Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR): AfDB Hosts Workshop for African Players

The African Development Bank has held a workshop for African players especially emerging technologies in a deliberate bid to prepare the continent for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR)

The workshop followed the recent launch of the report “Unlocking the potential of the fourth industrial revolution in Africa” by the Industrial and Trade Development Department of the African Development Bank. The report addresses the current state of the fourth industrial revolution and the business case for specific technologies (Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, the Internet of Things, additive manufacturing and drones) in Africa.

The workshop emphasised the Bank’s support for the digital economy in Africa and provided participants with a forum to share challenges and explore relevant approaches to harnessing the potential of the 4IR in Africa.

The event also deepened collaboration with other development partners, governments and the private sector; and create business-to-business (B2B) networking opportunities between the Bank’s technical experts and invited private sector players.

The workshop targeted ministries in charge of the digital economy, industry and investments, the private sector, civil society organizations, development partners, the media and Bank staff.