Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, ITU's director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is raising concerns about Africa's lack of advanced digital skills in new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT), as well as inadequate digital infrastructure, which includes connectivity infrastructure, data centres, and computing devices.

In an interview with ITWeb Africa, Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, ITU's director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, discussed some of the top tech trends predicted to affect the African telecom and ICT sectors this year.

He also addressed Africa's most pressing technological challenge, identifying the digital gap as the primary obstacle, which includes limited Internet access, low digital literacy, and uneven digital infrastructure.

Zavazava also mentioned network resilience for landlocked poor countries, some of which are double landlocked, and that access to the sea and submarine cables remains a challenge.

He said: “Emerging tech trends that can tackle this challenge include satellite Internet, 5G, AI and IoT, fintech and mobile innovations, green ICT solutions, and digital skills development.

“ITU is tackling the digital divide on many fronts. ITU Academy Centres of Excellence in Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, and Mauritius offer continuous education to ICT professionals and executives, while ITU Digital Transformation Centres in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia are building digital literacy across all levels of communities.”

When asked how AI will affect Africa's telecom and ICT markets, Zavazava said: “AI can be leveraged to optimise and simplify network operations such as root cause analysis and real-time diagnostics, improving network performance and dramatically reducing the cost of operations.

“AI can also be used for network design and planning to facilitate ICT network expansions in rural areas and reduce the barrier for infrastructure investments. At ITU, we are helping countries build AI capacity.

“Since 2020, nearly 400 people representing 39 African countries have taken courses related to AI through our ITU Academy platform. The Academy currently offers 13 different courses on AI-related matters and expects this number to grow.”

Furthermore, during the interview, the top ITU executive discussed the ramifications of quantum computing for Africa, citing the continent's vulnerability to cyber-attacks as a challenge.

He explained: “To reap the benefits of quantum technology, Africa must build a quantum-ready workforce; initiatives such as OneQuantum Africa, Africa Quantum Consortium, and Quantum Leap Africa have played a key role.

“There are promising opportunities for growth that can be harnessed through strategic initiatives. Africa’s quantum future can be a beacon of hope, promising to propel the continent into an era of innovation and prosperity.”

Zavazava went to say: “Quantum technology is also unleashing new cybersecurity threats. Africa will need to invest in research for quantum-resilient cryptography. 

"Quantum computing can revolutionise logistics, healthcare, and climate modelling, offering unique solutions for Africa’s challenges.

“Yet Africa’s cybersecurity defenses may struggle to cope with quantum computing’s ability to break current encryption standards. The continent can adopt quantum technologies while simultaneously solving challenges associated with cyberattacks.

“Without access to quantum technology, Africa could face widening disparities in digital innovation and global competitiveness. Post-quantum-ready networks need to be defined, and quantum-proof cryptography standards adopted.”