Experts Emphasize The Importance Of Technological Innovation For African Development

The Titans of Tech Conference and Expo 2024, with the theme “Tech for Good,” concluded recently, bringing together experts to explore the potential of tech-driven solutions in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and unlocking its vast potential. The conference delved into advancements in mobile technology, artificial intelligence, and data science.

The convener of the conference, Don Pedro Aganbi, hosted a panel of esteemed tech industry experts, including Pastor Lekan Balogun, the CEO of NetAccess Systems; Abisoye-Coker Odusote, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Seun Babajide, the Country Marketing Manager of AlX Africa; and Dr. Martin Ikpehai, the Vice President of the Information Security Society of Africa.

In her keynote speech, Odusote highlighted NIMC’s vision to utilize digital technology for the betterment and development of Nigeria. NIMC has formed strategic alliances with both government agencies and private stakeholders to enhance the country’s citizen database. An efficient and secure identity management system is crucial for improving financial inclusion and ensuring accurate population data, which are essential foundations for effective governance.

Balogun emphasized the positive impact of technology on Africa’s economy during discussions on economic growth. Mass adoption of technology has the potential to significantly contribute to economic development across various sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.

In the first panel session titled “Tech for Good,” Jide Awe, the CEO of Jidaw Systems, expressed that technology can be harnessed for the greater good in several ways, including precision engineering in agriculture, healthcare advancements, and manufacturing improvements.

Tinuade Oguntuyi, the Head of Core Networks ICSL, discussed the dual nature of technology, stating that its effects depend on the users. She acknowledged that while technology can be used to create smart cities and enhance infrastructure, it can also have negative implications for individuals and the environment if not used responsibly.