts, ICT and emerging technologies can drive transformative change, promoting inclusive growth and societal advancement in both regions.
ICT and emerging technologies have reshaped economies, societies, and interactions globally. This review focuses on their adoption trends and challenges in Africa and the US. The discussion spans innovations from foundational ICT infrastructure to cutting-edge advancements like AI, blockchain, IoT, and big data analytics. These technologies offer opportunities for economic growth, social development, and improved public services.
Africa has seen significant growth in ICT infrastructure and adoption, with mobile telephony penetration surpassing traditional landlines. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to electricity, and digital literacy persist, particularly in rural areas. ICT has facilitated telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records, improving healthcare access. Mobile health applications have enabled health information delivery, disease surveillance, and medication adherence support. ICT is also revolutionizing education delivery through e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and digital content repositories.
In the US, emerging technologies rapidly advance across various sectors, fueling economic growth and societal transformation. AI is used in healthcare for diagnostics and personalized treatment, while blockchain is disrupting traditional business models. IoT is expanding rapidly, connecting billions of devices to the internet for real-time data collection and analysis. Smart home devices, wearable technology, and industrial IoT solutions are transforming daily life and business operations.
Despite progress, disparities between Africa and the US remain pronounced. Africa lags in adoption rates for advanced technologies like AI and IoT, with access to high-speed internet and skilled workforce being major barriers. The US has a robust technological infrastructure and investment ecosystem, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. However, Africa faces infrastructural challenges, regulatory barriers, and limited investment in R&D, hindering technology implementation.
Drivers of adoption include supportive government policies, private sector investment, and addressing societal challenges. In both regions, private sector investment plays a crucial role in driving technology adoption. Venture capital funding, corporate partnerships, and startup incubators fuel tech startups and facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions.
Challenges in adopting emerging technologies include infrastructure and accessibility issues, policy and regulatory environments, socio-economic factors, and cultural and ethical considerations. Africa faces inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited internet access, and poor technological literacy. The US has advanced infrastructure but disparities in internet access persist. Socio-economic disparities, including education and income levels, impact technology adoption. Cultural factors and ethicalThis review paper explores the adoption trends, challenges, and opportunities of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and emerging technologies in the Africa-US contexts. It identifies key drivers influencing technology adoption and outlines innovative solutions for sustainable development by analyzing the current state of ICT infrastructure, policy frameworks, socio-economic factors, and cultural considerations. The comparative analysis highlights disparities between Africa and the US while emphasizing the potential for cross-continental collaborations. Implications for stakeholders, including governments, businesses, NGOs, and communities, and recommendations for fostering an enabling environment for technology adoption are discussed. By addressing gaps in research and embracing collaborative efforts, ICT and emerging technologies can drive transformative change, promoting inclusive growth and societal advancement in both regions.
ICT and emerging technologies have reshaped economies, societies, and interactions globally. This review focuses on their adoption trends and challenges in Africa and the US. The discussion spans innovations from foundational ICT infrastructure to cutting-edge advancements like AI, blockchain, IoT, and big data analytics. These technologies offer opportunities for economic growth, social development, and improved public services.
Africa has seen significant growth in ICT infrastructure and adoption, with mobile telephony penetration surpassing traditional landlines. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to electricity, and digital literacy persist, particularly in rural areas. ICT has facilitated telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records, improving healthcare access. Mobile health applications have enabled health information delivery, disease surveillance, and medication adherence support. ICT is also revolutionizing education delivery through e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and digital content repositories.
In the US, emerging technologies rapidly advance across various sectors, fueling economic growth and societal transformation. AI is used in healthcare for diagnostics and personalized treatment, while blockchain is disrupting traditional business models. IoT is expanding rapidly, connecting billions of devices to the internet for real-time data collection and analysis. Smart home devices, wearable technology, and industrial IoT solutions are transforming daily life and business operations.
Despite progress, disparities between Africa and the US remain pronounced. Africa lags in adoption rates for advanced technologies like AI and IoT, with access to high-speed internet and skilled workforce being major barriers. The US has a robust technological infrastructure and investment ecosystem, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. However, Africa faces infrastructural challenges, regulatory barriers, and limited investment in R&D, hindering technology implementation.
Drivers of adoption include supportive government policies, private sector investment, and addressing societal challenges. In both regions, private sector investment plays a crucial role in driving technology adoption. Venture capital funding, corporate partnerships, and startup incubators fuel tech startups and facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions.
Challenges in adopting emerging technologies include infrastructure and accessibility issues, policy and regulatory environments, socio-economic factors, and cultural and ethical considerations. Africa faces inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited internet access, and poor technological literacy. The US has advanced infrastructure but disparities in internet access persist. Socio-economic disparities, including education and income levels, impact technology adoption. Cultural factors and ethical