The world is in the digital era. So, technological advancement is one criterion that is used to determine how developed a country is in Africa. In this post, we compile the list of the top 10 most technologically advanced countries in Africa. Stay on this post to see more.
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to improve lives. Technology is advancing rapidly across the 195 different countries of the world albeit not at the same pace. Whereas much of the countries are fast progressing, several others are far ahead of others when it comes to technology. Americans, Europeans, and Asians lead the pack as the world’s most technologically advanced countries.
When compared to other regions, Africa is way behind in terms of technological advancement. The continent is highly dependent on the aforementioned regions on technology. However, some countries in the region are making significant progress in advancing technology.
One of the factors used to describe developed countries is the advanced science and technology developments. It is one of the fundamental pillars that propel the economies of these industrialized nations. Based on this, we have compiled the list of the top 10 most technologically advanced countries in Africa in 2024.
What are the top 10 Most Technologically advanced countries in Africa in 2024?
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Ghana
- Rwanda
- Botswana
- Angola
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
1. South Africa
South Africa has continued to set the pace in technological advancement in Africa. The country has maintained its position as the most innovative country in Africa for several years now.
In 2019, the country was ranked 60th in the world with a score of 62.4, by The Global Competitiveness Report (GCR). The same year, Global Innovation Index ranked South Africa as the 63rd most innovative country in the world, and the first African country to appear on the list. In 2020, South Africa climbed to 53rd position on the list
Do you want to know why South Africa has made so much progress in technological advancement? Well, the answer is very obvious! South Africa has made massive investments in research and development. South African Universities continue to dominate the list of best universities in Africa every year because of the country’s intelligent investment in Education.
Thus, the country will continue to produce some innovative inventions with global recognition. Among notable discoveries and innovations by the country’s Citizens includes DSTV, Paypal, CAT Scan, Linux Ubuntu, SASOL technology among others.
2. Egypt
It is widely acclaimed that modern civilization started in Egypt. Thus, Egypt has long been associated with inventions and innovations. Calenders, written language, and pyramids were all invented in Egypt.
Although the country has not attained its supposed status, Egypt spearheads science and technology in Africa. It is the second most technologically advanced country in Africa.
Egypt experienced in the 2010s but this has not deterred their technological advancement. According to the 2019 Global Innovation Index, the country ranks 92nd with a score of 27.47.
Like South Africa, Egyptian universities are among the best universities in Africa. Scientific research carried out by scholars greatly supports the development of technology. This too is a result of the government’s intentional investment in research and development in Egypt to improve the lives of her citizens.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country situated in the western region of the continent. Nigeria is the 3rd most technologically advanced country in Africa. The African giant has made some significant technological discoveries and innovations with global recognition.
Nigeria’s major strength lies in the talented youths that can stand tall with their global counterparts if even the right training and exposure.
Among the numerous technological innovations, Nigeria’s contribution to the IT sector is worth mentioning. Nigeria is home to Iroko Partners, a successful web organization with over 6 million extraordinary clients from 178 unique countries, made in Nigeria INYE-1 and INYE-2 tablet PCs.
Kids from Nigerian schools are notable for creating some innovative inventions. The kids recently displayed the pee-controlled generator generated from the Moringa plant for water treatment.
4. Kenya
The east African country ranks fourth in the top 10 most technologically advanced countries in 2022.
Several innovative ideas have emerged from Kenya over the last couple of years, especially in the IT sector.
Some of the notable inventions from Kenya include a charging shoe, an alarm-fitted television, a solar-powered refrigerator underwater pets housing, an SMS car immobilizer, etc.
According to the 2019 Global Innovation Index for 2019, Kenya comes 2nd in Sub-Saharan Africa with a score of 31.13 and is ranked 77th
5. Ghana
This list cannot be complete without mentioning Ghana. Ghana has a stable and growing economy and has a suitable environment that encourages technological innovations.
Even though the country is small in size with about 25 million people, she is technically inclined and driven. Some of the technological innovations made by Ghanaians include using compressed gas to generate electricity by Mr. Freddie Green, an affordable virtual conference system using videos.
Technology improvements in Ghana continue to increase today. Ghana is shaping the future by instilling all the skills and foundations into its youngest citizens to continue growing, developing, and improving.
6. Rwanda
Rwanda is also one of the most technologically-driven countries in Africa. Despite its civil unrest, war, and genocide, the country is also making efforts towards technological advancements.
The nation is connecting quickly with a wide range of innovations on the double and maybe soon we will be able to see some great creations.
In the most recent positioning of the Global Innovation Index (GII), the countries of sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest improvement in ranking compared to that of 2013.
7. Botswana
In addition to being one of the most advanced countries in Africa technologically, Botswana also has one of the most successful and stable economies in Africa.
The government greatly supports innovations and has made massive investments in this area to support startups, global corporations, research, and health organizations.
8. Angola
Angola takes the 8th spot in this list of the top 10 most technologically advanced countries in Africa, thanks to their sustained growth and development. However, science and technological innovation are limited in this country.
There may not have been many notable innovations and gossip from Angola, but it is only fitting that with sustained development and improvement, the nation becomes a technological monster in Africa.
9. Uganda
Uganda is among the 82 countries of the world that has advanced technology and innovation capabilities. It is the 9th most advanced country in Africa, technologically.
The country has continued to see considerable advances in science and technology over the years which benefit key sectors and institutions.
According to the 2019 Global Innovation Index, the country ranks 102 with a score of 25.60 and is the 9th sub-Saharan African country on the list.
10. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe rounds up the list of the top 10 most technologically countries in Africa.
This Southern African country has little or no revolution in technology at all. But with its stable economy, it is believed that it has a technology capability which if looked into will result in a lot of innovative ideas.
Conclusion
Technological advancement is one of the fundamental pillars that propel the economies of industrialized nations. Whereas much of the countries are fast progressing, several others are far ahead of others when it comes to technology. Americans, Europeans, and Asians lead the pack as the world’s most technologically advanced countries.
Despite the slow pace of technological development in Africa, some countries in the region are making significant progress in advancing technology.
