Africa Must Not Be Left Behind Again

Open Letter to You

Growing up, there were many things I longed for but never had.

I vividly remember a time when all I wanted was a phone that could browse the internet. Back then, during the 2G era, we used a small button like a mouse to navigate the screen. Those phones were rare and expensive, and even wealthy families struggled to get one for their children.

Thankfully, times have changed. But a familiar concern is rising again, especially here in Africa, our beloved Mama Africa.

Before I pour out what’s on my mind, let’s take a quick journey through history:

1. First Industrial Revolution (late 18th – mid-19th century): Marked by the shift from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing, especially in textiles.

2. Second Industrial Revolution (late 19th – early 20th century): Fueled by mass production, electricity, steel, and new industries like chemicals and automobiles.

3. Third Industrial Revolution (mid-20th century onwards): Known as the Digital Revolution, it brought computers, automation, and the internet, changing how we work, move, and communicate.

4. Fourth Industrial Revolution (2000s – present): Driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cyber-physical systems. It blurs the line between the physical and digital worlds.

Now, we are on the path to the fifth revolution, and the world isn’t slowing down.

Just take a look at what’s happening:

• In early 2025, Beijing mandated that all primary and secondary schools provide at least eight hours of AI education per year, starting September 1.
• On April 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to promote AI education in schools, universities, and workplaces through partnerships with industry and academia.
• On May 27, 2025, it was announced that all residents of the UAE would gain free access to ChatGPT Plus through a national partnership with OpenAI.

Here’s the big question:

If Africa missed out on the past revolutions, are we going to let it happen again in the fifth?

While countries are pouring billions into research and development to claim their share of the future, it feels like we’re stuck in the mud, uncertain about how or when we’ll rise.

Turn any corner, and you’ll often struggle to find excellence. Don’t get me wrong, an average African child starts life dreaming big. But over time, the system replaces those dreams with a survival instinct.

This isn’t about blame.

It’s a plea.

To our leaders: Please dream bigger for Africa.

It’s not a crime for African countries to produce world-class technologies, both hardware and software.

And to my fellow citizens:

Let’s stop accepting things the way they are. That approach has never worked.

Be the change-maker.

Can’t find a job? Create one.

Got kicked off a platform? Build your own.

We were born to be builders, not just users.

Our actions today will determine whether Africa has a seat at the table when the fifth industrial revolution takes full shape.

I hope this has inspired you. What are your thoughts? Let’s continue the conversation.