By Bright Philip Donkor
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Charles Abani, has cautioned that Africa risks being left behind in the global race for prosperity if it fails to embrace and invest in technology.
In his closing remarks during a panel discussion some women and leaders in tech, on the topic ‘Scaling Your Business Through Strategic Technology Investment’ at the ongoing 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogue, at the Accra International Conference Centre on Monday, January 30, 2025, Mr. Abani emphasized that technological advancement was no longer a luxury but a necessity for the continent’s future.
“Technology is crucial to our prosperity. We cannot afford to ignore the transformative power of technology. Without it, we risk falling behind. Just look at how rapidly artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved—what seemed impossible just a week ago is now a reality.”
Continent’s potential
Mr. Abani underscored that Africa’s growth and economic success were intrinsically linked to its ability to harness technology across various sectors. He pointed out that while the world rapidly adapts to new technological advancements, Africa must act swiftly to avoid lagging behind.
“The evidence is clear—businesses that ignore the role of technology are bound to fail. The rise of AI, innovation in tech startups, and digital transformation in industries around the world demonstrate the importance of embracing technology. Technology is no longer just a game-changer; it’s essential.”
Abani also stressed that Africa’s young population—almost half of the continent’s population—is a powerful resource that could lead to groundbreaking innovations. “Women, in particular, are at the forefront of this transformation, leading some of the most successful enterprises across Africa,” he noted. He called for businesses and governments to ensure that women were included in Africa’s digital revolution, given their pivotal role in driving the continent’s economic progress.
The UN Resident Coordinator also emphasised that the continent had both the human and material resources to revolutionize its industries. He, therefore, urged that technology must be used to add value to these resources, turning indigenous knowledge into technological advancements that benefit Africa rather than just the global market.
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