Seeds of Opportunity: The African Growth Series
July 2023 | Issue 3
In this week's issue, you will learn more about:
- AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: The use of Technology to address water and sanitation challenges
- AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: The Opportunity for Green Hydrogen in Africa
- AFRICA TREND: The Consistent Rise of FinTech
- UPCOMING EVENT: Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2023
- UPCOMING EVENT: Transport Evolution Africa Awards
AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: The use of Technology to address water and sanitation challenges
Water, a vital necessity for humanity, is intertwined with the basic human right to access clean water and proper sanitation. Regrettably, the availability of clean, fresh water remains inequitably distributed across various regions and periods. Compounding this issue, global freshwater demand is expected to surpass supply by 40% by 2030, posing significant risks to water availability, particularly impacting food security and poverty levels. Addressing the escalating challenge of water scarcity, exacerbated by rising demand and climate change, demands a comprehensive transformation in our approach to water resource management.
Technological advancements offer promising avenues to tackle these challenges effectively. One such avenue is the utilisation of early warning systems leveraging drone technologies, enabling swift responses to potential water crises. Deeply integrated earth observation systems are another valuable tool, facilitating the prediction and mitigation of natural disasters that can disrupt water availability. Additionally, smart metering solutions provide real-time data and tailored feedback, enhancing the efficiency of existing water and sanitation systems. By harnessing digital tools and scaling up these technologies, significant progress can be made in achieving universal access to clean drinking water.
It is crucial, however, to recognise the importance of adapting these water solutions to local contexts, as a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. Customising methods to suit regional needs and circumstances will optimise their effectiveness and ensure sustainable outcomes. By embracing technology and tailoring solutions, we can propel the journey towards equitable access to fresh drinking water, transforming lives and communities for the better.
AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: The Opportunity for Green Hydrogen in Africa
The concept of green hydrogen is gaining traction across the African continent, with multiple initiatives and pilot plant projects in development due to the favourable renewable energy generation potential. However, with increased off-taker interest from the developed world (e.g., EU, Japan, etc.), Africa must be careful not to become a "Battery" for the developed world but rather benefit from the local value addition and industrialisation by striking a balance between hydrogen exports and developing local industries (e.g., green fertiliser, ammonia, steel, etc.).
Learn more as Consultant Patrick Prestele explores the opportunity green hydrogen brings to the African continent - https://youtu.be/RUiWiu5kk-g.
AFRICA TREND: The Consistent Rise of FinTech
Sending money home to loved ones is a thought that many Africans consider doing across the globe. Hence, Africa's FinTech market could expect a 13-fold increase from 2021 and reach US$65 billion in revenue by 2030. Between 2012 and 2022, only 23% of adults had bank accounts whereas 41% of the population owned mobile phones. This difference reveals an opportunity for FinTech companies to bypass the limitations of traditional banking systems through innovative mobile money solutions. Highlighting Ethiopia - their high adoption of mobile money could add up to US$5.3 billion to its GDP and lift 700,000 people out of poverty by 2030. Payments and remittances are the most funded segments in African FinTech, whilst banking services offer opportunities for disruption in the long run.
UPCOMING EVENT: Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2023
Frost & Sullivan Africa is proud to be a Knowledge Partner of AEC African Energy Week 2023 and is excited to announce that its CEO, Hendrik Malan will be speaking at the event.
📅 Join us from 16-20 October in Cape Town, South Africa, at the V & A Waterfront. Experience Africa's booming energy markets and unlock unmatched opportunities in oil and gas, power, green hydrogen, and renewable energy.
⏰ Secure your spot now! Be part of 'The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization, and Free Markets.'
Enquire more: https://aecweek.com/
UPCOMING EVENT: Transport Evolution Africa Awards
As part of the Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo, the Women in Transport Awards has evolved into the Transport Evolution Africa Awards. Running in Durban on 21 September 2023, the awards will bring together Africa’s most renowned transport industry professionals, many of them longstanding attendees of the Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo.
This platform will recognise, reward and celebrate the success of trailblazers who are transforming the transport sector, as well as those who have made significant impact in terms of driving enterprise development, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Looking for more information or have a nominee in mind? Click the link below to learn more about the Awards and to submit your entry - https://lnkd.in/eEdGqBqk
Please note: Nominations close on 31 July 2023.
To find out more about opportunities in Africa, please get in touch with Lynne Martin.
