In a rousing keynote address at the Face of Africa Leadership Awards 2025, held on May 10, Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, a Nigerian Professor of Cybersecurity and IT Management, delivered an optimistic yet pragmatic vision for Africa’s digital transformation.
Speaking on the theme, “The Digital Economy in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges,” Professor Ademola underscored Africa’s strategic advantages while candidly addressing the hurdles that threaten to stall progress.
Africa’s Demographic Advantage “Africa’s youthful population is a game-changer,” Professor Ademola emphasized, noting the continent’s median age of just 20 years.
This demographic, he said, is not just tech-savvy but hungry for innovation, making them central to Africa’s digital revolution.
Fintech and E-commerce – Catalysts of Change Professor Ademola celebrated the rapid adoption of mobile money platforms like M-Pesa and Orange Money, which have expanded financial inclusion to underserved regions.
He also hailed the e-commerce boom, describing it as “a seismic shift” enabling businesses of all sizes to thrive in a digitally connected marketplace.
Investment and Innovation Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from major global economies—including the U.S., China, and the EU—was identified as a key enabler. Initiatives such as the AU-EU Digital4Development (D4D) Hub are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive digital infrastructure, he said.
Additionally, Professor Ademola highlighted blockchain technology as pivotal for transforming cross-border payments, citing its potential to eliminate intermediaries and bolster financial transparency.
Persistent Challenges Despite the progress, Africa faces systemic issues, Professor Ademola cautioned. These include:
Digital Infrastructure Deficits – High costs and limited connectivity in rural regions continue to hamper widespread internet adoption.
The Digital Divide – Socio-economic and gender disparities threaten inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Regulatory Bottlenecks – Outdated or inadequate policies hinder innovation and investment.
Skills Gap – A shortage of digitally skilled professionals remains a critical bottleneck to innovation.
Cybersecurity Threats – With growing digitization comes increased exposure to sophisticated cyber threats, necessitating stronger security frameworks.
A Call to Action
Concluding his address, Professor Ademola urged African governments, private sector leaders, and civil society to “embrace this journey with determination and optimism,” reiterating that the digital economy is about “people, innovation, and the future we envision for our continent.”
As the continent stands at a crossroads, this address was both a rallying cry and a roadmap for how Africa can harness digital technologies to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
