The continental vision, the AU Agenda 2063, emphasizes the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing the challenges that the African continent is facing to ensure a developed, integrated, and prosperous continent. According to Agenda 2063, technology can accelerate continental efforts in combating poverty and inequalities, ensuring food and nutrition security, developing access to health and education services, and accelerating overall economic development on the continent. Enhancing technology, innovation, and science plays a crucial role in realizing Agenda 2063 and the aspirations of African citizens.
In today’s world, technology is a key driver of economic development and integration. From digital connectivity and artificial intelligence to smart infrastructure and fintech, technological advancements are reshaping economies, governance, and social interactions. African leaders are striving to build an integrated and prosperous Africa and embracing technology and innovation is no longer optional – it is a necessity. Technology can break barriers, boost collaboration, and accelerate Africa’s progress towards meaningful continental integration.
African leaders are continually calling for continental integration, economic prosperity, and the realization of Agenda 2063. However, the continent continues to struggle with long-standing bottlenecks that hinder socio-economic development efforts, keeping the continent stuck in a business-as-usual mindset. To bring about meaningful change, it is crucial to prioritize enhancing technology and innovation in Africa, with a focus on indigenous knowledge.
In an era where technology, especially emerging technologies, is reshaping economies and societies worldwide, enhancing technological advancement is crucial for Africa to bridge the gap with the rest of the world, boost intra-continental trade, and enhance governance. Falling behind in the digital revolution would have more significant consequences for the continent than ever before, as technology continues to grow unpredictably, offering unprecedented changes.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos (PhD), emphasized the critical role of technology in addressing continental challenges and exploiting emerging technologies to accelerate continental development efforts. Gedion stressed the importance of paying attention to new global waves, including emerging technologies like AI, in addition to new political developments. He highlighted the critical role of technology in accelerating current continental efforts to realize the AU Agenda 2063.
“Advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence, are giving rise to threats and opportunities that would have been considered science fiction just a few years ago. In these times, African unity, cooperation, and solidarity are of the utmost importance. The upcoming wave of change could either lift us all to a better position or throw us into the unknown,” Gedion remarked. He underlined the importance of how Africa responds to these new developments in managing risks and utilizing opportunities in determining the continent’s destiny.
Gedion called on the continent’s leadership to remain alert to new global developments, particularly in the technology sector. He emphasized that Africa’s future depends on collective action in seizing emerging opportunities and addressing existing challenges. He also reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to continental integration in all sectors, including technological developments.
African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, stated that Africa should focus on continental innovation and technology to accelerate efforts to realize socio-economic development. He emphasized that investing in technological innovations is critical to move forward the continent’s development initiatives and achieve continental agendas on schedule.
Speaking at the opening session of the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, the AUC Chairperson stressed the importance of focusing on innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) to move forward. He believes that effective work in technology will help Africa solve existing challenges and exploit the continent’s potential. Applauding the continent’s initiatives in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and infrastructural developments in the energy sector, the chairperson called on the continent to accelerate development efforts through enhancing technology and innovation.
To build a resilient, integrated, and prosperous continent, enhancing technology and innovation is critical. Particularly for realizing the AfCFTA and continental integration, enhancing the continent’s digital infrastructure and using emerging technologies are crucial. By building a smart Africa through enhancing digital infrastructure and internet access, continental integration and socio-economic development can be accelerated.
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2025
