Hamzat: Africa Must Focus on Scaling Innovation to Accelerate Digital Future

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasised the need for African countries to prioritise scaling innovation as a strategy for accelerating digital transformation and strengthening the continent’s global competitiveness.

Hamzat’s position highlights the importance of moving beyond the development of innovative ideas to expanding their adoption and practical application across critical sectors of the economy. He stressed that Africa’s digital future depends on its ability to transform technological innovations into sustainable solutions that address local challenges and improve the lives of its people.

Scaling innovation involves expanding successful technologies, digital platforms, and creative solutions to reach more people, businesses, and communities. This approach could help African countries improve public service delivery, strengthen healthcare and education systems, enhance financial inclusion, and create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

The emphasis also underscores the need for stronger investments in digital infrastructure, research and development, technology education, and policies that encourage innovation. Reliable internet connectivity, access to funding, and a skilled workforce remain important factors in ensuring that digital technologies can be adopted widely across the continent.

Furthermore, collaboration among governments, private-sector organisations, technology companies, academic institutions, and startups will be essential to building an inclusive digital economy.

Africa has a growing population of young people who can contribute significantly to technological advancement if provided with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities. Supporting digital entrepreneurship and expanding access to emerging technologies could also create jobs, attract investments, and promote economic growth.

Hamzat’s remarks reinforce the need for African nations to approach digital transformation as a long-term development priority, ensuring that innovation is not limited to isolated successes but becomes a driving force for economic development, improved governance, and social progress.