The new race to build Africa's digital economy
Digital payments, connectivity and online work are becoming essential infrastructure.
Key points
- Google, Meta, Microsoft, Starlink and Amazon are among the global technology companies investing in connectivity, cloud services, undersea cables, AI and data infrastructure across Africa.
- A young population, fast-growing cities and millions of new internet users make Africa one of the world's major future digital markets.
- The expansion raises questions about data sovereignty and whether African countries can control and develop their own digital systems.
A new competition is unfolding across Africa, and its most important infrastructure may not be roads or ports.
It is digital infrastructure.
The global technology giants have arrived
Google, Meta, Microsoft, Starlink and Amazon are among the global technology companies expanding their presence across the continent.
They are investing in connectivity, cloud services, undersea cables, artificial intelligence and data infrastructure.
Why Africa is attractive
Africa has a young population, rapidly growing cities and millions of people coming online for the first time.
That makes the continent one of the world's major future digital markets.
The opportunity
Better connectivity can transform businesses, education, financial services, healthcare and government.
It can also allow African startups to build products for hundreds of millions of potential customers.
But who controls the infrastructure?
The growth of foreign technology infrastructure has also raised questions about data sovereignty and digital dependence.
Africa needs investment, but it also needs the ability to control and develop its own digital systems.
The next stage of Africa's digital revolution will therefore be about both connectivity and ownership.
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