Why Africa must harness technology to compete globally

Renowned lawyer and Pan-African Advocate P.L.O Lumumba (right) and Prof. Humphrey Oborah, GATES Head of Mission. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Renowned lawyer and Pan-African Advocate P.L.O Lumumba has called for Africa to embrace technological advancements as a key driver of development and a pathway to positioning itself prominently on the global stage.

Speaking at the African Talent Campus in Kisumu on Saturday, Lumumba emphasized that the continent's lag in adopting modern technology has hindered its ability to compete effectively with the rest of the world.

“Africa remains behind because we are not consuming the technology that should propel us forward,” Lumumba remarked during his keynote address at the event, which was organized in partnership with GATES Africa Training Centre and the Management University of Africa (MUA).

Drawing on historical perspectives, Lumumba highlighted Africa's failure to fully engage in the first and second industrial revolutions.

He argued that the continent has yet to experience an agrarian revolution, pointing out the rudimentary farming practices still prevalent across many regions. “We continue to till our land the same way it was done in biblical times,” he lamented.

Renowned lawyer and Pan-African Advocate P.L.O Lumumba (right) and MUA Vice Chancellor Prof. Washington Okeyo. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The outspoken lawyer stressed that technology's benefits span various sectors, urging African countries to leverage scientific innovations to address pressing challenges.

He specifically questioned why flooding continues to displace families when solutions like those employed by the Dutch—who thrive in flood-prone environments—could be adapted locally.

Lumumba also underscored the importance of a united approach to development, saying, “If we are to compete globally, we must embrace cooperation, for competition may be the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the foundation of civilization.”

MUA Vice Chancellor Prof. Washington Okeyo echoed Lumumba's sentiments, emphasizing that African universities must integrate technology-focused programs into their curricula to tackle local challenges.

He called for the continent to align itself with global technological trends to avoid being left behind.

Prof. Humphrey Oborah, GATES Head of Mission. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Prof. Humphrey Oborah, GATES Head of Mission, added that adopting talent-based education systems could further accelerate development.

“We need to identify the innate abilities of our children early on to invest in what truly matters,” Prof. Oborah explained, urging educational reforms that prioritize individual strengths over rigid academic pathways.

The event concluded with a resounding call for Africa to leap forward by adopting science, technology, and innovation as the cornerstones of its developmental agenda. Participants were urged to champion efforts that ensure no one and no place is left behind in the pursuit of progress.