I like this discussion (because it’s what I study) but I always caution against assuming tech is creating a level playing field. Technology (is a resource and so) can be incredibly divisive. Tech doesn’t create a level playing field, it creates newer fields. https://twitter.com/oluyomiojo/status/1358624976220409856

There are still huge problems of access. In fact, improved access to technology remains the biggest challenge for knowledge economies (especially us here). Why I enjoy this conversation though is that much of how new tech operates on the continent isn’t exactly new.

There’s so much Africa can teach the world about disruption. For instance, how the creation of a new class of wealthy people doesn’t always mean ‘progress’. See how the slave trade, western religion/education created new elite classes (and eventually new impoverished classes).

This doesn’t mean tech doesn’t have the capacity to do good. It just means we shouldn’t presume its goodness as given. The future of inequality is very scary, largely due to our assumption that tech automatically democratises wealth. Maybe tech does but people don’t.

It’s why there are [important] ongoing discussions about ethics, security, privacy, digital policies these days. Especially as the internet becomes essential while we’re still so behind on digital literacy and governance. One hopes for level ground but the reality is far from it.

Will add that I’m very big on tech but I always advise against exceptionalism and really observing/learning from other sectors. Tech might present differently to other industries but the outcomes (we’re talking about a borderless resource) can be even scarier.

Ultimately, people have more of an impact on tech than tech has on them.