The digital sector based on mobile services has been steadily growing in Africa in recent years. UNCTAD statistics show that the number of online store users in Africa has steadily increased by 21 percent per year since 2014, which is far exceeding the world average of 12 percent. In particular, more than 30 percent of online consumers have overflowed in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa during the COVID-19 situation, and they are leading the “Disruptive Innovation” of the African continent. Digital transformation is accelerating in Africa as digital innovation has been realized due to the COVID-19 lockdown situation.
Many Sub-Saharan African companies are actively adopting digital technology, and the government is also promoting policies for digital technology to create new and better jobs. There are various support policies on the digital sector for the digitization of Africa and its inclusive growth. The African(AU) aims to contribute to inclusive economic growth, job creation, socioeconomic development, and poverty eradication by establishing a “Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa.” The U.S., the U.K., the EU, and China are also expanding their cooperation and support in the African digital sector.
In this session, we will discuss the status and prospects of digital technology transformation in Africa, and the possible cooperation areas between Korea and African countries to achieve presenting inclusive economic growth.