Despite optimism, the current narrative about Africa revolves around its potential for its people and resources. With the world's largest deposits of strategic minerals and the world's largest free trade area, the region can forge a new development path in the 21st century. However, when and how this can be achieved remains to be seen.
Although many countries are aware of the obstacles that poverty, inequality, conflict, corruption, and climate change pose to prosperity and growth, their approach to moving beyond their potential fails them. The continent can make use of technology to overcome these difficulties by adopting the Asian Tigers' script. Information and communication technology (ICT) will be at the forefront of structural change in Africa as the continent uses technology to diversify its economy, boost its competitiveness, and enhance social outcomes. ICT enables innovation and productivity in various sectors and creates new opportunities for entrepreneurship, education, health, and governance.
