The 20 technologies that will shape Africa’s future

Africa’s future is being shaped by a wave of transformative technologies, with industries poised to define the continent’s growth over the next few decades. From energy to finance, healthcare to agriculture, African countries are embracing innovation to address long-standing challenges and seize new opportunities.

1. Mobile banking & fintech

Mobile banking revolutionized access to finance in Africa and will continue to expand its impact as financial technology (fintech) products evolve. Digital wallets, mobile credit, and peer-to-peer lending platforms like M-Pesa have already improved financial inclusion for millions without traditional bank accounts. Going forward, fintech will continue to diversify with tools that streamline remittances, cross-border transactions, and digital savings. This is especially important in countries where financial literacy is low, and credit remains inaccessible to much of the population.

2. Renewable energy solutions

In a continent where only 48% of the population has access to electricity, renewable energy is a game-changer. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric solutions are critical for bringing affordable energy to rural communities. Distributed solar power solutions—such as mini-grids—are becoming more popular, allowing even off-grid regions to gain electricity access. Additionally, green hydrogen and geothermal power are emerging areas of interest, particularly in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.

3. Agritech

Agriculture employs over 60% of the African workforce, and agritech solutions are bringing efficiency and productivity to the sector. From precision farming and crop monitoring through IoT sensors to vertical farming and mobile apps offering localized weather and soil data, technology is helping farmers make better decisions and increase yields. Companies like Twiga Foods are streamlining supply chains by connecting small-scale farmers with urban markets, reducing waste and increasing profitability.

4. Blockchain for governance and transparency

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize governance, ensuring transparency in both public and private sectors. In countries where corruption and inefficiency are barriers to development, blockchain can bring accountability by providing a secure and verifiable digital ledger. Uses range from secure voting systems to land registry management, where blockchain ensures authenticity and reduces fraud, particularly in countries where formal documentation processes are weak.

5. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

AI is unlocking new possibilities across a variety of sectors, from healthcare to urban planning. Machine learning algorithms can aid in crop disease detection, optimize logistics for urban traffic, and even assist in diagnosing medical conditions in remote areas. With AI-powered solutions, African cities can improve resource management, streamline government services, and make infrastructure investments that meet population needs more effectively.

6. eHealth and telemedicine

Healthcare is one of Africa’s most underserved sectors, with an average of just one doctor per 5,000 people. eHealth platforms and telemedicine solutions are expanding access to medical advice and diagnostics, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Platforms such as Nigeria’s Helium Health and South Africa’s Vula Mobile offer a range of digital health services from appointment scheduling to digital patient records, creating a more accessible healthcare ecosystem.

7. 3D printing for manufacturing and medicine

3D printing technology is advancing the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. In manufacturing, it allows companies to produce custom parts locally, reducing the need for imports. In healthcare, it’s being used to create affordable prosthetics and medical devices tailored to patients’ needs. This technology is likely to play a critical role in industries like housing and manufacturing as Africa’s urban population continues to grow rapidly.

8. Drones for agriculture and delivery

Drone technology is proving useful in monitoring crops, assessing soil quality, and even delivering medical supplies to remote areas. For instance, Rwanda has leveraged drones for rapid blood delivery to rural hospitals, saving countless lives in emergencies. As costs decrease, drone technology will see increased adoption in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and delivery logistics, particularly for inaccessible areas.

9. Big data and analytics

Data-driven decision-making is becoming more feasible as internet connectivity spreads and data collection improves. Big data has applications across sectors, enabling more precise policy decisions and business strategies. For example, in agriculture, data analytics can help farmers optimize production by analyzing trends in weather, soil, and crop performance. In public health, it enables governments to track and respond to disease outbreaks with greater accuracy.

10. EdTech

Africa’s young and fast-growing population is driving demand for educational technology (EdTech) solutions. Virtual learning platforms, online courses, and digital learning resources are enabling students to learn skills that match current job market demands. EdTech companies such as Andela are providing coding and tech skills to African youth, and startups like Eneza Education in Kenya are offering affordable online education through SMS.

11. Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is enabling African countries to improve efficiencies across multiple sectors, from agriculture to urban development. In agriculture, IoT-enabled devices monitor crop health and soil moisture in real time, optimizing irrigation and reducing resource waste. In urban areas, IoT technology is being used to monitor traffic, energy consumption, and public safety, helping governments provide better services and infrastructure.

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12. Cybersecurity solutions

As digital adoption increases, so do cybersecurity risks. Cybercrime already costs Africa billions each year, and as digital payments and online services expand, so will the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Investments in cybersecurity will be crucial, particularly for financial institutions, government agencies, and healthcare providers handling sensitive data.

13. Biotechnology

Biotechnology holds immense promise for Africa’s agriculture, healthcare, and environmental conservation. In agriculture, biotech can produce crops resistant to drought and pests, which is critical as climate change exacerbates these challenges. In healthcare, biotech can facilitate the development of vaccines and treatments tailored to diseases most prevalent in Africa, such as malaria and tuberculosis.

14. Electric mobility

Electric vehicles (EVs) and e-mobility solutions are beginning to make inroads across Africa. With rising fuel costs and urban pollution, there is a growing shift toward electric bikes, buses, and cars, especially in urban centers. Some countries, like Rwanda, are even setting ambitious targets for EV adoption and providing incentives for manufacturers and buyers alike.

15. Digital ID systems

Digital identity systems are essential for improving access to financial and government services. Many Africans lack formal IDs, which limits their ability to open bank accounts, access healthcare, or vote. Digital ID systems—often leveraging biometric technology—are transforming this landscape by creating verifiable identities that open doors to numerous services.

16. Smart city solutions

Africa’s urban population is expected to triple by 2050, placing immense pressure on infrastructure and services. Smart city technology offers tools for managing traffic, energy use, waste collection, and public safety. Cities like Cape Town and Nairobi are already adopting smart city solutions, from traffic management systems to waste recycling initiatives, setting a precedent for other urban areas.

17. Satellite and space technology

Africa’s nascent space industry is evolving, with countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa launching satellites for weather monitoring, communication, and environmental research. These satellites play a critical role in collecting data on climate change, agriculture, and natural resources, helping African countries make informed policy decisions and manage resources more sustainably.

18. 5G connectivity

High-speed internet is vital for many emerging technologies, and 5G could transform Africa’s connectivity landscape. 5G has the potential to enhance mobile internet speeds, making it possible for Africans to access data-heavy applications, from remote surgeries in healthcare to real-time video monitoring in security. Though the rollout of 5G is still limited, countries like South Africa are taking early steps.

19. Digital supply chains

Blockchain and IoT are transforming supply chains by improving transparency and efficiency. In agriculture, digital supply chains help farmers connect with markets, track product quality, and reduce losses. In logistics, digital platforms provide real-time tracking and predictive analytics, reducing delays and improving reliability—a crucial factor as Africa’s trade grows with international partners.

20. Robotics and automation

Robotics and automation are increasingly being deployed across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Robotic machinery is helping farmers automate labor-intensive tasks, while robots are being used in industrial manufacturing and even in surgical procedures in healthcare. Automation will be instrumental in scaling up production as Africa’s industrial base grows.