Nations become great through economic prosperity, stable governance, historical memory, shared ideology, consensus among elites, and a strong sense of national pride. A key fulcrum of this mix is economic prosperity which is built on how well a nation can transform its resources into valuable products that it can exchange for money that exceeds what it spends on internal consumption.
Many African nations fall below this threshold; however, technology offers Africa an opportunity to change its developmental status. In addition to this, Africa is touted to have the highest working population by 2040, many of whom will be youths with a very high inclination to use technology.
While this offers an encouraging prospect to the continent, we must pay critical attention to the consequences of technological advancement on our continent and the world at large. As such the adoption of sustainable technological innovations must be an intentional strategy.
Developing countries stand to benefit immensely from the adoption of sustainable technology. By embracing eco-friendly practices and renewable energy sources, they can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Sustainable technology offers opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards. It can help diversify their energy mix, enhance agricultural productivity, promote efficient waste management systems, and provide access to clean water and sanitation. In addition, it can empower developing countries to leapfrog traditional and resource-intensive pathways.
Obstacles and Challenges in Embracing Sustainable Technology
Despite the vast potential, developing African countries face several obstacles and challenges in adopting sustainable technology. It also doesn’t help that although these countries face a wide range of challenges that might not be peculiar or relatable to Western or developed countries, the solutions that are implemented are often imported. This has often led to a mismatch as factors peculiar to their situations are often omitted in the solution design. Other limitations include;
Financial Limitations
Limited financial resources prove to be a significant obstacle for these countries when it comes to investing in sustainable technology projects. The high upfront costs associated with adopting such technology make it difficult for them to take the first step. Furthermore, their limited access to capital further exacerbates the issue, making it arduous to secure the necessary funding for these projects. However, with strategic planning and creative financing options, these financial barriers can be overcome.
Infrastructural Deficit
In addition to financial limitations, inadequate infrastructure acts as a roadblock to the successful implementation and operation of sustainable technology solutions. Reliable power grids and internet connectivity are essential components for the effective utilisation of these technologies. Unfortunately, many developing countries face challenges in establishing and maintaining such infrastructure.