Why I Believe Digitization in Africa is a Key Driver in Its Emergence as a World Technology Leader

Dr. Josh Ghaim, Chief Technology Officer, Johnson and Johnson Family of Consumer Companies
It is so gratifying to see Africa emerge as a world leader in the digital and technology space such as mobile pay, access to mobile devices and SMS. The rapid pace at which the continent is currently undergoing transformation and adapting new technology gives me hope for the future of the continent.
As someone born and brought up in East Africa, I believe the region has a tremendous potential for a disruptive metamorphosis that can make a huge difference to the lives of people everywhere. Today, Africa has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and digitalization, I believe, has had a major role to play as a catalyst in this remarkable phenomenon.
I am looking forward to the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Global Gathering, an ingenious platform connecting Africa’s scientific community with the society and the rest of the world at large, and as a panelist, sharing my thoughts about how digitization in Africa has emerged as a powerful innovative force driving change in all business and human development sectors across the continent and beyond.
Technology has united individuals and communities who are now harnessing its potential in disrupting the traditional business ecosystem. When I see PesaPal, MSurvey, and other SMS technologies in particular as shining examples of how digitization in Africa can make healthcare and education more accessible and affordable, it only strengthens my belief in cutting-edge wireless and mobile technologies.
As a global business, we know how digitization has completely reshaped all spheres of our operations. Young African entrepreneurs and SMEs, which inevitably play a key role in shaping the future of the continent will need support and mentorship in adopting this paradigm shift, embracing the might of digitization to ultimately usher in an era of innovation and growth as an individual entity, as a nation with a bright future, and in the wider spectrum- as a planet with universal well-being and promising opportunities.