The saying goes “Time is not like a taxi that stops to wait for passengers.” This adage hammers home the message that torpor entails the danger of being left behind.
Keeping pace with the march of time at a breakneck speed is not only a luxury of staying in vogue but also a matter of forearming oneself to forestall a mortal push from a path characterized by a cut-throat competition. True to the Darwin’s theory The Survival of the Fittest belated action lacking in vigor is tantamount to spelling one’s death.
Information technology is one of the perks of humankind’s thrust to proceed apace on the avenue of science, a decisive instrument that has to be there in one’s backpack.
An enormous mass of evidence emanating from statistical studies throws light on the fact that there is a palpable correlation between a given nation’s disposition in fully embracing and efficiently utilizing modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the upswing it displays in economic growth. To attract market and investment as well as elbow one’s way into the attention of global clients the paramount role ICT plays goes without saying.
It is in cognizance of the aforementioned facts Ethiopia today made a point of propelling itself on the highway of digital economy. It has just now embarked on the avenue securing the second rank in the continent. Given its determination it is not hard to surmise it will jog well on the highway.
However, there are roadblocks, stationed on the way ahead, which are begging for removal.
It is not hard to guess that ICT is the lifeblood of digital economy. Unless redressed in time the appalling internet connectivity more often than not pushing users to the end of their patience could pour cold water on the country’s ambition to hitchhike its economic growth leaning on digital economy. Even in Banks the problem is conspicuous.
Also, the dearth of hard currency that strangulated the country could turn a formidable bottleneck in the digital economy ball the country is aspiring to roll. This has to be addressed.
Moreover the push obligates ample skilled manpower. Hence, churning out sufficient trained taskforce conversant in ICT is among the assignments awaiting the country.
In addition a gap in streamlining activities is apparent. All stakeholders whom the looked-forward digital economy puts in one basket should nurture the culture of clicking each other in warding off roadblocks and spurring digital economy that serves a harbinger to economic growth.
Besides, as digital economy could leave the door ajar for hacking, fraudulent actions and money laundering cautious move must be made.
Furthermore, the trade imbalance is also another factor that begs for a counteractive measure.
It goes without saying the country must draw lessons from well-experienced countries as well as countries nearby that took the initiative to the required effect. Seeking assistance from pioneering countries or companies is imperative. It is as part of this bid the incumbent created chemistry with the giant Alibaba Group from China.
The country has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the group to establish a hub of electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) in Ethiopia.
It is hoped that the move will fast track cross-border trade, provide smart and logistic fulfillment services, bolster small and medium enterprises to the benefit of specially youths and women, create a springboard for knowledge transfer and facilitates talent-sharpening trainings.
The government deserves clapping hands for taking a step ahead.
The Ethuiopian Herald December 1/2019
