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Ensuring Africa is not left behind in the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’

Uwem January 29, 2017 16


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The Fourth Industrial Revolution By: Antony Cook, Associate General Counsel, Corporate, External and Legal Affairs lead, Microsoft Middle East and Africa

Technology is changing Africa. More than any other time in history, innovation is rapidly transforming almost every aspect of life. It is transforming how people live, communicate, work and learn across the continent.

The rate of change is so quick that some are calling this the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’. This transformation offers the potential to address some of Africa’s most pressing issues. This includes, health, education and the environment.

At the heart of this transformation is cloud computing.

global-cloud

The digital divide – no longer divisive
Cloud computing is technology that benefits both markets and people in Africa. It offers access to computing power and technological innovation that was once only available to a limited, affluent few.

Cloud computing provides unparalleled flexibility for individuals and companies to use the computing power they need, when they need it. It also allows individuals to consume it instantly and easily on a variety of affordable mobile devices.

For emerging economies across the continent, this combination of affordable cost, flexibility and scale enables individuals and enterprises, small and large, to thrive and grow.

Thus, the digital divide is no longer a chasm.

Can cloud can benefit everyone?

Now is a good time to consider how cloud-based innovation can help Africans drive a rising Africa. It is also time to address the valid concerns raised as rapid change takes place.

As a huge youth population adopts technology in Africa, how will we ensure that everyone has affordable access? How will we provide a safe and secure online environment that protects people from fraud and exploitation? Are we taking the right steps to empower people? Are young and old equipped with the skills they need to take advantage of the cloud now and in the future?

Microsoft’s Cloud for Global Good

Microsoft recently published a book called A Cloud for Global Good. In it we offer a three-part framework that focuses on creating a trusted, responsible and inclusive cloud that will ensure technology benefits everyone, not just a fortunate few.

The book contributes to the discussion of how we can best take advantage of the opportunities offered by cloud. We can also address the concerns raised about the adoption of this technology.

A Cloud for Global Good offers 78 policy recommendations in 15 areas, including privacy and security, online fraud and exploitation, environmental sustainability, affordable access and more.

The policy recommendations provide suggestions on how governments, the technology industry and civil society can work together to build a cloud that serves the broader good. We recognize that we don’t have all the answers. We are therefore committed to working with policymakers, citizens, business owners and other experts to build a cloud that benefits all.

As I engage with governments across Africa, the opportunity to create a policy environment to enable cloud computing to truly flourish is clear.

The Cloud Computing Era

As we move into the cloud computing era, existing laws in many countries will prove to be out of date. They may be insufficient to ensure that the cloud delivers the benefits it promises.

However, there are tremendous opportunities to learn from other countries. We can learn to avoid adopting legislation that will be difficult to change. Instead, we can forge new policy frameworks based on laws, regulations and standards. This will serve the interest of all African citizens. Governments who chose to take initiative now, can facilitate the adoption of cloud computing. This will address the disruptive impact this technology is having on society.

In the coming weeks and months, I’ll be expanding on many of the ideas in A Cloud for Global Good and how it is impacting Africa, starting next with a look at how cloud computing is addressing some of the biggest challenges on the continent.

Finally, if you’re interested in learning more or downloading a copy of A Cloud for Global Good, you can find it here.

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