DeepTech Could Be Africa’s Leap into the Future or a Missed Opportunity: Here’s Why

Africa is no stranger to challenges. For years, the continent has battled issues like unemployment, poor infrastructure, and limited access to resources. Yet, there’s a quiet revolution happening in the background that could change the continent’s fortunes: deep tech. If you haven’t heard of deep tech, don’t worry; it’s not some far-off science fiction concept. It’s technology focused on solving big, real-world problems—like how artificial intelligence can improve healthcare or how biotechnology could tackle food shortages.

Recently, investors, governments, founders, and tech enthusiasts across Africa have been taking a deep dive into the potential of deep tech on the continent. In this article, we will explore the future of deep tech in Africa and how it can move beyond the buzzwords to make real, lasting progress. African nations are increasingly analyzing the power of advanced technology to address real challenges like climate change, education, and infrastructure gaps.

Why Does Deep Tech Matter in Africa?

Deep tech refers to technology that tackles substantial scientific or engineering challenges, from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to climate solutions. It’s not just about creating new apps or digital platforms; deep tech aims to address more complex, real-world problems. For Africa, where infrastructure and development issues are still prevalent, deep tech offers the opportunity to leap ahead by using innovation to solve some of these long-standing challenges.

Countries like Uganda are taking steps to drive deep tech investment, hosting summits and engaging stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector. While such initiatives are still in the early stages, they reflect the growing belief that deep tech could be a game changer for the continent.

The Challenges Facing Deep Tech in Africa

Despite the growing interest, the demand for deep tech in Africa remains low. Khaled Ben Jilani, a senior partner at AfricInvest, pointed out that for deep tech to thrive, it needs to tap into global markets. His company’s successful exit from InstaDeep, a Tunisian AI startup acquired for $683 million in early 2023, highlights the importance of creating products with international relevance while also solving local problems.

At the same time, African countries need to focus on creating the right policies and infrastructure to support deep tech. Collaborative efforts like the BRAIN (Bridging Research And Innovation) initiative, which brings together stakeholders to solve key challenges, are vital. These types of initiatives emphasize the importance of policy, funding, education, and talent development to build a sustainable deep tech ecosystem.

Education is The Key to Unlocking Africa’s Deep Tech Potential

One of the biggest hurdles facing deep tech in Africa is the shortage of talent. Without a strong pipeline of STEM-educated professionals, it will be difficult for African countries to fully capitalize on these technologies. Some nations, like Rwanda, have already made significant strides in this area, investing heavily in tech-focused education to equip their young population with the necessary skills.

Scaling this approach across the continent could be the key to unlocking deep tech’s potential. With Africa’s growing youth population, there is an opportunity to create a workforce capable of driving innovation in fields like AI, biotechnology, and green energy.

Is Deep Tech Africa’s Future?

The future of deep tech in Africa holds promise, but it won’t be without challenges. The path forward requires collaboration, smart policies, and investments in education and infrastructure. As more success stories like InstaDeep emerge, they can serve as models for what is possible when African innovators tap into both local and global markets.

While there’s still much work to be done, deep tech presents a unique opportunity for Africa to address its most pressing issues and become a leader in global innovation. The world is watching, and with the right steps, Africa could be at the forefront of transformative technologies.

(Some insights in this article are drawn from discussions and observations shared in a recent TechCabal article on deep tech in Africa)