In a Medium post, Chairman of Solcon Capital, Andile Ngcaba, examines the transformative role of edge computing in enhancing various industries, its profound security benefits, and expansive applications in space and deep-sea exploration, paralleled by a discussion on the democratization and technological evolution in space, highlighted by satellite constellations, cost-effective rockets from private firms like SpaceX, innovations by startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, and the integration of low-power chipsets with AI in satellites.

Andile Ngcaba, chairman and founder of investment group Convergence Partners, has urged African countries to address tech skills shortages in order to compete with Silicon Valley and replicate its success.

The last 25 years of Africa’s connectivity have been driven by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), but their growth has been limited by the availability of capillary Optic Fibre and Electromagnetic Frequency Spectrum. With an emerging paradigm of Edge Cloud and 5G Private Networks.

The Giga project, a partnership between UNICEF and the International Telecommunications Union, is exploring the potential for connectivity credits, which would function like carbon credits to incentivize service providers and technology firms to extend networks to the poorest regions.

The continent of Africa has a bright digital future, thanks to its young population that serves as a solid base for tech industry growth and innovation. However, by 2045, Africa must have a robust digital infrastructure network in place to prepare for new technologies such as 6G, 7G, and High-Altitude Platforms.