CoM 2026, Committee of Experts - Opening Remarks by Deputy Executive Secretary Mama Keita

Why It Matters

Accelerating frontier‑technology adoption is essential for Africa to close its productivity gap, capture a larger share of global digital value chains, and sustain inclusive economic development.

Key Takeaways

• Africa's AI contribution projected 5.6% of GDP by 2030.
• IoT market to exceed $20 bn by 2031, <1% global share.
• Critical minerals supply ~30% of global clean‑tech resources.
• Median age 19 drives rapid digital adoption across continent.
• Data centre capacity below 1% of world limits sovereignty.

Pulse Analysis

Africa’s growth story has been one of steady headline numbers but limited productivity breakthroughs. Over the past two decades, average GDP expansion of 3.5% has been driven largely by capital and labor inputs, while total factor productivity—reflecting technology and institutional quality—has lagged. This structural imbalance positions frontier technologies as a pivotal lever. AI, for instance, is forecast to add 5.6% to the continent’s GDP by 2030, far behind the 14.5% expected in North America, highlighting a sizable catch‑up opportunity.

The continent’s natural endowments amplify its tech potential. Holding roughly 30% of the world’s critical minerals essential for clean‑energy hardware, Africa can become a cornerstone of both green and digital supply chains. In agriculture, drought‑resistant maize and satellite‑based irrigation are already boosting yields and climate resilience. Meanwhile, digital finance platforms such as mobile money are slashing transaction costs and expanding market access. Yet infrastructure gaps—less than 1% of global data‑centre capacity and limited broadband—threaten to bottleneck these gains, underscoring the urgency of coordinated investment in energy, connectivity, and data sovereignty.

For policymakers and investors, the message is clear: decisive, innovation‑friendly policies combined with targeted financing can unlock a wave of productivity and job creation. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, nurturing local tech ecosystems, and upskilling the youthful workforce will mitigate automation‑related displacement risks. As the African Continental Free Trade Area matures, digital trade platforms and interoperable payment systems can further reduce barriers, positioning the continent as a competitive player in the emerging digital economy. Failure to act risks widening the technology gap and ceding future growth to better‑prepared regions.