There are essential questions surrounding Africa's digitalization journey, including whether or not the continent can truly serve as the last frontier for socio-economic transformation through digital innovation. An examination of countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Rwanda, which are actively pursuing digitalization, may provide some answers. To evaluate the potential implications, both real and potential, that arise from this focused pursuit, a critical analysis is necessary. Scrutiny of digital infrastructure by companies like Huawei, the emergence of artificial intelligence, and the advent of quantum computing will open new pathways to understanding and establishing promising approaches to the advancement of this region. Examining the Rapid Advance of Digital Technology in Africa offers a comprehensive exploration of the transformative power of digitalization in Africa and its implications for the continent's socio-economic development. Over the past decade, Africa has emerged as a significant player in the global digital landscape, attracting the attention of major technology companies and witnessing remarkable advancements in various sectors. This book critically analyzes the realities of Africa's digitalization, delving into its ideational and practical dimensions while drawing on the experiences of other regions like Asia. Furthermore, this book recognizes the unique experiences and empirics of Africa's digitalization process, highlighting its significance within the global political economy. It engages with the field of science and technology studies, linking it with socio-economic impacts and transformation, to track, analyze, understand, and critique Africa's contributions to digitalization. The chapters cover a wide range of themes, including ICTs and the business environment, education, healthcare, creative industries, media, culture, tourism, agriculture, ecology, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cryptocurrency revolution, algorithmic governance, the quantum age, and urbanization. This book is a must-read for researchers, scholars, investors, and policymakers who are interested in Africa's digital transformation, as it offers valuable insights into the latest empirical and theoretical aspects shaping the continent's ongoing digitalization. It serves as a complete resource for universities, higher learning institutions, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Africa's digital landscape. With its diverse range of chapters, this book caters to both expert and general readers, ensuring that they will find relevant information pertaining to their specific interests.
Author Biography:
Lloyd G. Adu Amoah graduated First Class Honours (B.A. Philosophy) and top of his graduating class at the University of Ghana. His long essay was written under the supervision of the eminent philosopher Prof. Kwame Gyekye. He then proceeded to take his M.A. at the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy. He earned his doctorate (Public Administration with a concentration in Policy Analysis) at Wuhan University, China. He did his post doctorate at the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at the University of Leiden, the Netherlands. While studying for his doctorate, he took courses and was mentored by the noted theorist of the public policy process, the late Prof. Paul Sabatier, at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. He had a stint working at the Ghanaian Presidency. He has worked before as an associate editor of a newspaper (and co-editor of a magazine) and columnist/writer for notable locaI and international magazines (eg. BBC Focus on Africa Magazine , and Africa Report , https://www.theafricareport.com/) and newspapers. He has worked as well as a community organizer for a project in Nima for deprived urban communities. He taught at Ashesi University as an Assistant Professor for almost a decade before moving to the University of Ghana. He is currently Senior Lecturer at the Dept. of Political Science and simultaneously founding Director of the newly established Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, as well as Acting Director of the Centre for European Studies. He considers himself a public intellectual.
